“I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates.”
For many football players, picking the position they want to try out for can be a very simple decision. For others, it may not work out as they planned, and they are forced to try something new for the good of the team.
Burlington Township High School senior kicker Russell Gawlak was a soccer player for most of his life, but decided to give football a try his sophomore year.
“I played soccer since I was 8 years old, and was a goalie for most of my career,” Gawlak said. “My friends told me that the team needed a kicker and said I should try out, so I did.”
After making the team, and practicing hard at his craft, the 17-year-old defied the odds and was named first-team all conference his junior year in 2016. He helped the Falcons finish 9–2 in the WJFL Capitol Division, which was good for second in the standings.
Going into his final year at BTHS, Gawlak hopes to continue to improve in both his kicking game and as the team’s punter.
“Being a kicker is different, most of the time you are practicing by yourself on the game field while the rest of the team is on the practice field,” Gawlak said. “While they are running plays and drills, I am practicing field goals, kickoffs and punts.”
Rarely do you hear about players joining a sport and making a huge impact right away, especially kickers.
Kickers have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They can be the first congratulated for making a winning kick, or the first criticized for missing a game-winning field goal or extra point.
“It was really exciting to be named all-conference,” Gawlak said. “Kickers never really get recognized unless they do something bad, but it was cool be recognized for doing well. I couldn’t have done it without the help of my teammates.”
This offseason, Gawlak stated he has worked on his craft even more to prepare for his final season of high school football.
“I have worked with a kicking coach who was a former All-American at Syracuse University,” Gawlak said. “My legs have gotten stronger and I have learned new tips that will help me in a variety of ways.”
Outside of football, Gawlak is aiming to continue his studies following graduation. He enjoys history and math, and would like to do something in accounting down the road.
“I haven’t made a college decision yet, but I am keeping my options open,” Gawlak said. “Accounting is something I am interested in studying, while I would also love to play football at the next level.”
When the Burlington Township resident isn’t in class or on the field, he has several activities he enjoys.
“I enjoy working and getting experience in the workforce,” Gawlak said. “I also like to spend time with friends and watch sports.”
For more information on Gawlak or the Burlington Township High School football team check, http://www.maxpreps.com/high-schools/burlington-township-falcons-(burlington,nj)/football/home.htm.
