Football could delay firefighting career for Grayslake North's Gwaltney
There are probably a lot of little kids out there who have dressed up as firefighters for Halloween.
My 9-year-old son did a few years back.
Years ago, Troy Gwaltney did, too. His costume came complete with a jacket, a helmet and that good ol' plastic axe.
Now 17 and a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive lineman for Grayslake North, Gwaltney is counting down the days until he gets to put on his next firefighter outfit. Because this next one, he says, will be the real thing. No plastic axes.
For as long as he can remember, Gwaltney has wanted to be a firefighter.
"I remember when I was little we used to have people come to school and talk about their jobs and I always was really excited when the firefighters came in," Gwaltney said. "I looked up to them as heroes. Ever since then, I've wanted to be a firefighter."
Of course, kids want to be a lot of things when they grow up. But Gwaltney has always been very serious about this. Serious enough to have a plan.
"I decided a long time ago that as soon as I graduate from high school I was going to go train at a fire station," Gwaltney said. "This is my passion. It's been my passion for a long time. It's what I really want to do it. I really want to help people and I'm a big, strong guy. I think I'd make a good firefighter."
Problem is, Gwaltney also makes a darn good football player.
And yes, believe it or not, that is a bit of a problem for Gwaltney.
A late bloomer, he didn't start playing football until seventh grade. As a freshman, he couldn't lift much in the weight room.
But in the last two years, Gwaltney has grown into his big frame, bulked up with some serious muscle and has improved his coordination and speed so much that he's become one of the quickest and most talented offensive linemen Grayslake North coach Steve Wood has ever coached.
Gwaltney has gotten so good at football that scads of Division II, Division II and NAIA colleges are starting to take notice. Robert Morris, for one, has shown a lot of interest and has even come to some of Gwaltney's games.
While Gwaltney is flattered, he's also stressed out.
He never figured football would be in his future, not only because he was a late bloomer, but because he had never envisioned himself doing anything after high school besides fire fighting.
He's now conflicted about what to do. Put out fires, or put out four more years worth of defensive linemen?
"I'm really torn," Gwaltney said. "I've been thinking all along that I'd start my training (with the fire department) right out of high school. You can start that when you turn 18. You take a few classes at the College of Lake County but you mostly train right at a station. I was even hoping to graduate early so that I could do that beginning in January.
"I never thought I'd be good at football. I never thought I'd be hearing from colleges. I never thought I'd get this far."
Wood is convinced Gwaltney can go much further. If he wants to.
"Troy is having a great year," Wood said. "He's big, he's strong, he's got quick feet and moves well for someone his size.
"I talk to him everyday about his options, about keeping his options open. I don't want to talk him out of being a firefighter. I think it's great that he's so passionate about something. Most kids his age have no idea what they want to do. I've just told him that maybe he can do both, and maybe by going to college for four years while he plays football, he can move up from firefighter and someday be the captain or the fire chief."
For now, Gwaltney has decided not to make any decisions.
All he wants to do is enjoy his senior year and a season that has been pretty special so far. The Knights are off to a 3-1 start, their best in school history.
Three more wins would get them their first-ever playoff berth.
"Right now, I'm just trying to make this season last as long as possible. It's been so exciting and we've been having a lot of fun. We really want to get to the playoffs and that's what I'm focusing on right now," Gwaltney said. "I know whatever decision I make, I'll be happy about it because I'll be choosing between two things I really love."
pbabcock@dailyherald.com