The Tracy High football and baseball programs have both welcomed the help of Vinny Pelillo as a strength and conditioning coach.

Pelillo graduated from Tracy High in 2004 and became familiar with these programs from his time there.

“Playing two years of baseball, two years of track and field and having a gym here in town, my goal was to give something back to the school that ultimately paved the way for my career,” Pelillo said.

Pelillo has built up plenty of knowledge in his time as a trainer through his time spent at Nike and now at the Altamont Performance Lab in town.

“I spent a big portion of my career working in corporate fitness with Nike but I was never satisfied,” expressed Pelillo. “For me it was always wanting to come back to the small town and build something that can help local athletes and give back.”

Jace Johnson, who is going into his senior season on the baseball team, reflected on how Pelillo’s training has helped him on the way to his commitment to San Jose State University.

“He has developed me into more of an athlete and has helped increase my velocity by five miles per hour each year since my freshman season,” Johnson explained. “He has also helped me grow into my frame more as I have gained 50 pounds since I started three years ago.”

Pelillo also highlighted the importance of his training on the long-term development of athletes and their ability to stay healthy.

“It is reducing the number of injuries we are seeing with these athletes, and we are able to see them healthy while they perform in their sport,” Pelillo explained.

Derek Bogetti, a senior at Tracy High School, illustrated the impact Pelillo had on his latest football season and his work to play for the baseball team this year.

“Vinny helped me a lot this year by getting me into shape and stay healthy all year,” Bogetti said. “He also helped with the shoulder pain I was dealing with throughout the year.”

With over nine months of working in with these programs, Pelillo gave more insight into what his plans for the future will be.

“The goal is to continue building these relationships and I have no intention of going to another high school,” Pelillo said. “I am 100 percent all in and dedicated to Tracy High.”

With his assistance in the sports programs at Tracy High School, Pelillo can be a huge aid to the development of student athletes for years to come.