Prep football players have a lot on their plates on Friday nights, but maybe none more so than Reavis’ Mikolaj Wrobel.
The senior is not only a two-way player for the Rams at middle linebacker and fullback, he’ll be directing the band at halftime of home games.
Believe it or not, his halftime routine is easier this fall.
“I was in marching band the first three years, which I would say is a little bit harder than conducting because you’ve got to do all the walking,” Wrobel said.
Music has always been a big part of his life.
“When I was 6 years old, my mom introduced me to playing the piano,” Wrobel said. “I started having lessons around 8. I started playing the violin; then came fourth grade, I’m playing the saxophone. Now I know how to play a little bit of cello and the bagpipes.”
In contrast, he came to football later than most, just starting the sport as a freshman at Reavis.
“My mom was big on safety,” Wrobel said. “Freshman year, she said yes (to football) and I was all in. …
“I started off behind. But you just have to grind it out, learn as you go. And then hopefully over the years, if you’re trying more than the others you’re gonna be better than the others.”
Wrobel, a 5-10, 195-pounder, is a returning starter for the Rams, who went 6-4 and reached the Class 7A playoffs last season.
He’s just one of several Reavis football players who do double duty with the band at halftime. First-year head coach Josh O’Shea, an assistant last year who was promoted when Tim Zasada stepped down, is all for it.
“It’s just something that we encourage, that they’re involved in all school things,” O’Shea said. “… We miss some (halftime) adjustments. But to me, big picture, it’s worth it to have some football guys out there showing the whole school that it’s cool to be involved in all these different activities.”
Wrobel has developed into an elite defender, according to his coach.
“He’s a tough inside linebacker, run stopper guy that will go in and fill the gap. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s a fullback type of guy. It’s his strength, his agility and it’s just his mindset.”
Wrobel, who also wrestles and runs track, was voted a captain by his teammates, which didn’t surprise O’Shea.
“He’s a kid that’s just at everything,” O’Shea said. “Whether it’s me running a youth camp and him helping out there, it’s weight room — he would come in after wrestling to do some skill work that we’re doing. He knows all the plays, so he’s really good at communicating, speaks multiple languages. So that helps at a place where there’s other Polish guys.
“It’s everything. He’s a good big brother, he’s a good teammate.”