Click for Paul Gicewicz Highlights
One of the top athletes in Washington’s 2016 recruiting class, both on and off the field, is Paul Gicewicz of Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma).
The 6-foot-5, 295 pound Gicewicz is a two time All-Narrows league offensive lineman, 2nd team as a sophomore, and 1st team following his junior season.
“The Narrows is an exceptional league and being able to gain recognition as one of the top linemen was amazing,” Gicewicz told NEI. “I owe it all the my guard, Truxton [Langvad], and the rest of the O Line. We all helped push each other to be the best that we could be.”
While those accolades are impressive, where Gicewicz really shines is in the classroom. He currently sports a 3.94 GPA, and has taken all AP and Honors courses since his first day of High School.
“Academics are and always will be a top priority for me,” Gicewicz said. “My mother from a very early age told me academics are what will carry me in life. And she has been correct. I try to be exceptional in everything that I do. I have never shied away from a difficult class.
“This year I am taking AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP US History, and honors English, all the while being a two sport varsity athlete. My goal is to use this combination of exceptional football and academics to get into a college that will help me be most successful in life.”
Gicewicz was an All-State alternate this past season, and is working hard to take the next step in his game to become a elite level lineman, but for the senior to be, it isn’t all about himself.
“I believe to become an elite offensive tackle, I have to focus less on myself, and more on my team,” Gicewicz noted. “Offensive line is a position where there is very little recognition. Doing the little things for the betterment of the team is more important than individual glory, and if I do these little things I will become a better player.”
“I’m the most experienced offensive lineman on my team, and I want to lead the players around me and ensure that they become all they can be. If everyone on the Lions plays to their full potential, we will be a very legitimate playoff contender.”
Recruiting has taken off for Gicewicz, as he is hearing from schools all across the country. He is currently hearing from Washington, Oregon, Northwestern, Michigan, Notre Dame, Brown, Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Harvard, and Wyoming.
During Spring Break, Gicewicz made a trip out east to visit Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia and Brown.
“I have been in close contact with all five of them, and regularly call their recruiters,” he said. “I had an overall great trip, and confirmed the interest of all the Ivy’s was very genuine.”
Right now Gicewicz is playing Lacrosse, but following the season he plans on attending camps at the University or Washington, Oregon, Harvard, Yale and Columbia.
We will be sure to keep you up to date on Gicewicz and the Lions, as they look to once again be one of the stronger teams in the 4A classification.
