Issue date: 4/30/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Abby Harvey Senior Craig Polifka led the Blugolds with four interceptions in 2008 and seven in 2007.

During his four years at UW-Eau Claire, senior Craig Polifka has spent a lot of time on the football field at Carson Park, showing off both his athletic and leadership abilities.

"His work ethic and his leadership on the field, in the locker room, how he's helped out with the younger players," said head coach Todd Glaser, "… that's probably what we'll miss most about him."

Glaser coached Polifka for three seasons. Polifka played a variety of positions, but mostly defensive back and kick return.

Polifka's versatility is what makes him such an effective player, Glaser said.

"He's a very explosive type of player," Glaser said. "He makes things happen. A lot of times you can't teach that. He's just at the right place at the right time."

Polifka chose to go to Eau Claire because the system in place was very similar to the one at his high school. He also liked what the coach at the time had in mind for the future.

"I liked (the program)," Polifka said. "I was kind of scared because I was really small compared to other guys who played my position, but I was excited at the same time."

In addition to growing as a football player, Polifka said the program set up sessions on Sundays to show the players how to study and be courteous to others. Polifka learned one other thing as well.

"Our actions affect other people and … other people view us as other people and not just football players," Polifka said.

Some of the players weren't as receptive to the sessions, but Polifka said they all realized the importance of it at the end of the day.

Personally, Polifka said the sessions helped him to mature more and to look at the grand scheme of things.

One of Polifka's favorite memories from playing football at Eau Claire was making the NCAA Division III playoffs his junior year, which he said was a personal and team accomplishment.

"I think that's the best thing I've ever got to experience playing football," he said.

That season, Polifka said the team won a lot of close games, which made them bond a lot more. He said he specifically remembers winning a close game against UW-Oshkosh.

Continued...

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