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Goluba Excels On Field And In Class

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By CLIFF GILL, Tribune correspondent

Published: November 25, 2007

NEW PORT RICHEY - He looks like an eighth-grade version of Dick Butkus. With his crew-cut hair, his muscular frame and his charismatic grin, Kyle Goluba fits the mold of a kid who loves to play football.

As the captain of the Chasco Middle School Chargers, he was the team leader on both sides of the ball. On offense, Goluba played center and took on the opponents' biggest, fastest defenders. When the teams changed possession, he stayed on the field and dominated on the defensive line. Averaging more than five tackles per game, Goluba was selected as a conference first-team All-Star and was invited to several national football camps.

At nearly 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds, Goluba used more than his brawn on the field. His coach, Gary Hoskins, trusted Goluba's instincts enough to allow him to accept or decline penalties without conferring with coaches.

"Kyle's our leader. He makes good decisions," Hoskins said.

Playing nearly every minute of every game, you might think Goluba uses halftime to catch his breath. Instead, he puts down his helmet and picks up his alto saxophone to perform with the school's band. Standing alongside musicians in spotless clothes, Goluba marches while covered in dirt.

Goluba also excels in the classroom. He is a perennial straight-A student and has only two B's since third grade.

"As much as I like football, my parents have always taught me that school work comes first. I must have all my homework completed and checked before I can watch TV or play video games," he said.

His school principal, Christine Wolff, has nothing but praise for Goluba.

"Kyle is an outstanding student and role model for his classmates and the younger students. He leads by example and has a wonderful sense of humor," Wolff said.

Each spring and fall, Goluba volunteers as an umpire for West Pasco Little League games. He takes charge with players, coaches and parents and brushes off any problems that might arise in his role as the umpire.

"I learned in football that, when I'm on the field, I block out everything from outside the lines. Besides, I'm focused on the players. The best part of umpiring is that it feels good to help others," he said.

Goluba plans to attend Ridgewood High next fall, and his goals are to make good grades and play football. Don't be surprised if he continues to excel at both.

If you would like to nominate an outstanding student-athlete to be featured in an upcoming "In The Community," contact Cliff Gill at reportercliffgill@yahoo.com or (727) 860-4903.

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