Fleo ready to take next
step after sitting out season
Written: Oct 21, 2011
 
By Joe Simon
New Castle News
Justin Fleo hasn’t been this excited to jog in a long, long time.
The New Castle High football star, who tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee over the summer, said he should be cleared to start jogging in the next few days.
No, there isn’t a chance that the former wide receiver/running back/safety could return to the Red Hurricane football team this season, at least not as a player.
“He comes every day,” said New Castle coach Frank Bongivengo Jr. about Fleo’s attendance at practice. “He comes to practice, games — he’s always there. He’s still part of the team. I’m sure he wants to be there to keep his teammates up and keep them going, and his teammates want him there. He’s done a really good job showing that he’s still part of the team and still one of the guys.”
Fleo underwent surgery on his knee just three months ago after he was injured at a football camp at the University of Pittsburgh, ending his senior season before it started. Fleo currently is going through physical therapy at Washington Centre Physical Therapy three days a week. He rides a stationary bike, does some light squats and leg extensions, steps up and down on a raised platform and balances on one foot — exercises designed to help gradually strengthen the muscles around his knee. The next step is a big one.
“I go to Dr. Brian Jewell (on Monday), and then I should be able to start running,” he said. “Just jogging and going forward. Nothing on the bends or anything.”
It’s all part of a long rehabilitation process for Fleo, who said he was told he can expect to be back at full strength in about six to nine months after the surgery. His hope is to be cutting and doing some agility drills by December, which would be the six-month mark. Fleo said his physical therapist told him he was a bit ahead of schedule, which was great news for a kid who’s struggling to watch the guys he grew up with finish their last season.
“The hardest part is it being football season, just going to watch the games,” he said. “Coach Bon (Bongivengo) told me to still come around, and I just want to be around my teammates and friends, and I want to be as much of a part of the team as I can. I try to get them pumped up because I still want them to make a run at the playoffs.”
The ’Canes (2-3 Parkway Conference, 3-4 overall) certainly could use the fleet-footed Fleo for the stretch run. The 6-foot, 200-pound Fleo was one of the best dual-threat athletes in Lawrence County the past two years. He led the area in receiving yards (501) and was second in receptions (34) as a sophomore. Last year, in limited action because of injuries, he ran for 534 yards and caught 21 passes for 293 yards. He also was a menace on defense at free safety.
Bongivengo, who said he still believes Fleo could play in college, admits his contributions are sorely missed.
“He was an excellent slot-type receiver, where you could use him in the run game and the pass game,” he said. “He has great hands, and he was a big threat for us. Losing him for this season took away a lot for us.”
Fleo expects to be fully healthy for baseball and track season, which start in March. He was a standout on the baseball team and part of the WPIAL qualifying 400-relay team. For now, though, he’s just trying to do what he can as a motivator.
“I’m not surprised at all,” said Bongivengo of Fleo’s constant attendance. “And I’m sure it’s very difficult to sit on the sidelines for his senior year. I know it bothers him and he’s down, but he hasn’t showed that a lot. When he’s there, he’s smiling and he’s positive, and the guys like to see that.”
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