Do the right thing.
That’s the goal every day for East Aurora’s Bryan Romero.
A two-way starter at linebacker and running back, he’s one of 10 returning seniors with starting experience for the Tomcats.
That group is joined by two juniors — defensive linemen Erick Mendez and Arnold Walker — who also started last fall.
“He’s one of the kids who does everything the right way,” East Aurora coach Nick Kukuc said of Romero, one of several seniors who were promoted to the varsity as sophomores in the pandemic for the team’s shortened and winless five-game season.
From work in the weight room to film study and closely monitoring his nutrition, the 6-foot, 215-pound Romero stays on top of things.
“He brings several meals to school each day along with snacks and makes sure to stay hydrated,” Kukuc said. “He’s been phenomenal.”
Added to that, Romero focuses on plenty of core work after missing time last season with a back injury. He’s hoping it translates to a successful season for the team that will help him get to the next level.
Make no mistake, East Aurora’s players are well aware the football program hasn’t had a team make the playoffs since 1982 — truly an unfair burden to shoulder.
The Tomcats are working on it.
“We had some bumping heads last season, in-team conflicts I feel that really set us back,” Romero said. “This season, we’re a lot more together as a group.
“We have more experience than we’ve had the last couple years. That COVID season, we had only four seniors. This season, we have a lot of people that know what they’re doing.”
East Aurora has been knocking on the door. The current seniors were freshmen when the Tomcats finished 4-5. Last season, they duplicated that record, one win away from becoming playoff eligible.
“The first and last games of the season have been important to us the last two full seasons,” said Kukuc, who’s entering his fifth year. “We hope to continue to build and push for that playoff berth.”
The program is up to more than 40 players at two levels. Modest by Class 8A standards, it’s a welcome and positive trend.
Romero said his older brother Roberto, who graduated in 2016 after playing tight end and defensive end for former coach Kurt Becker, inspired him.
“I always looked up to him and wanted to be that good,” Bryan said. “He always put me in the weight room, always took me to the gym and held me accountable. I still want to impress him.
“He was always the fittest in our family and has definitely been my inspiration.”
Kukuc, who played running back at Naperville Central and North Central College, also fills that inspirational role for both Romero and classmate Ralph Clark.
Clark, a returning all-conference selection, plays running back and safety.
“I believe we can get past four wins,” Clark said. “This is my last year. I want to change the franchise and make the playoffs. We’ve never been more athletic as a team, and our offense is the best it’s been in our time.
“I’ve never seen so many people invested in the season as this team. Everybody is watching film, getting here early. Everybody is into it.”
Kukuc, who is the instructor for the athletic conditioning class many of the players take, can still show them the ropes in the weight room.
“He’s strong,” Romero said. “I want to be like that. He’s fast, too. I think he’d still like to play. He’ll get out on the field with us and show us how to do things.
“That’s something that definitely helps — at least it is for me. That’s motivating to see a coach like that.”
Team: East Aurora.
2021 record: 4-5.
Offensive leaders: Jabian Acosta, senior, wide receiver/tight end; Ralph Clark, senior, running back; Nathaniel Mojica, senior, wide receiver; Celso Nunez, senior, offensive line.
Defensive leaders: Gustavo Gonzalez, senior, defensive back; Erick Mendez, junior, defensive line; Bryan Romero, senior, linebacker; Arnold Walker, defensive line.
X-factor: Michael Moravek, senior, defensive back/running back/wide receiver.