by Sportsman of the Year
Charlie Ciolek of the Olmsted Falls Bulldogs
Reason – Think about being a kid growing up, like many, perhaps you also day dreamt about throwing the winning touchdown in the Super Bowl. I know in my own youth I fondly remember watching the laser armed touchdown pass highlights of John Elway, Dan Marino, Jim Kelly, Brett Farve, Joe Montana, Bernie Kosar, Warren Moon, Boomer Esiason, Troy Aikman, Phil Simms, Steve Young and the list goes on and on. (yes, I’m that old) In none of those highlights were there scenes of those QB’s handing the ball off.
That brings me to Charlie Ciolek and why he is my Sportsman of the Year. The starting quarterback of the Olmsted Falls offense never complained about his role, instead he embraced it and excelled at it. Running a triple option offense is not simple, in fact, it is one of the toughest to pull off. The quarterback has to have steady hands, lightening quick decision-making skills and great vision to adjust right away when needed. Ciolek does all of that, and does it well!
Ciolek is a leader on and off the field, and by him buying into the offense at such a young age allowed him to be a leader and master it by his senior season. Ciolek finished with 494 rushing yards and despite being in such a run heavy offense, still managed to throw the ball for 893 yards and 12 touchdowns. That is unheard of, simply unheard of!
Congrats to Charlie for having a winning attitude, and knowing what it takes to get the job done.
I’d challenge this with Isaiah Johnson from Elyria