To be a great wide receiver demands speed, endurance and focus on the ball. But to break a single-game school receiving record requires not only talent, but a great relationship between the receiver and the quarterback.

The relationship on the field between senior receiver Frank Cutolo and junior quarterback Tony Romo has allowed Cutolo to establish himself as Eastern’s strongest receiver this season.

“We have this special bond,” Romo said. “We seem to understand each other’s game. We have some adjustments at first, but then we see each other and know what to do.

“He’s a great player. He’s the best receiver I’ve ever thrown to.”

This season, the senior from Boca Raton, Fla. has been the constant go-to man for the Panthers, accumulating 581 receiving yards on 31 catches, an average of 18.8 yards per reception. He also has returned 16 punts for 118 yards this season.

Head coach Bob Spoo saw this multi-dimensional talent while recruiting him five years ago.

“We saw this potential in a lot of forms,” Spoo said. “He’s not only a great wide receiver, but a great kick returner. He’s a threat there. I have all the confidence in Frank. He’s everything we thought we’d get.”

Cutolo showed his talent this weekend, helping Eastern to its 52-49 victory over Tennessee State with a school-record 239 receiving yards on eight catches.

“It was something we had to have the way Tennessee State pressures the receivers. Some receiver had to be able to get himself open,” Spoo said. “Tony was delivering the ball and Frank has excellent speed. And he’s always been able to catch.”

“He’s got a great concentration on the ball. He’s got the right attitude about being a receiver. He’s focused on the ball.”

The connection between Cutolo and Romo has developed over their years on the field together, but more importantly in the time they put into practicing.

“It’s a matter of confidence in each other. Just relating to the Southern game, they were out there together as soon as we got to the site – and we get there two hours ahead of time,” Spoo said. “Frank got himself dressed, and he and Tony were throwing the ball.”