Oswego East Student-Athlete of the Week-Andy Pohlman

Competitor is often the highest compliment an athlete can receive. Every athlete who competes wants to win, but some stand out from their peers in their unselfishness and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team to succeed. Junior basketball player and multi-sport athlete Andy Pohlman fits the criteria regardless of what he is asked to do on the court, track, or football field, which is why he is this week’s Oswego East student-athlete of the week.

Growing up with an older brother, competition and winning were instilled in Andy at a young age. “Being exposed to different levels of competition on and off the field/court has helped to nurture and grow his competitive spirit,” says Kristine and Matt Pohlman, Andy’s parents. They go on to say, “Having a relentless older brother who demanded Andy always brought his “A” game each time they battled in the yard, driveway, or park probably helped as well.”

Andy’s basketball journey began in second grade for Primetime basketball, and despite attending different high schools, the group and their coach, Jason Wright, stuck together. The bond only grows stronger when there is a “glue guy” like Andy. “Putting team results over personal success drives Andy’s spirit,” says Kristine and Matt.

That drive to succeed comes from Andy’s competitive spirit and abhorrence of losing. “I like strategy and competitiveness, and losing gets to me a lot. Besides basketball, football, and track at OE, I play golf, chess checkers, ping-pong, and pool. I am always driven to win regardless of what I’m playing,” says Andy.

Perhaps there is no better example of what Andy’s drive to win looks like than his role on the basketball team. On a team highlighted with prolific scorers and talent, Andy is asked to be the defensive cog to the team’s overall success. “Andy often draws the assignment of guarding the opposing team's best player,” says head coach Ryan Velasquez. He goes on to say, “Andy leads the team in charges taken. He is an incredibly unselfish player who wants to win and see the team succeed.”

That passion for the sport is not only evident during games but in practice as well. “You will never see Andy take a possession off,” says Ryan. “He pushes his teammates daily. I’m sure our opponents have him tabbed on their scouting report as the best defender and scrappy player who does all the little things for his team to get a win.”

Andy’s success on the court, and every other aspect of his life, can be attributed to far more than natural talent and intelligence. Andy is a disciple of a regimented schedule and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to doing what is necessary to succeed. “I believe discipline is more important than motivation because you need to get up every day and do the work and hold yourself accountable,” says Andy. He goes on to say,” I rarely go out and spend most of my time lifting weights, practicing, doing extra speed and agility drills, and reviewing notes and working on projects for school.”

With a 4.05 GPA and discussions with Ivy League schools about attending school and playing football, Andy’s hard work is assuredly paying off. As an all-conference and all-area safety/wide receiver in football, Andy has also had discussions about playing football with Miami of Ohio, and Illinois State University, and will be visiting Toledo on the 27th. Wherever Andy ends up attending college, he plans to major in either business or sports marketing, pairing his competitive spirit with his personable nature.

Stacy Sajder, who taught Andy in Fundamentals of Business, says, “Andy is extremely personable. His extroverted personality coupled with his creativity and discipline make him an awesome business student. He is extremely efficient and helps his peers when needed. He is a leader both in the classroom and on the court.”

While exciting to discuss, Andy is never one to get ahead of himself. His focus is directly attuned to helping the Wolves achieve their first-ever state championship in basketball. At an overall record of 14-6, and experience playing in the elite 8 last season, the Wolves have positioned themselves to emerge from a tough sectional for another run at a state berth. As the “glue guy” for the Wolves, Andy offers similar advice to competitive future Wolves, saying, “If you want something you’re going to have to work for it. Nothing comes easy in life.” Work is not something Andy and the Wolves are afraid of putting in, and with health and good luck, their work might pay off by season’s end with a state championship trophy.