2024 PFN Player Spotlight: Getting to Know Michael Gelatko-Marian Catholic Colts TE/DE/P

Tagged under: District 11, News, Player Previews

Daniel Reed | May 3, 2024

Michael Gelatko
Marian Catholic High School
Class Of: 2025
Position(s): TE/DE/P
Jersey Number: 10
Ht: 6’4 – Wt: 235lbs
Other Sports: Baseball
Notable Awards or Recognitions:
2023 PA Sportswriters All-State TE
Schuylkill County Football Coaches Association Dream Team TE
Standard Speaker All-Area TE/DL
Times News All-Area TE
Morning Call 2nd team TE
Republican Herald First Team Punter
Offer Sheet: Committed to University of Buffalo
Twitter: @GelatkoMichael
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WORDS FROM THE HEAD COACH:

As a returning all-state player, we believe Michael is one of the best tight ends in the state. He will be a big part of what we do offensively after leading our team in receiving last season. Defensively his move to defensive end made him a better defender and helped our defense take the next step. His future is bright having already received several Division 1 scholarship offers.

GETTING TO KNOW MICHAEL:

What is the best part of being a student-athlete at Marian Catholic High School ?
With it being a small school, many kids play multiple sports, so you get to play a lot of the same sports with the same group of guys.

How long have you been playing football(any level) ?
Started playing in middle school.

Of all the road games you have played, which stadium had the best overall atmosphere, along with what made it so good ?
Catasauqua High School, their student section was electric.

If the game is on the line, do you want to be on offense or defense ? Explain
Offense, game on the line, I want the ball.

As an athlete, what has been your biggest achievement ?
Receiving All State honors, and earning a D-1 scholarship.

What was the high point of the 2023 season ?
Beating Tri Valley at home in the District semifinals.

What are you going to miss the most from the class of 2024 ?
All of the friendships, they were like a family to me.

What are your goals for the 2024 season ?
Win the District and make a run in states.

Who is your favorite sports star and why ?
DeVonta Smith, he goes about his business and lets his game talk for him.

Do you have a favorite play you remember the most ? Explain:
My catch against Williams Valley on the first drive, was a 40 yard reception in traffic to set up an opening drive TD.

Who is the best player(s) you have ever lined up against and what team did they play for ?
Alex Achenbach(Williams Valley), best all around football player I have ever played against.

What stadium, (HS/College/Pro) would you love to visit for a game ?
Kidd Brewer Stadium(Appalachian State).

What is your favorite Pro Sports team(any sport) ? Explain:
Phillies, first sports team I ever remember watching and nothing is better than the Bank in October.

What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why ?
Notre Dame vs Clemson 2020 regular season game.

What sports movie could you watch every day if you had to pick one, and why ?
Miracle, the story captures the essence of teamwork, determination, and overcoming odds led by a truly inspiring Coach.

Name one thing you’d love to do in football that may never happen ?
Throw a touchdown.

Name a sport you’d love to play but can’t:
Ice Hockey

What is your most embarrassing sports moment ?
Dropping a touchdown to seal the District semifinal game.

When you aren’t playing, practicing, or training for sports, what is your go to activity, and why ?
Playing video games with my friends or Hunting/Fishing.

Which one, Sheetz, Wawa, or Rutters ? Explain:
Sheetz: Buffalo Vhicken bites & bucket of fries!

What is your favorite vacation destination ?
Key West, Florida

Tell us something that you have a fear of ?
Coach Hackenberg’s circuit workout.

Favorite Fast Food/Burger place and why ?
Skipper Dippers, cheaper and better quality than fast food chains.

Have you ever been to a professional sports game, which ones ?
Yes, Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies several times.

NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, NFL, Which league is the best and why ?
NCAAF, every game means so much to the team and their fans.

What is your favorite video game, on mobile and or console ?
MLB the Show

What toppings go on your favorite pizza ?
None

Favorite School Subject ?
History

Favorite Band/Musician ?
Future

Airplane, Boat, or Vehicle(motorcycles included), how would you travel and to where ?
Airplane to Key West.

Name one thing in life(NOT SPORTS RELATED) you would like to achieve:
Become a Physical Therapist.

Location you think would be the best place to live(ie: island, mountains, city, etc) ? Explain why:
Mountains, away from everyone and get to hunt/fish close to home.

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