Football's Kolnik displays patience, work ethic

September 23, 2003


Editor's Note: This feature story on senior OG John Kolnik was written prior to the Sept. 20 victory over Hamline

By GENE McGIVERN
Sports Information Director

St. Thomas coach Don Roney wants all 103 of his players to succeed, but he admits having a special feeling for senior lineman John Kolnik, who's making
his first career start today at left guard Saturday vs. Hamline.

It's not just because Kolnik's impressive work ethic and academic performance. It's not only because Kolnik has paid his dues as a scout team and backup player with such a positive attitude. And it's not just because John has been so dedicated in the weight room, where he's gradually bulked up from 250 pounds as a freshman to a solid 285 pounds today.

Kolnik, you see, is playing the 2003 season with a heavy heart. His mother Cathy passed away last winter at age 49 after a two-year battle with cancer. It's understandably left a giant void for John, his brother Nick and their father Bob.

"With all that John and his family went through, he's one of those guys you really find yourself cheering for," Roney said. "I'm sure he's had to look at life
differently with all he's been through."

"My mom was always my biggest fan," Kolnik said. "That was such a highlight for her to come to my games and watch me play. Not having her in the stands this year, it's tough."

With the graduation of offensive cogs like Jake Barkley, Nick Ambrasas, Andrew Hilliard and Jon Learn, Roney knew he'd have to lean on his 2003 offensive line even more than usual.

Last week's season-ending injury to tackle Blake Norman has made that task even tougher. But Roney has confidence that Kolnik will step in and give his best effort.

Kolnik got a head start last week as he played the entire second half at guard.

"John is certainly big enough and strong enough to be a force in there," Roney said. "He's made great gains in
the weight room. I hope that gives him some confidence to play well."

Kolnik said his love of weight training started in high school at Park of Cottage Grove. "My coach at Park was really big into the off-season conditioning and he really sold me on it," Kolnik said. "I figured I would use my work ethic to gain an edge."

Roney calls players like Kolnik "the backbone of our football program. We need lunch-box guys like John who are patient and wait their chance to play. The Division III programs that are the most consistent have that kind of depth where you don't have to throw freshmen and sophomores out there who aren't quite ready. In some areas we don't have that depth so we're going through some growing pains. We're lucky to have a few guys like John -- older kids who will step up and help us this season. The good teams have 15-20 seniors who go through the program and stay all four years."

After graduation, Kolnik hopes to teach P.E. and coach and possibly get certified as a strength and conditioning coach.

His immediate goal is clearer: "Just win -- we need a win," Kolnik said. "The first one is the hardest. We just need to persevere and stick together."