Tyler Gallwas '22 Recruiting Profile

My mom signed me up for football when I was around nine years old. I knew nothing really about the sport except that it was fun to be on the field and part of a team. I played for a few years and then decided I wanted to try some other sports out like baseball and water polo and soccer.  So I took a break from football when I was around 12. In that time, I explored some different options. I also grew to be about 6’3” and found out I really enjoyed CrossFit.  There I trained with a coach who pushed my limits on weights and sprints.  He told me once he always knew I would go back to football once I realized my strength. 

When I was in high school my mom asked me point blank to get involved with at least one thing.  She said it could be a club or a sport or just about anything. It took about one second for me to say I’ll go back out for football. I walked on that field and I wasn’t sure where I fit in. These kids have been playing together since they were nine and never took a break. But I walked in got some high-fives and some “welcome to the team” greetings. From that point on I felt like I was a part of something bigger than me. It took a lot of work to relearn a lot of my skills, figure out my position and how I best contributed to the team. But my coaches and the seniors on the team worked with me and became people that I truly look up to. They loved the game. They loved our team. They loved our school. They showed me how lucky I was to be a part of that. 

Being a part of football also showed me or gave me direction for my future! Between in season weight  training, every day practices, speed training and CrossFit, I learned a lot about my body and how to  keep in shape, stay healthy and push myself. And what I discovered is I want to pursue a degree in the medical profession. Whether that’s a team trainer, an orthopedic surgeon, a sports medicine physician, a physical therapist, or an EMT, I know my future belongs with sport and medical training. 

I have come a long way since I walked on that field a few years ago. What I’ve learned about myself is that I love playing the sport. I love being a part of this team. And it doesn’t matter if you are the best player on the field or the worst, as long as you show up every day, give your best, take care of your teammates and coaches, you will be someone that somebody else can look up to. My goal as a senior this year is to be just that. I want to be the best teammate I can possibly be on and off the field, in the weight room and in the classroom.  I will be someone that others look up to not only because I play my position well but because I’ll pick you up if you fall down and I will defend my football family on and off the field. My hope is that I can do the same for you as a player and as a student at your school. I’m a big guy. I’m a strong guy. I’m a good guy. I’m a great friend. I am a great teammate. I’m coachable and I’m smart. And I hope you’ll take a chance and look at me for what I have to bring to your field.