Galippo Gets Long-Awaited Pick

ANAHEIM, CALIF. – Chris Galippo of Anaheim has been named a 2007 U.S. Army All-American. He is the sixth athlete from the state of California to be selected to the WEST Squad. Chris Galippo joins a group of extraordinary student-athletes selected to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

This classic East vs. West match-up will be televised live on NBC at 1:00 (EST) and will feature the nation’s top 80 high school football athletes.

Although, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has yet to select its entire roster, four U.S. Army All-Americans have committed early to the USC Trojans. Galippo will first join his future teammates, James Wilson (St. Augustine, FL), Marc Tyler (Westlake Village, CA), and a Huntington Beach H.S. Prep in San Antonio. The fourth U.S. Army All-American and USC commit will be announced tomorrow morning.

Since its inception, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been a key launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars. Galippo joins the likes of Reggie Bush, Vince Young, Brady Quinn, and Adrian Peterson who all made their national debuts as U.S. Army All-Americans.

“We are excited to see this fine young man represent his school and community as a U.S. Army All-American,” said Colonel Thomas Nickerson, Director of Strategic Outreach for the U.S. Army Accessions Command. “The U.S. Army recognizes the value of individual talents toward achieving team goals, and Chris Galippo’s abilities and dedication make him a strong addition to the game.”

Chris Galippo is a standout linebacker at Servite H.S. and was one of 400 players nominated nationally and then ultimately selected by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee, including Scout.com which rates Galippo as the top middle linebacker in the country and a five-star prospect.

"Galippo has the instincts, speed and toughness to handle the middle 'backer’ spot in college," said Allen Wallace, national recruiting analyst for Scout.com. "He's a fierce competitor who is skilled at shedding blocks and quickly recognizes schemes and opportunities because of his instincts and vision. A very dedicated player who is very capable of getting to the quarterback from the edge and always seems to be around the ball."

As a U.S. Army All-American, Chris Galippo will have the opportunity during Bowl week to participate in a series of Army leadership and teamwork sessions, NFL athlete seminars, study hall sessions, and goal setting and achieving workshops.

"Galippo is the quintessential linebacker, he is smart, athletic and a sheer terror to opposing offenses," said Garrett Shea, Director of the U.S. Army All-American. "Chris Galippo is a tremendous all-around athlete and the Bowl is proud to have him join the U.S. Army All-American Class of 2007."