Sports
Zielinski a Strong Center for Crusaders
L'Anse Creuse North senior center Austin Zielinski's work ethic and commitment helped him shine for Crusader Nation.
Austin Zielinski earned the starting center position for the Crusaders football team this year with his hard work and commitment.
Unfortunately for both he and , Zielinski's senior season was cut short when he broke his leg Sept. 9 in a . Zielinski has already undergone surgery to repair his broken tibia and fibula.
The two-year varsity player was injured during the second quarter of the game on a punt play as he ran down field.
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"As soon as I planted my foot I knew it," Zielinski said. "I think a teammate of mine was clipped in the back and he fell on my leg. It's a bummer. It is so disappointing to work so hard and now I can't play. It is what it is, I guess."
The Crusaders are already missing their center.
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"Austin is a super student-athlete that our program will miss the remainder of the 2011 season," said L'Anse Creuse North coach Joe Politowicz. "He is just a unique kid that works extremely hard at everything he does. He is well liked by his peers because of his work ethics and great personality and earned the center starting position this season due to a great job and commitment to the program on the off season.
"It has been a pleasure for the coaching staff to have a young intelligent student-athlete like Austin to be a part of the North football program."
L'Anse Creuse North associate principal and former athletic director Kim Rawski agrees.
"Austin is a great kid and is very well liked by everyone," Rawski said. "He comes from a wonderful and supportive family and his effort and hard work will truly be missed by the LCN football team."
