Boulder City senior leader in making tackles — and pizzas

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2009 | 2:15 a.m.

Boulder City High senior Steven Kaposta takes pride in beating the competition.

An all-state linebacker last year, Kaposta has 46 tackles and four sacks through the Eagles' first four football games this fall. He also has placed second in the state wrestling meet the past two years and is a reliable infielder on Boulder City’s baseball team.

While sports are his passion and why he’s gained notoriety, his friends will always know Kaposta as the kid who can get them free pizza.

He can make it for them, too.

Kaposta’s family owns Tony’s Pizza in Old Town. The star athlete has been tossing dough and making the family’s secret pizza sauce since elementary school — long before he strapped on shoulder pads for the first time.

Kaposta remembers his dad, John, teaching him the family business of making pies when he was just 6 years old. Tony’s Pizza has been open for 22 years in Boulder City, ever since Kaposta’s uncle, Tony, moved to town from Queens, N.Y.

Making pizzas, just like tackling an opponent, has always come easy for Kaposta.

“Spread your sauce, throw on some cheese and toppings and you’re done,” Kaposta said. “It’s not as hard as it looks.”

Teammate and longtime friend Danny O’Connor followed Kaposta to Tony’s Pizza after practice this week for dinner. Kaposta is a lifelong resident of Boulder City and some of his fondest childhood moments include enjoying pizza in his family’s shop after a game.

“I’ve eaten here hundreds of times,” O’Connor said. “It was always like, ‘Let’s go hang out at Tony’s after school.’”

Kaposta dreams of leading Boulder City to a state championship and earning a college football scholarship. Despite his 5-foot-10, 175-pound frame, the middle linebacker has double the amount of tackles of anyone on Boulder City’s roster.

He’s dubbed ‘Robo-backer’ by teammates because he’s a machine when going after the ball, O’Connor said.

Talk with Kaposta, however, and he will tell you his success is the result of his desire to never lose.

“I always try to find a way to make the play,” Kaposta said. “I hate to lose. I hate that feeling after a loss.”

Boulder City coach Alex Kazel said Kaposta leads by example in everything his does. Kaposta takes honors classes, is part of the student council and has the respect of his teammates.

“He’s got an attitude of never quit,” Kazel said. “He doesn’t let up. ...He’s the kind of kid who loves to play the sport and loves to get after it.”

Part of his work ethic on the football field comes from watching his father and other family members log 15-hour days at the parlor virtually year-round.

“He’s just got it together,” John Kaposta said. “He’s in great shape and he has good speed and strength.”

Ray Brewer can be reached at 990-2662 or ray.brewer@lasvegassun.com.