Freshman Nicole Gruntz’s interest in flag football started in November when she competed in the flag football Turkey Bowl tournament, hosted by Seton-LaSalle. At the time, positions on the team were still being determined.
“Everyone was just trying different positions, and I thought I would try quarterback,” Gruntz said.
She tried playing quarterback in the tournament, and the coaches liked how she played, so she kept that position. Gruntz is now the varsity quarterback for the flag football team, although she is only a freshman.
“It feels good having this position. It’s kind of crazy because I am only a freshman,” Gruntz said, “I wanted to be good, so I started working and practicing for it.”
Freshman Marina Regec sees Gruntz as a great quarterback and a team leader.
“She tells everyone what to do when they are confused,” Regec said. “She also has a really good long pass.”
She was originally going to do track and flag football at the same time. But she hurt her hips, so she couldn’t run track. It would also be difficult to do the two sports at the same time.
“It wouldn’t work out, so I just chose flag football,” Gruntz said.
Gruntz said the quarterback position seemed like a good fit because it does not require as much running and involves more upper-body movement.
This was the first year for WPIAL flag football for Baldwin. Their record was 2-12.
Gruntz has also made new friendships through flag football. She said she has met new people and gotten closer to her teammates.
“At the beginning of the season, we would all go to get ice cream. I think that helped us to get to know each other better,” Gruntz said.
The team works together to get better as a whole and pushes each other, Gruntz said.
She said the victory over Monessen High School was a memorable moment in her flag football season. It was a shutout, the Baldwin players kept giving each other motivation, and there were some big plays, Gruntz said.
“I got the ball, spun my hips, and threw to Jacey (Klingensmith) for the touchdown, and we did it again for the extra point,” Gruntz said.
Sophomore Carmen Jaquay said Gruntz brings leadership to the team. She said Gruntz’s ability to stay calm under pressure is what makes her a good quarterback.
“She keeps everyone motivated, especially during tough games,” Jaquay said.
Regec agreed.
“She definitely brings kindness. She is very nice to everyone and brings good spirits,” Regec said.
Gruntz hopes to win more games and work better as a team next season. She also hopes more people will join the team next year.
“I hope eighth-graders have an interest in it because I think they could help a lot, and we need more people,” Gruntz said.
During the offseason, Gruntz wants to practice and get to know the girls who will be coming up to build a bond before the season starts.
