East County Athlete of the Week: Cody Kawcak

Cody Kawcak is a rising senior tight end on the Braden River High football team. Pirates Head Coach Curt Bradley called Kawcak the team's hardest worker this spring. Kawcak caught 11 passes for 294 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2022. Braden River will play its spring game at 7 p.m. May 19 on the road against Pinellas Park High. 

When did you start playing football?

I started when I was 5. I would play catch with my dad (Chris Kawcak) in the backyard. Then I went straight into tackle football. I skipped playing flag. I just wanted to start hitting. 

What is the appeal to you?

I love the adrenaline of it. You get to hit people and not get in trouble. You have a rush going through you the entire time. At tight end, I get to catch the ball, but I still get to hit and block people, too. 

What is your best skill?

I would say catching. I didn't get to use that skill a lot last year, but whenever I did, I tried to take advantage of it. 

What have you been working to improve?

My blocking. I want to make sure that we're always set up front. The offense starts with us in a way, so I'm always working to make my blocks as good as they can be. 

What is your favorite memory?

Two years ago, we played Clearwater Central Catholic on the road. It was their homecoming night. In the fourth quarter, we scored a touchdown to take a one-point lead, then went for two and got it, so we were up three (32-29). Then we had to hold their offense for one final drive, and we did. That was just the best feeling. 

How is the team feeling this spring?

We're going great right now, but we have to keep putting in the work this summer. We have to get in the weight room to get stronger and faster and bigger. If we work hard then we'll get where we want to be eventually. We're excited to start hitting people (against Pinellas Park). 

What is your favorite food?

Boneless chicken wings. Or anything with a spice to it, really. 

What is your favorite TV show?

I have to go with "Stranger Things."

What is your favorite school subject?

I like my math class, stats and probabilities, this year. A lot of it can relate to football, when trying to determine things like the odds of an opponent running a certain play. 

Which superpower would you pick?

I'd pick flight so I could see the entire world. 

What are your hobbies?

I play a lot of video games. Lately I have been playing a lot of Call of Duty and NHL. 

What is the best advice you have received?

Stay working. Once you give up on something, it's hard to get back into it. So you need to keep your head down and push, even through the rough times. 

Finish this sentence: "Cody Kawcak is …"

Energetic. Whenever I'm with my friends, I'm the weird one in the group. I always have to be doing something. But once I get all that energy out, I'm laid back and chill.