Gus Ramstrom didn’t play a single down as a junior last year for Natick High’s football team but that didn’t stop his teammates from electing him as a captain this season.
The 5-foot-10, 190-pounder, who is a running back on offense and a linebacker-nose tackle on defense, was sidelined as he recovered from a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in his right knee. The injury occurred in May, 2015, when Ramstrom was wrestling for his club team in Lake Placid at a national tournament.
Natick’s head coach, Mark Mortarelli, is ecstatic about Ramstrom’s return and compares it to getting an all-league player back on the roster. “Gus blossomed as a sophomore, then got hurt,’’ Mortarelli noted. “He’s a very intense player whose motor never stops. He’s got speed and quickness off the ball, he’s physical and tough, he can play three positions and he’s got good leadership qualities.’’
When Natick defeated Framingham, 49-14, in Ramstrom’s soph season, all he did was make 12 tackles, three of which resulted in negative yards. Now totally healthy, the versatile competitor is eager to help the Redhawks achieve some lofty goals on his to-do list.
“We’ve got the talent to go unbeaten and win a Super Bowl,’’ Ramstrom said. “All the players are thinking that way. As for me individually, I want to stay healthy, strive to earn all-league honors and lead in such a way that we make it down the path to the Super Bowl.’’
Natick’s opening day win, a 35-0 shutout of Weymouth, was extremely pleasing for Ramstrom, who played effectively on defense. He’s focused and he’s enthusiastic, two attributes that no doubt led to his being named a captain in wrestling and lacrosse. “I was honored when my teammates in football selected me as a captain,’’ he said. “It made me feel like I was still part of the team. I try to lead by example and by being vocal. I want players to get excited and to be inspired.’’
During his rehab time, Ramstrom’s grid teammates saw him at practices, walk-throughs, film sessions and dinners. Those appearances no doubt impressed his teammates.
An aggressive runner, Ramstrom relies on athleticism and instincts on defense. He’s a power back who hits the hole and breaks outside. At linebacker, he’s a read-and-react defender who moves well laterally, and at nose tackle his quickness and strength enable him to power past offensive linemen.
“Before I got hurt, the Framingham game was my best in terms of stats,’’ Ramstrom said. “I also played well against Walpole and Wellesley because I was prepared and wanted to give a big effort against those two rivals.’’
Crediting Natick’s other two captains — Matt Gastaldo (linebacker) and Jeremy Su (linebacker/running back) — as “quality leaders who are technically sound and solid instinctively,’’ Ramstrom is delighted to be playing his final year with his younger brother Tim. “His first season was the year I had to sit out,’’ Ramstrom said. “Tim’s a linebacker who is really motivated.’’
A two-year varsity wrestler, Ramstrom finished second in the sectionals last year in the 182-pound class. “I want to win at the sectionals, the states and all-states this winter,’’ he said. “And, I’d like to place at the New Englands.’’
A defensive midfielder in lacrosse, Ramstrom is looking forward to his second year in the spring. He’s eager to improve and “bring lots of enthusiasm as a captain.’’
A good student who serves on student council, Ramstrom hopes to attend college and continue playing football. He’d like to major in communications or business and he’s interested in schools like Bryant University, Assumption, St. Anselm’s and Mass. Maritime. The present, however, is still beckoning and Ramstrom knows there’s lots of football to play, with wrestling and lacrosse just around the corner.
“My philosophy of competing is to win, give 100 percent and enjoy whatever sport I’m playing,’’ he noted. “I’m humbled that coach Mortarelli is optimistic about my return. He prepares us so well, knows how to communicate, is very motivating and really knows football.’’
Ramstrom demonstrated what a special athlete he is by the way he handled his injury and the nine months of rehab and therapy that followed. He occasionally got down but his commitment, dedication and grit enabled him to return to good health. His father (Eric) challenged him when he got hurt. “My dad asked me what I was going to do for my team and how I could help,’’ Ramstrom recalled. “I tried to be loyal and visible and offer support. I still saw myself as part of the team.’’
That’s why he’s a captain in football and no doubt a captain in lacrosse and wrestling. Gus Ramstrom is a terrific example of how a positive outlook helps to overcome adversity.
Issue Date:
October, 2016
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