Getting to Know: Kevin Gitkos

Kickballers, you're in for a treat as this week we will have, not one, but two special editions of "Getting to Know". This week we sit down with the Jagernauts' superstar catcher Kevin Gitkos for a hard hitting, intense interview.

Brent Wentworth: Kevin, You're about as hardcore a WAKA fan as I know. How many seasons have you played now?

Kevin Gitkos: This will be my fourth season.

BW: How did you get involved in kickball? Did it take some arm twisting to get you to sign up or were you all about it from the start? 

KG: Ashlee and I were introduced to the Peninsula league by Liz Arrington. We thought it would be a great way to meet friends in the area since we had just moved, but we were still a bit hesitant. In addition, a certain commissioner would not place us on the Jagers due to their already high numbers.  It took a bit of “coercing” by a certain commissioner’s girlfriend, now fiance, to change his mind. Once that happened, the rest is history.

Gitkos has been a beast for the 'Nauts

BW: Bullshit! Your current captain [Justin Littell] was the one who told me to tell you the Jagers were full. I was the one who did the coercing with Justin! [laughing] Anyways, you said you were new to the area when you joined. Tell us about your background. Where are you from? What brought you to the 757? 

KG: I grew up outside of Scranton, PA, home of The Office. I’m an Artillery officer in the Army, so the best description of what I do is “blowing shit up”. However, now that I’ll be teaching ROTC at William & Mary, the President and Dean have already warned me “that’s not going to happen here.”  Whatever.

BW: Stupid dean. So, growing up in Pennsylvania, what sports did you play? 

KG: As for sports, I played youth soccer and the standard little league baseball. However, I think it was my time as a high school tennis star that prepared me for kickball. My John MacEnroe-esque attitude kept me focused then and I think I still harness a bit of that now. I still curse about the same, but I haven’t got ejected from a kickball game...yet.

Jagernauts. F**k yeah!

BW: There is always a first for everything. Let's switch subjects to the present. Your entire career has been played with the Jagernauts, which is one of the closest knit teams in the league. Recently, an inside source (my fiance) told me that there was an interesting Jagernaut internal team meeting to discuss the future of the franchise. Can you tell me the details of the meeting, what was debated, and what the outcome of the meeting was? 

KG: Without giving away too much, it was pretty standard for the most part. Is everyone coming back? Yes. Do we want to stick with purple? No, we changed to yellow, or gold, or some shit. And what are some ideas for our next kick-ass video. Sorry I can’t comment any further! However, heated, and slightly violent, debates did begin when we started discussing the team’s direction.

BW: What was the outcome and are you happy with it?

KG: In typical Jagernaut fashion, all was resolved over the beer pong/flip cup table.

BW: Nice. By the way, congratulations on making an All-Peninsula team for the first time in your career. You've improved each season to the point where you are considered one of the best. What has been the key to your success? 

KG: Thanks! I am truly humbled.  I don’t think I’ve ever received this much commendation for any sport I’ve ever played! [laughing] Like the Army, I think my success is a direct reflection of experience.  Since Justin likes to play *cough*exploit*cough* me every single inning, it’s easy to gain experience in no time.

Kevin made his travel tourney debut with
the VIPs in 2011. He played against some
of the top teams in the nation.

BW: Are their any catchers in particular you studied or learned from? In your opinion, who are the top players at your position?

KG: I’ve played, and studied, at least 30 other catchers. I’ve tried to emulate their strengths and what works and have taken notes of what doesn’t.As far as the top players, you absolutely nailed it when you said that the catcher position was stacked this season. Many props to each of the All-Peninsula Catchers; Roger [Jackson], Eric [Stevens], Adam [Flowers], James [Salgado], Guy [Sumrell], Taylor [Wilson], AJ [Derr], Justin [Blair], and Jake [Carel]. They are all great at what they do.

BW: Well, not only do you bring it at the fields, but you also stand out at the bar. If Trici [Fredrick] ever gets around to finishing it, I assume you'll make the All-Peninsula Social Team as well.

KG: [laughing] Yeah and if not, I know where she works now!

BW: That's right, you both work at William & Mary now. Can you stop by with your troops and motivate her to finish the write up? [laughing] Back to Luckie's. What is your secret to dominating the bar? 

KG: My secret? Surrounding myself with awesome friends, in numbers! The Jagers consistently represent at Luckie’s and that just amps me up. Add that to the rest of the WAKA regulars that love to party and mingle each and every Wednesday night and there’s no stopping me, I mean us! Take a look at any After Midnight Photo, and thanks to Ashlee Gitkos for starting that tradition, one thousand words.

An After Midnight photo from Luckie's.

BW: I mentioned earlier that you are about as dedicated to WAKA as they come, even purchasing hats, shirts, and other branded merchandise. I understand that you're currently playing summer kickball league run by a different organization. 

KG: Yes, yes. We have all done things we are not very proud of. It’s DEFINITELY not the same.

He really loves WAKA kickball.

BW: Can you tell me how that league differs from VA Peninsula?

KG: On the field the biggest difference is that they use paid head refs, which at first I thought was a great idea. That was until I realized they all have different copies of the rules and most calls are easily swayed by the team which complains the most. Off the field, the sponsored bar is nowhere near as supported or as fun as Luckie’s. Every time I look around, the majority of kickballers I see are from WAKA, which is awesome and sad at the same time.

BW: What is it about VA Peninsula that stands out in comparison? 

KG: For this “league” it seems the fun is over at the fields. For WAKA, it’s just beginning.

BW: I threw the alley oop up, and you slam dunked it, my friend. [laughing] Next question. I noticed that all of the Jagernauts have nicknames. How did you get your nickname, Glitter? 

KG: I love me some Mariah Carey! [laughing] Actually, it all started after an in-your-face observation at this past season’s Meet and Greet. And well, if you don’t know by now, I guess you’ve never ordered a Pounder at Luckie’s!

BW: Back to the on field topics. Are there any particular teams that you look forward to playing against and why? 

KG: Definitely our alliance brothers and sisters, Rumspringa. Playing with each other [giggles like Peter Griffin] during this summer league has given all of us a better perspective of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. I think that will make our Fall matchup that much more interesting and fun. Also looking forward to seeing what the newer teams will bring this season.

Wellbrock and Gitkos share a bromantic moment at Luckie's.

BW: What goals do you have for the Fall season both individually and as a team?  

KG: To encroach as much as Roger, just kidding, maybe, beat him out of his 1st Team slot and continue our reign as a respectable team on the field and in the bar.

BW: Nice. Ok it's word Association time. I'm going to say a series of names and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind. Let's start out with the Jager captain, Justin Littell.

The Commish and Glitter on the Luckie's
dance floor.

KG: Videographer extraordinaire.

BW: Matt Wellbrock.

KG: Financial Advice.

BW: Brian Yohn.

KG: Hates Miller Lite.

BW: Trici Fredrick.

KG: Wanna have fun?  Find her!

BW: Alden Lawrence.

KG: Video game marathoner. Almost burned out my PS3 after 14 continuous hours of playing Dead Nation.

BW: Commissioner Wentworth.

KG: Runs this shit!

Such a beautiful couple.

BW: Damn straight. Eddie Seavers.

KG: Kickball mentor.

BW: Dan Moore.

KG: Easy Score. Enough said.

BW: Katie Litle.

KG: Vortex!

BW: Mimi Gill.

KG: Energetic and everywhere.

BW: Ashlee Gitkos .

KG: The Wiffle!

BW: WAAR.

KG: Waste of $58.

BW: WAKA.

KG: Best thing that’s happened to me, besides Ashlee. Bleh!

BW: Kevin, you are the man. Thank you for being so generous with your time. Looking forward to another great season this Fall!