Aug 8, 2025 2 min read

What makes Washington County special? Government projects, political promises, and grandiose plans? Believe me, elected officials and party politics aren’t making a substantial difference in our everyday lives, because the real heroes are the average Joes – or in this case – a regular Guy.

I’m talking about Guy Montecalvo of Washington, who for the past several years has rolled up his sleeves, grabbed a whistle, and braved the scorching summer heat to work alongside his wife, Marie, and daughters Laura and Suzanne to provide a free (yes, free) summer program for area youth.

Using his skills as a successful, longtime high school football coach, Coach Montecalvo runs and operates a speed camp at the Chartiers-Houston football stadium with a group of volunteers who have coached with him for many years.

Speed Camp, which operates two days each week of June and July, is open to all youth in Washington County. No one is turned away, and the cost of the camp is borne by the Montecalvo family. It’s a real labor of love – a love for the county and the kids who live here.

I have helped with this camp for the past few years and have seen firsthand the impact it has had on many young people. I’m not exaggerating when I say that the camp is an opportunity of a lifetime for our county’s young people.

This camp experience is more than endurance and speed; it’s about teamwork and building character traits that will lead to success. Coach Montecalvo invites successful NFL and Division 1 athletes to speak to the kids about sports and how to succeed in life. He doesn’t just teach these kids how to run and jump, he teaches them how to work hard, be persistent, and how to choose their friends wisely.

This year, approximately 400 kids registered for Speed Camp, and they were given more than a 2025 Speed Camp T-shirt when they finished; they were given real-life lessons in ethics, integrity and character.

So, the next time we need someone to pat on the back, look for people like Guy Montecalvo and his volunteers – good people doing good things right here in our own community.

Larry Maggi

Washington County commissioner