By Jim Hague
When Joe Tutalo is not creating artistic plays that lead to goals for the Rutgers-Newark men’s soccer team, the senior is creating artistic works that are added to his impressive collection.
“I’ve always been a good drawer,” Tutalo said. “I have been drawing forever. I love drawing. I paint as well. I do sketches. I still haven’t gotten the computer down. I’m not there yet. But I have a lot of stuff I’ve done over the years. I’ve never thought about putting them in a gallery, but I could, because I have enough. I hope to get noticed in the future.”
For now, Tutalo is getting noticed as the inspirational leader of the Scarlet Raiders, who are enjoying a solid season despite having a roster dominated by underclassmen.
“Since the majority of the team didn’t know what playing college soccer was like, they were looking for me for support,” Tutalo said. “I have no problem with that. I know what it’s like, playing the competition in the conference (the NJAC). Every game is a battle. I know what that’s like.”
What Tutalo didn’t know was what new coach Kevin East was going to be like to play for.
“I wasn’t prepared for what happened,” Tutalo said of East, the long-time New Jersey City University coach, being hired to replace Nansha Kalonji. “I wouldn’t say that I was upset, but I was concerned. There were a lot of rumors floating around that he (East) was going to bring in his own players. I was a little afraid of losing my position. I was seriously debating about whether I wanted to come back.”
This was after Tutalo spent the previous three seasons as a starting midfielder for the Scarlet Raiders.
“I was thinking about concentrating on school and getting my degree,” Tutalo said.
But then Tutalo sat down and spoke with East, who informed Tutalo that he was going to play a big role with the team this season.
“I knew about Joe before I came here,” East said. “I always thought he was a good player and I was going to look to him to be a leader, especially with a young team. I knew that Joe was a fiery competitor who played hard all the time. He was the kind of guy who I wanted to build the program around.”
That seal of approval sealed the deal for Tutalo and he decided to return for his final go-round with the Scarlet Raiders.
“In the end, I’m glad I came back,” Tutalo said. “I know I would have regretted it if I didn’t. It turned out for the better.”
Tutalo has scored six goals and added two assists as the team’s third leading scorer this year, giving him 15 goals and eight assists in 64 games played during his fine career.
Tutalo said that he was well prepped for the college soccer game, having been a product of the fine West Orange High School soccer program during his high school days.
“My coach (Doug Nevins) taught me to go out and play my hardest,” Tutalo said. “Playing for him and that program definitely got me ready for college. West Orange is always one of the best teams in the state. We’ve always had a lot of good players.”
One of those players was Brayan Martinez, who last year was named as the premier boys’ soccer player in the entire country by Gatorade.
“Honestly, when I first played with him, I didn’t like him,” Tutalo said. “I didn’t like his style of play. But after a while, I got to like him. He really improved and got so much better.”
Martinez is currently playing at Seton Hall.
East loves the leadership that Tutalo provides.
“It’s always good to have someone with that experience,” East said. “Since we’re so young, with two thirds of our roster either freshmen or sophomores, it’s important to have someone like Joe. He leads by example. He doesn’t say much, but when he’s on the field, everyone around knows he’s there, because he’s so intense. The other guys feed off that, feed off his intensity. They pick it up and play the same way. He’s a fighter.”
Although the Scarlet Raiders haven’t fared well in the NJAC this season, East is confident that Tutalo’s leadership will lead to wins down the road.
“We’ve been able to step up and be more competitive in league games and that’s a credit to Joe,” East said. “Pretty soon, we’re going to pull one of these games out. He knows the conference. He knows the players. He’s been one of our main scoring threats all season. We’ve moved him around a little bit, from center midfield to the outside and he had one of his best games on the outside against The College of New Jersey (recently).”
East said that Tutalo’s leadership is vital.
“He wants to be out there and wants to do whatever we need,” East said. “We really rely on him and he’s been an asset. If we keep playing like we have been, we’re going to get a few conference wins before it’s said and done.”
“We’re not getting blown out anymore,” Tutalo said. “We’re much more competitive. Even when I’m gone, I think the team is going to get better. I’m glad I had a part in this. It turned out very well, well better than I expected. I don’t think anyone knew what was going to happen this year. It’s been a good year.”
Tutalo is a graphic design major. He estimates that he has about a year and a half left before he earns his degree.
In the meantime, Tutalo keeps creating beautiful scenes – both on and off the field.
