Joe Kowalski Learning "On the Fly"
By: Matthew Florjancic, Correspondent
BEREA, OHIO — Macedonia resident and Nordonia High graduate Joe Kowalski is learning how to play on the defensive line at Baldwin-Wallace College "on the fly".
The defensive line is one of the most important units for any football team. Having a consistent rotation of young men and teaching technique to its younger members is a key to success.
However, for the Baldwin-Wallace College football team, due to a rash of injuries this fall on its defensive line, desire and ability have outweighed the chance to learn and gain experience. Thus, Kowalski is learning as he plays.
The Yellow Jacket coaches saw a host of defensive linemen, including preseason starting defensive tackles Matt Leber and Derek Fabry and defensive end Sam Rantucci, all go down for the season with injuries. In all six defensive linemen have been injured. The lone remaining preseason starter still available on gameday is third-team All-North Region and All-Ohio Athletic Conference defensive end Ryan Lewis. The injuries to Leber and Fabry have forced B-W fourth-year head coach John Snell to rely heavily on Kowalski at tackle.
"It is pretty simple," said Snell, 27-11 in four years at B-W. "We have to play our younger players due to injuries to the older one’s. Joe and Chuck (fellow freshman Charles Koch of Austintown Fitch) are getting their chance earlier than expected."
Kowalski, an 18-year old sport medicine and exercise-science major, is glad to be producing on the field for the 3-3 overall Yellow Jackets who play this Saturday at 25th-ranked Capital University in Columbus.
"The best part of playing varsity is getting in the game and getting that feeling back that I had in high school," said Kowalski. "I love going out there and playing the best I can and making tackles."
After the first six Yellow Jacket games, Kowalski has 10 total tackles, three of which came behind the line of scrimmage along with two and one-half quarterback sacks. Two of his sacks came in a last Saturday’s (Oct. 15) 35-22 victory against Heidelberg College at The George Finnie Stadium in Berea.
Coach Snell is glad to have Kowalski’s production on the field.
"We have been playing a lot of young guys and Joe Kowalski is one of those freshmen that we thought would be a factor for us," Snell said. "We were hoping to have him start slowly, gain experience and then work into the rotation with Matt and Derek as well as others. But it didn’t happen that way.
"We felt that Joe would be a very good player," said Snell. "We knew after the first few days of preseason camnp that he had outstanding talent, desire and ability. He has proven to be everything we thought he was. I think he is going to be a great player for us over the course of his career," Snell added.
Kowalski’s prowess on the field has gained the attention of the opponents. He has been able to shed the blocks of offensive linemen and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
"I think I am doing well," said Kowalski. "I go into every game thinking the same thing. If I get double-teamed, then I work to beat the double-team. If I am not double-teamed, then it is easier for me to find the runner or pressure the quarterback."
"Whenever you have somebody on the defensive line that can put pressure on the quarterback and help you stop the run, you are going to have a good defense," said Snell. "We base our defense around those front-line guys. We have always felt if we have great people up there, we have a chance to win the football game."
Kowalski is not looking to break any records, but would rather be recognized for his accomplishments.
"My one goal this summer was just to start," Kowalski stated. "I told myself if I was going to Baldwin-Wallace that by my senior year, I want to be an All-American."
As a freshman, Kowalski has reached his first goal at an early stage, starting B-W’s second game of the season at fifth-ranked Ohio Northern University. He has started twice so far in 2005 and will make his third start this Saturday in Columbus. His second goal will come in time and he knows that to become a Division III All-American that it takes hard work. He has a great role model to watch in Yellow Jacket senior defensive end and All-America candidate Ryan Lewis.
He believes playing alongside Lewis is a great learning experience for any defensive lineman.
"He [Lewis] has influenced me greatly," Kowalski said. "He is a good leader. Ryan knows exactly what he is talking about and I just watch and learn from him.
"In addition, I was blessed with outstanding coaching in high school and we have some outstanding coaches here at B-W," said Kowalski."
While at Nordonia, Kowalski played for former Yellow Jacket All-OAC defensive tackle Keith Boedicker.
Since earning the right to start on the defense at B-W, Kowalski has become a little superstitious.
"During the week, we have black [practice] jerseys that say Swarm D on them," said Kowalski. "If you start or are fighting for a starting spot, you get that jersey. On Thursday, if you did well, you get to keep it, if not the coaches take it away.
"I am scared to turn it in to be washed because I don’t want to lose it (the chance to start)", added Kowalski. "It is just superstition, and I have gotten a lot of teasing comments from the other guys."
Even though he is still getting used to his new teammates, Kowalski is excited to be playing college football.
"I am happy to be here and to be playing at a high level program like B-W and in a great conference like the OAC," said Kowalski. "I would rather have people depending on me than having them depend on somebody else."
Before deciding on a college, Kowalski looked at several different schools.
"I had a lot of calls, but I did not feel really wanted at some of the schools," said Kowalski. "The thing that made me choose B-W was Coach Snell and Coach Howard (B-W Defensive Coordinator Adam Howard). I felt really wanted. In addition, my sister went to B-W, so I am comfortable with the campus."
Kowalski is hoping to accomplish just as much as he did at Nordonia High School of the Western Reserve Conference.
While in the Green and White of the Knights, Kowalski earned three letters in football and track, as well as four letters on the wrestling mat.
For his efforts on the football field, Kowalski was a two-time All-Western Reserve Conference choice, an All-District pick and an honorable mention All-Ohio selection at defensive tackle. In wrestling, he was an All-WRC choice and placed fourth at heavyweight at the OHSAA (Ohio High School Athletic Association) State Tournament.
Despite all of the individual success, Kowalski’s fondest memory of high school involved a team accomplishment.
"The most memorable moment was going to the OHSAA State Football Championship game as a sophomore," said Kowalski. "Our team had a 13-2 overall rfecord. We ended up losing, but it was great to be on a team that was so successful.
"My goal now is to help B-W win OAC titles and hopefully a Division III National title," said Kowalski. "I know that I have the ability to make a difference. So, every day I go to practice with the mental attitude to learn from our coaches and Ryan Lewis, get stronger and improve."
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