Since he was seven-years-old, Tommy Gallarda (‘06) was captivated by football. He continued to play all the way to college on nationally ranked Boise State University.
“When he was a boy, [he] played football at Arovista Park in the Pop Warner program,” said Pam Gallarda, Gallarda’s mother and principle of the Brea Junior High School.
Now, Gallarda is the tight end for the Boise State University football team that is currently ranked number four in the nation.
Since 2007, Gallarda has gained 144 yards, received 24 passes, and scored six touchdowns. Recently, in a Sept.. 6 game against then ranked Virginia Tech, Gallarda caught a pass from quarterback Kellen Moore, with one arm and a slide into the endzone.
“I love the opportunities that I have had to be able to play football for so long. As an athlete I am very competitive and constantly want to get better so my standards change as I progress on the field,” said Gallarda.
However, his success was the result of not only talent and hard work, but also from his experiences at BOHS.
“My time at BOHS greatly impacted who I am today. Looking back at high school I am not sure what exactly I would change about football. Unless there was a way to go back and not drink out of Chris Moreno’s water bottle that led to me getting ‘mono’ and missing my senior homecoming game,” said Gallarda.
During his senior year, the varsity captain caught 48 passes, ran for 810 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. During his junior year, he caught 23 passes, ran for 441 yards and scored four touchdowns. In his senior year in a game against El Dorado High School, Gallarda was ill, but he did not want to be excluded from the game and led the team to victory.
“He pretty much dominated the game and actually took the game over with incredible receptions and blocks on offense, as well as his outstanding play at linebacker, making critical plays on defense as well. He was the difference in our victory over El Dorado that season,” said Robb Perrance, head coach of the varsity football team.
Gallarda also received many awards. He was chosen as Century League Defensive MVP, earned All League First Time Defense, and was awarded as the MVP for BOHS.
Gallarda’s experience at BOHS has certainly played a role in his life. Throughout all of his seasons, Gallarda has remarked that his family and friends gave him much support.
“My family has been a collective role model for me that have been very positive and supportive. Also, Coach Perrance and the coaching staff have always been role models more than just coaches to me. They believed in me and were always encouraging,” said Gallarda.
In almost every game of his last two seasons, his father had been cheering his son on from the stands. From extensive moral support, Gallarda is encouraged even more and plays to the best of his abilities.
“I talk to my family or friends almost daily and have very strong relationships with them. Not only my close friends out here in Boise but I still maintain great relationships with my core friends from high school,” said Gallarda.
Gallarda’s athletic story is one of success: he is able to play football for the Boise State Boncos and may one day be competing in the NFL.
“For now I am focusing on my senior season and trying to play the best I can to help my team, but it has always been a dream of mine to be able to play after college,” said Gallarda.