Class 2012: Will Wojcik, DB, Orleans Dukes / Team Ontario (video)

Today, CFC features class 2012 star defensive back from the Orleans Dukes, Will Wojcik. Will started playing football for the tyke Cumberland Panthers (NCAFA).

Will Wojcik

Positions:
Defensive back (cornerback and free safety)

Height/Weight:
5’9, 171 lbs

Teams:
Orleans Dukes (midget)
Cumberland Panthers (tyke/peewee/bantam, (NCAFA), junior varsity/varsity(OVFL))
Team Ontario East

Commitment:
None

Consideration:
Ottawa, Queen’s, Sir. Wilfrid Laurier, Acadia

Class:
2012

Since he was the age of seven, Will has played with the Cumberland Panthers football organization. For the past 11 years, he played on the tyke, peewee, bantam, junior varsity and varsity Panthers teams.

Change was the theme for this star defensive back in 2011. Firstly, he moved over to play free safety from cornerback, a position he’s played his entire career. Additionally, Will changed teams and played for the midget Orleans Dukes. He played a big part in the team’s success this season as they went undefeated en route to a championship title.

The graduating player says winning the title was the highlight of his young football career.

“I knew it was my last season in the NCAFA league and my last chance to win a championship with some of my football friends that I grew up with,” explains Will. “It was also special for me because in my first year of playing football, my team went undefeated to win the championship and it has been ten years since.”

“This allowed me to truly appreciate how rare and special my season was this year.”

Due to his stellar play the last two seasons with the Panthers in the Ontario Varsity Football League (OVFL), Will was named a league all-star. Additionally, Will participated in the Football Canada Cup this past July as a member of Team Ontario East.

Over the course of his football career, the standout has been team MVP and has been honoured with defensive player, Coach’s and team rookie awards.

Will’s career has been shaped by all coaches he’s had on and off the field. There is no doubt as to who the defensive back emulates in football.

“I would have to say my older brother Kevin who is now a Bishop’s Gaiter has been one of my greatest inspirations and I have always looked up to him,” says Will. “He is three years older than me and I have always inspired to mirror and surpass his accomplishments.”

The graduating star credits his parents in helping him become the person he is today.

“They have taught me so much and they have supported me in every one of my decisions and goals,” adds the Dukes defensive back. “I really owe a lot to them.”

Currently, Will is training with former Bishop’s Gaiters defensive back Shawn Naylor, who operates a gym geared towards athletes called The Farm. This helps him achieve and maintain health goals.

“I’m really motivated and disciplined when it comes to my health,” comments the standout. “I eat well and I work-out religiously.”

As for future goals away from football, Will would like to attend law school and eventually pursue a career in the field. No matter what he does in life, the Dukes defensive back says that football has taught him the many keys to success.

One is the concept of hard work.

“You just can’t show-up if you want to be really good at something,” says Will who has learned to have respect for coaches, teammates, referees, opponents and himself. “You have to put in the dedication, effort and time.”

Another thing he has learned is what it means to be a part of a team.

“Football is the ultimate team sport and the greatest quarterback will be nothing without good receivers and great blocking,” explains the graduating standout. “Everyone has a role to perform to be successful.”

Discipline and communication skills have helped Will achieve success in all his goals on and off the field.

“Discipline is the key to success, you must do every little thing the right way and to thebest of your ability and make the right decision, not the easy one,” comments Will. “In order for a team to improve together, every member on that team must be heading in the same direction, to the same goal.”

“Communication is essential to have everyone on the same page; you need communication between the players, the coaches and the team management.”

Being a leader is important to the Dukes star. While there are many ways one can lead, the defensive star says the key is in being effective.

“I believe you need to find your place on the team (your role) and then lead by example,” says Will. “It is easy to talk, but a true leader does not have to: he leads by his actions and decisions.”

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