By Jimmy Allinder
Joe Vigilante, Nick Tonzola and Scott Runkel understood Andrew Brazicki was a special athlete the first day he arrived at Bishop George Ahr High School.
The Edison parochial school’s football, wrestling and baseball coaches could see the Franklin Township native was already physically mature, even though he was a freshman. Brazicki also carried himself with an air of confidence — not arrogance — which promised he would be a great leader.
So instead of mounting a competition for his services, the trio formed an alliance of sorts and developed a game plan for Brazicki to become a virtual man for all seasons.
In retrospect, the rising senior recognizes the wisdom of his coaches’ group decision. Not only has Brazicki been able to play three varsity sports — a rarity these days — but he learned the importance of remaining focused and disciplined, regardless of the time of year.
“I can’t thank Vig, Tonz and Coach Runkel for all they’ve done,” Brazicki said. “During my three years [here], they have worked [closely] together and helped me in so many ways.”
Brazicki said one important lesson was learning to have respect for others, an important element of each coach’s teaching philosophy. That, and developing an appreciation for hard work, is what Brazicki will carry with him wherever he goes following his senior year.
Even with a full year of eligibility remaining, the list of Brazicki’s athletic accomplishments is already long and impressive.
In football, he made a token appearance as a freshman in the NJSIAA state playoffs and saw spot duty as a running back as a sophomore. But when he became the feature back last season, Brazicki rushed for 1,054 yards, caught 14 passes for 252 yards and scored nine touchdowns. In addition, he was one of the Trojans’ top defensive players at linebacker. His best performance was against Carteret High School in a 34-13 victory when he rushed for 259 yards, scored four touchdowns and, when he switched to defense, sacked the quarterback twice, forced a fumble and blocked a punt.
Brazicki’s junior year as Bishop Ahr’s 182-pound wrestler was also his best. His overall record was 25-6 with 10 pins, he won the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) Tournament and NJSIAA District 19 titles, and he placed third in the regionals. The latter earned Brazicki a trip to the state finals in Atlantic City. He has earned a berth on the GMC All-Blue Division team every year he has wrestled and was named to the conference Coaches Association all-star team his sophomore and junior seasons.
Brazicki’s athletic ability also served him well when he played baseball. As a sophomore, he caught and manned center field, and his batting stats included a .369 average with 31 hits and 29 RBIs. This past spring, he upped his average to .420 with two home runs, 10 doubles, 22 runs scored and 16 RBIs.
Brazicki plans to play all three sports his senior year but has decided to focus on football in college. The list of schools that have contacted him is impressive. Among those he is considering are Columbia University, Cornell University, Lehigh University and Fordham University — all with outstanding academic reputations — with others expected to join the list.
Brazicki’s grades merit that attention. His grade-point average is 4.2, which is remarkable since he competes in varsity sports the entire school year. His academic awards include being named to the Principal’s Distinguished Honor Roll and Bishop Ahr’s National Honor Society Chapters for Mathematics, Science and Spanish.
“I believe it’s important to bring the same discipline to schoolwork as in sports,” Brazicki said. “I have a routine and I stick to it. After school, I go to practice, then the gym and then come home. After dinner, I finish my homework and, on good nights, I try and get enough quality sleep.”
Brazicki reflects back to his freshman year playing football when he experienced a moment he’ll always remember.
“My grandfather came to our game against [Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen],” he said. “He saw me catch a ‘Hail Mary’ pass in the end zone while I was covered by three defenders. Three weeks later, he passed away, but he was there to watch me make the catch, and I’m thankful for that. My grandfather taught me to believe in myself and have fun playing sports. I’ve always tried to live [that way].”
Brazicki appreciates the unconditional support from his father and mother, Bob and Jaye, and his older brother, R.J., a former Bishop Ahr scholar-athlete. Each has guided him in special ways through the difficult times when there was so much to accomplish with so little time. He also respects how his coaches reinforced the importance of working hard but enjoying sports, especially at this point in his life.
Vigilante’s statement represents basically what each coach has expressed about Brazicki.
“For three years, I’ve been fortunate to coach Andrew,” he said. “I’ve never once seen him overwhelmed. He’s the same, fun-loving kid I first met, and that is a testament to how his parents have raised him. Andrew was never forced to put the weight of three sports and a demanding class schedule on his shoulders, but he realizes everything will pay off in the end.”
