Despite Injury, Szadkowski A Standout
By Jack Danilewicz
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Jordan Szadkowski’s promising football career was nearly grounded before it began, although he’s the first to admit he was being undone from within and not from without.
“When I was playing Pop Warner, I wanted to quit. I’d be tired of practice, and I just wanted to play in the games. My dad (Richard) got kind of mad. He told me no.”
There has been no turning back since then.
Unbeknownst to both son and father, Jordan would soon face more challenges than balking at the idea of practice in pursuing the sport he loves. A senior slot back this fall for Campbell High, Szadkowski has suffered a broken collar bone on three separate occasions in his football years, including last year’s injury, which wiped out almost his entire season.
Another long rehabilitation process followed, but Szadkowski is now part of the discussion at Campbell again. Asked who has stood out in the early days of fall camp, Saber assistant Wyatt Tau quickly names Szadkowski.
“He never takes a day off, and he’s fast, too,” said Tau.
With Campbell’s season only days away, Szadkowski recently took some time away from the practice field to answer questions for MidWeek.
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What’s your earliest football-related memory? I played flag football in Kapolei first, and I’ve played football ever since. I’ve always loved football.
What was it like having to miss last season after having put in so much work in the off-season as well as in fall camp? I just stood outside (practice) and learned the plays. They were mental reps for me. I had thought I dislocated my shoulder or something at first. I wanted to play. It stunk. I feel good about this year. I worked out more and lifted more weights this year. I’m more appreciative of football.
What’s the fun in football for you? It’s just fun to play, and you get to know a lot of people. I can’t wait till game day (usually). Just thinking about the game ‘amps’ me out the whole week, especially when it’s a big game.
Who’s had the biggest impact on you in your life? My dad. He always pushed me. When I was in Pop Warner and I wanted to quit, he told me to stick it out. He takes me to combines and stuff, and he works with me on my routes and my blocking. He played for Waianae.
Who’s your football mentor? Is there a player whose game you try to emulate? L.T. (San Diego Chargers running back Ladanian Tomlinson). He’s a good runner, and he works hard. I like to watch him play.
Who’s the hardest hitter on the Campbell team right now? Probably (5-11, 205-pound defensive end) Odanaus Mataio. For a pretty big guy, he’s pretty fast. He gets around (the field), and he’ll hit you.
Who on the Campbell roster will surprise people this fall? (Senior wide receiver) John Aiwohi. He’s tall, and he’ll catch the ball - he has excellent hands. He did pretty good in (7-on-7) pass league (games this summer).
What’s your favorite pre-game meal? That would be Spam musubi - just to get a little something in my stomach.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I’m not sure. I’d like to go to college and study criminal justice and be a cop or on a S.W.A.T. team.
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