Columbiana starting quarterback Joe Guido will see some very familiar jerseys when he walks out to mid-field for the coin flip before the Clippers game this Friday. Standing in front of him will be the signature navy blue and white jerseys of the Leetonia Bears football program.
“It’s going to be a little bit weird,” Guido said in his soft-spoken, deep voice. “I grew up with all of those guys, they are all my friends. But they are on the other side now, we just have to go on out and play.”
“I’m sure it will be difficult for him, and I’m sure it will be difficult for his folks,” Clippers head coach Bob Spaite remarked. “Guido is a storied name in Leetonia. His dad was one heck of a player when I was coaching at Southern Local. And I heard his grandfather played some semi-pro ball. I’m sure he has taken some friendly, and maybe not-so-friendly abuse but he has handled it well. He is a really mature young man. A lot of credit goes to him and his family in the way they have handled it.”
Almost reminiscent of a graduate transfer that is seen in college football today, Guido made the unique move of transferring from Leetonia to Columbiana this past off-season, his senior year. Although transfers have become more common in high schools today, going from one arch-rival to another is somewhat rare.
“Joe came in and did such a tremendous job early on for us in the summer in seven-on-sevens, and fit right in,” Spaite praised Guido. “He fit right in. You would have never known what player was from out of town and who wasn’t.”
His ability to fit right in earned him the honor of being voted by the players as one of the offensive captains for the Clippers. His demeanor and leadership helped to build confidence in him among his new Clipper teammates.