Wildcats prepare to leave pack behind in quest for greener pastures

The gowns are ironed and the stage is set for the class of 2023. Seniors may be strutting into a new university while some lucky student-athletes will be picking up their sport right where they left it. The college level is full of new faces and harder practices leaving a small percentage of students feeling they can continue. 

For senior Jaxon Galica, sports has always been his passion. 

“I want to play college sports because it's been my dream since I was a little kid,” he said. “I remember watching college football on Saturdays as a kid and wanting to make it to that level so badly. I mean I'm one of very few people who can actually say that they are living out their dreams. I know that if ten-year-old me could see me now, they'd be proud, and it's just a surreal feeling.”

Galica plans to play football at the University of Wyoming. The team competes in NCAA Division l, making it the highest level of competition. Galica gives credit to programs from West that immerse young athletes in the Wildcat culture right away. 

“Oshkosh West has done a lot to prepare me for sports, starting in middle school with the Champions Athletic Training System lifting program that allowed me and other kids to come to West and be introduced to weight lifting,” he said. “This was great because it allowed us to be around Mr. [Kenneth] Levine, who was the head coach, and to buy into the culture of West.”

While Galica appreciates such tactics, he also realizes there are areas that need improvement.

“In terms of helping players get opportunities to play at the next level, West has done an atrocious job of connecting players with college coaches,” he said. “Up until coach Ben Mathe arrived at West last year, I'd never heard of any college coaches coming to West to recruit players.”

Senior Kieran Patrick will also be continuing his football career at the University of Platteville. He is a teammate of Galica’s and has also endured the change of coaches.

“Considering all the coaching turnover I have had in the football program, I learned how to adapt to new situations and thrive in them,” he said. “I also learned how to be a leader in the sports I participated in throughout high school, and I can use this skill both on the football field and academically in college.”

Patrick concurs with Galica on the motivation to continue athletic careers. 

“I enjoy playing football, and I wanted to continue to compete at a higher level,” he said. “I have been competitive since I can remember, so being able to compete at the college level has always been a goal of mine.”

Senior Brianna Bougie will be playing softball at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh and believes West has her ready in a different way. 

“West has prepared me for college sports by constantly playing against hard teams consistently,” she said. “Our schedule includes a wide variety of conference and non-conference games which really helps widen our playing field. Plus the way teams are set up, varsity and non-varsity, you are always competing for your spot.”

Tough competitions are the best way to become prepared for playing at a college-level, according to Galica.

“The FVA is easily the best and most competitive conference in the state,” he said. “This allowed me to play against high caliber competition and increased exposure in the recruiting process as well.”

Bougie has been exposed to teams all over the state but is excited to begin playing teams all over the world.

“I’m really looking forward to all the new people I’m going to meet and play against,” she said. “In high school, you can only play against people from Wisconsin, but in college, you’ll play against people from multiple other states which will be very exciting. By playing against these new teams, I will be introduced to a new style of play that I'm not used to.”

Athletic director Brad Jodarki has evaluated the effect of students playing college sports and has ruled in favor of it.

“I think it reflects favorably on our school and I think it draws attention to our school,” he said. “Usually when kids are being recruited, whether it being during the offseason or during the season, college coaches are reaching out to their high school coaches or coming to our site, and they might see other kids that they are interested in so I think that's a benefit.”

As more athletes continue their athletic careers, more recognition for the school is gained.

“When one of our athletes goes somewhere else to compete, it usually comes with some publicity,” Jodarski said. “Many times there's a story or two written about it on our website to promote the good things that our kids are doing so like any school you use it as one of those things to draw families to your district.” 

Jodarski has also seen the hard work that goes into preparing kids for the next level.

“We offer lots of different sports for both girls and boys,” he said. “I think our weight room is top notch. We are lagging behind in our facilities because we don't have bright and brand new ones.” 

Jodarski knows that a strong work ethic is what ultimately differentiates a strong athlete from an average one.

“I think what's inside your heart and how hard you work and how much preparation you put in matters more than a brand new facility”

by Sophie Carlin

Published on May 22, 2023

Oshkosh West Index volume 119 issue VIII