Sami Jurofsky ’11
Staff Writer

Placekicker and punter Jason Mawicke ’11 had an outstanding season after transferring from St. Joseph’s High School in Trumbull, CT. Mawicke was an amazing addition to the Wreckers special teams. He averaged 45 yards per punt, made 38 of 39 PATs and recorded 22 touchbacks

Mawicke did not participate in National Signing Day this past week, leaving friends and classmates confused. Determining which school is best for Mawicke has been an overwhelming process. However, the list has been narrowed down to three schools, Coastal Carolina University (DI), Catholic (DIII), and University of Rhode Island (DI).

“I’m going to take my time deciding where I will be headed next year so don’t expect anything for probably another month or so, I am going to aim for the middle of March,” Mawicke said.

Although football will influence his decision, Mawicke is also looking at the quality of academics while considering colleges. When he looks at a school, Mawicke considers whether he would be happy there without football which helps him in his process of narrowing down his list.

The recruiting process is a lot of work and players often need the support of family and friends. When Mawicke needs any advice or help with the process he looks to his mother. “Without a doubt my mom has been the biggest help, without her I would probably still be applying to schools,” Mawicke said.

Past Wreckers have found it beneficial to take a post graduate year. Connor Bohling ’10 signed with Georgetown after taking a PG year. Mawicke did consider taking the same path, instead of attending Milford Academy in New York he has decided to go straight to college.

The process of being recruited takes many months and involves contacting numerous coaches and visiting all of the schools. Players are contacted prior to their season and during the season, all the players can do is wait it out.

Mawicke’s advice for future athletes is to get the recruiting process over with as fast as you can and to stick with a school that they will be happiest at.

Only a very select percent of high school athletes continue onto a Division I team, out of that small percentage, even less athletes go on to pursue a career in the sport which they play.

This makes academics even more important when considering what school to play for. Division I recruiting only requires that a player accumulates above a 2.0 high school grade point average, beyond that, admission is granted based only on the players skill level.

Division I athletes must maintain the team’s required grade point average once admitted to the college. This includes mandatory study hours, study groups, and tutors. Being an athlete in college can benefit players in completing school work and staying on track.

Mawicke may not have decided where he wants to go yet, but he has reached a point that many athletes dream to reach.