10 Questions with Muhlenberg lineman Tucker Bellanca, presented by UECU
Tucker Bellanca
Junior lineman
Q: Who’s the high school player you most looked up as a kid?
Jan Johnson of Gov. Mifflin. His determination and work ethic on the football field and the wrestling mat made him a huge inspiration for me. He was a two-time state wrestling champ, walked on to Penn State’s football team and became a captain. He was also on their wrestling team his freshman year. He is also at Garage Strength a lot, which is a huge boost for everyone there, including myself.
Q: Do you ever get hungry during a game and wish you could sneak over to the concession stand for a hot dog?
I’m pretty sure this has gone through every lineman’s mind at some point.
Q: Of the new Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 2 opponents on your schedule, which team are you most excited to play?
Manheim Central, because it will be a good challenge. You only get better by playing the best teams. We have a lot of great teams in our section.
Q: You’re in charge of the lunch menu at Muhlenberg. What’s the first thing you add? And the first thing you trash?
I would definitely add salmon or something of the sort. Logistically that would be a nightmare but I would love it anyway. The lasagna needs to go. It’s wet and limp and makes me sad.
Q: You’ve had a lot of success on the wrestling mat. How does wrestling help you in football?
Wrestling helps with hand fighting and getting off blocks, especially on defense. Also, wrestling really helps prepare you mentally to focus on your job and what you can control.
Q: Who’s the hardest-working player on your team?
I think we have lot of great leaders and hard workers on our team, but Gio Cavanna and Ulices Ramirez stand out.
Q: You can get tickets to any college football game in the country. Where are you going and who are you going to watch play?
Penn State vs. Ohio State would be the best, especially if Penn State wins.
Q: Who would win an arm wrestling competition on your team?
To be honest, I think I would win, but (senior lineman) Charles Joof would probably give me a run.
Q: What’s your favorite football memory?
(Beating Reading High 38-6 last season) to win our first game in years, against our rival nonetheless, was incredible. Especially in such miserable conditions. The ball was literally iced over which made it incredibly difficult but we came together as one team and worked for that victory.
Q: What’s the one question you were hoping to be asked, but weren’t?
“What’s my favorite subject?” It would be Computer Science, and not just because I want to do that in the future. I think it’s a great starting point for anybody. AP Computer Science principles, which I took last year, was incredibly helpful in logical problem solving in and out of the computer science realm. It is something I’ve applied to everything in my life. It’s also one of the overall easier and more fun AP classes. Great way to boost your GPA.
