2024 PFN Player Profile: Getting to know Penns Manor lineman Alex Polenik
Tagged under: District 6, News, Player Previews
Billy Splain | July 24, 2024
Alex Polenik
OG/DE
Penns Manor High School
Class Of 2025
Jersey #60
HT/WT 6’2” 250lb.
4th on the team for tackles last year
Other sports Track & field and basketball
State Champion in the Discus, 5x District 6 Champion (Track & Field), All-PA Track & Field Team, All-Renda Lineman of the Year, 3x Letterman in Football and Track & Field, 2x Letterman in Basketball, All-Conference Football, Basketball, and Track & Field
Coach says: “Alex broke his hand early in game one last season and played every game with his hand casted. He was dominant on our line, both offense and defense. He was selected Lineman of the year for Indiana County. Also Alex was the PIAA State Champion in the discus and took a silver medal in the shot out.”
LET’S GET TO KNOW ALEX!
Why do you play football?
I play football because I’m able to work as a team to achieve a common goal. All of my teammates are willing to do what it takes to get what we want for the win.
Who is your favorite sports star and WHY?
Ryan Crouser because it’s amazing watching how smooth and explosive his shot put throw is as well as his dedication to throwing.
Do you have a favorite play you remember the most? Explain:
My favorite play that I remember was against Juanita Valley last year. The play was a counter where our team faked hard to the left of the field and me and a running back countered to the right. I’ll never forget how wide open the field was when I pulled from my position and led the running back to a touchdown.
What was last years season like for you?
It had a lot of ups and downs with beating teams that we should not have beat and losing to teams that we should not have lost to. I was somewhat satisfied though to be able to make it to the District 6 Semifinal game.
What are your goals for this coming season?
My goals are to reclaim the All-Renda Lineman of the Year, to end the season on a winning record, and to make it to the District 6 Championship game.
Who is the best player you ever lined up against?
There have been a lot of good players that I’ve lined up against, in practice and in game, but the best would most likely be Garrett Jasper from Cambria Heights.
What game, yours, college or pro, was your favorite game you watched and why?
My favorite game to watch was when I was sitting at Beaver Stadium watching the Penn State Nittany Lions play the Fighting Illini and witness a record breaking nine overtime football game.
What would you do to improve the recruiting process?
Describe what the perfect teammate is
The perfect teammate is one that pushes you to be better, but always has your back and supports you.
Tell everyone why you think football is good for a community
Football is something that brings a community together. It can provide opportunities for kids that don’t have the best home life and it can help children become disciplined.
Name one thing that you’d love to do in football that may never happen?
Run the ball.
Who is your mentor, the person you want to be like? WHY?
My dad has taught me almost everything I know about sports. He’s not only one of my biggest supporters, he is also one of my most influential coaches. He’s taught me the values of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork.
What is your favorite practice drill? What is your least favorite practice drill?
My favorite practice drills are Oklahomas and my least favorite practice drill is hitting the two man sled.
Preseason Two a Days are:
A necessary evil
Is there anyone in your family, besides your parents, you could consider your biggest fan? Who, Why?
My sister and grandparents always tries to make it to my games. They support me on and off the field and are always decked out in Comet gear.
When you aren’t playing, practicing or training for sports, what is your go to activity and why?
I play video games and listen to music. Listening to music helps me relax and playing video games allows my mind to get away from the hardships of the day.
What is your favorite play to run?
I love to run any form of buck sweep because most of the time I get to pull and crush the outside linebackers.
is a hot dog a sandwich? If not, then why?
Music of choice:
70s and 80s rock
Best thing you ever got from a teammate? Why?
When I was starting in varsity as a freshman, some of the upperclassmen gave me good advice on blocking after I snap the ball.
Best Pizza topping?
Sausage
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Sacramento, California
Do you remember what the first football game you saw was?
I remember attending a Penn State game when I was around seven years old in the pouring rain.
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