By Ken Hansard
The Independence Bulldogs are looking to make some noise this football season in the highly competitive Southeast Kansas League. Much of the optimism surrounding the Bulldogs’ preseason starts up front with senior left tackle Stanley Kowalczyk.
Kowalczyk started every game as a junior, playing several different positions depending on the team’s needs from week-to-week. As a senior, he is likely to settle in as a mainstay at the left tackle position. After an intense off-season of training, Kowalczyk is excited to see how his team’s hard work will translate to wins and losses, “Our attendance in the weight room has improved significantly. I’m looking forward to seeing how much we’ve grown as a group.”
As a senior, Kowalczyk has some big goals – like earning First Team All-SEK Honors – but his primary goal is to lead his teammates and help to promote winning attitudes and a positive culture, “I see myself as a leader and someone our guys can count on in important situations. We’re learning as a team to do the little things – such as eliminating negative attitudes and poor body language – which will help us to perform better as a whole.”
Kowalczyk is understandably excited about the future, but he wants to be sure to enjoy the moment with his team, “I grew up loving football; it’s always been a dream of mine to play in college. But that is secondary right now. Our guys are in high spirits and ready to prove doubters wrong – to show them who we can and will be.”
In the winter, Stanley plays basketball for Independence. He is also a participating member of the Neosho Talent Search – a college entrance assistance program. After graduating from Independence High, Kowalczyk wants to continue playing football at the collegiate level.
