Wudarski blocks for brother and leads Holy Cross defense
By Steve Svetovich
Holy Cross sophomore Leland Wudarski has a significant dual role for the much improved Holy Cross Crusaders football team.
He serves as the fullback and leading blocker for his stalwart twin brother Aiden Wudarski, the tailback on offense, and is the team’s defensive leader at his middle linebacker position.
Leland helped lead Holy Cross to three wins in its first five games with his potent blocking at the fullback position and all-out defensive play at the middle linebacker position.
He is the team’s leading tackler on defense and helped his brother rush for over 200 yards twice in the first five games.
In the Crusaders 7-6 win over Montrose, Friday Sept. 15, Leland put together a game for the ages from his middle linebacker position with 12 total tackles, including three for losses, two sacks and one fumble recovery.
He also played his heart out in the Crusaders 29-28 win over Columbia-Montour Vo-Tech Saturday, Sept. 23. He paved the way with several key blocks for his brother who rushed for 220 yards and three long touchdowns on 28 carries. He was also outstanding again defensively making several key tackles and stops from his middle linebacker position.
With just 36 seconds left in the game, Leland took a hard hit on the helmet and ended up in a local hospital where he was treated and released. Thankfully, he did not suffer a concussion.
His brother’s touchdowns came from 58, 62 and 64 yards out with Leland’s lead blocking and the tough Holy Cross offensive line leading the way.
The hard-working sophomore talked about what it takes to excel as a middle linebacker in high school football.
“It’s all about your mindset,” he said. “You need to have the right mindset and want to make all the plays.”
Leland said he is learning a lot from Holy Cross head football coach Joe Giorgio.
“He tells me where to make the cuts and blocks. He is teaching me a lot.”
Son of Jennifer and Harley Wudarski, the 5-10, 180-pound middle linebacker-fullback said he learned a lot from his parents. “They teach me to be disciplined all the time and to do well in class.”
Leland said he enjoys blocking for his brother Aiden at the fullback position. “I like to be up front blocking, so he can do his thing. It’s a good thing we have going together. We trust each other. We’ve trusted each other our whole lives. It’s something we’ve been doing for years. We have chemistry.”
The talented sophomore is also a member of the Holy Cross track and field team where he throws the shot put and discus. He plans on running the 100 and throwing the javelin this year.
He also plans on joining the TRUE Club and History Club at Holy Cross.
Leland enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Drake, Travis Scott and country singer Luke Combs in concert.
The scholar-athlete said he is not sure what he will study, but wants to continue playing football in college.
“I definitely want to play college football.”
The tough-minded sophomore standout talked about the team’s success in the first half of the season. “The line has been really good. We are making the right blocks. I give our line a lot of credit. We have learned a lot and come together really well as a team.”
Leland has set a few personal and team goals.
“I want to be a defensive all-star this season,” he said. “I want to be All Region at my defensive position. I also want to help this team continue to improve and win as many games as possible.
“Right now I am just playing. I’m playing football as hard as I can. This team is really coming together.”