Kolodzie attended Drummonds Dressig Scholastic Football Combine this past May. The combine uses a system known as “RAPS” which stands for “Reaction, Agility, Power and Strength”. RAPS was designed by Drummond and his friend, and former German pro league football player, Mark Jones.
The senior returning 2-way starter attended the combine with teammate Rocky Lamonica and several dozen other central New Yorkers.
Drummond was quick to point out that Kolodzie had an impressive showing at the combine. “He told me I got the best score there” Kolodzie said. The former Orangeman also told him to “keep doing what he’s doing and he could play college ball if he continues to work hard”.
The combine measures a players ability in the 40-yd dash, L-cone drill, broad jump, vertical jump and 20-yd shuttle along with other football drills. The format was designed by the former NFL player and CFL star who was the Grey Cup MVP in 2000. In that contest he rushed for 122 yards and a TD while playing for the British Columbia Lions.
2nd year head coach Doug Clarke will rely heavily on his senior captain this fall. “He’s our key on defense and he’ll be our main halfback on offense” Clarke said. “He’ll get a lot more touches than last year”
In 2006 Kolodzie was primarily noticed on defense. “Last years offense didn’t give him much of a chance to show what he could do” Clarke added. As a defender he tallied 12 solo tackles and 34 assists to go along with a sack and an interception. “He has good cover skills and he’s a smart player”.
12 members of the Rebel squad attended Tom Hermans Wing-T camp at Edinboro University this past summer. “Last year we ran the triple option but it didn’t work out so this season we’re putting in the Wing-T” Clarke said.
While in Pennsylvania Edinboro defensive coordinator Wayne Bradford showed some interest in the new APW captain. “He’s fast, he’s a really good hitter and he’s not afraid to stick his nose in there” Clarke said.
Clarke was quick to point out that Kolodzie was a constant in the weight room and that the players are revved up for the 2007 season. “The kids are really excited to get back on the field and I have high expectations for Matt this season”.
This season Kolodzie hopes to help APW return to the more glorious history of Rebel football. “We’re a small school and haven’t been the best the last couple of years” he said. “I’m hoping we can get back to the playoffs this year”.
Although he hasn’t picked a destination for the next level he does hope to play college football in 2008. “I’d like to study Sports Physical Therapy”.
If he’s the hitter that coach Clarke claims and he’s the athlete that Drummond states, then his opponents may need a sports physical therapist themselves.