Power, Play and Personality: Meet William Wickware

As the anchor of the football team’s offensive line, William Wickware brings a combination of size, grit, leadership and passion to the field. But there’s more to this lineman than raw power. Off the field, he is known for his easygoing attitude, infectious energy and remarkable ability to connect with teammates, from freshman to senior.

72 on the line.

Playing on the line is no easy feat, and Wickware understands this better than anyone. “Being a lineman isn’t just about size or strength,” he shares. “It’s about discipline, grit and giving your 100% to every single play.” The position demands both physical and mental strength as linemen are often at the heart of the action, shaping the fate of each play. 

Whether during practice or under the bright lights on game day, Will is fully immersed in the game, constantly pushing himself to stay locked in. “It’s tough,” he admits, “but when you’re on the line, you shape what the game is going to look like. You have to be at your best, play after play.”

Will also added “We [linemen] are so underrated! Even when you are talking in terms of the NFL or any big league, linemen are not particularly in the spotlight like other positions like Quarterback. Nevertheless, I do believe in our team’s line and our capabilities.” The line may not be the most glamorous position on the field, but it is certainly one of the most crucial.  

“Big Mac” off the field

Off the field, Will brings life into any room he enters. He says he likes to keep things light and bring smiles to teammates’ faces. “It’s a hard balance, but I enjoy being a kind of venerated player and teammate, especially to the freshman, because I was once a freshman and had them to be able to look up to a guy; I know Will, he’s a cool guy.”

Will also elaborates on how he and the other linemen share a unique bond. Their team dinners and overall energy are some of the things he loves most. The linemen each have nicknames for each other, taken straight from popular fast food chain McDonald’s! “I’m Big Mac, Jack McCummings is the McChicken, Hudson Marshall is the McFlurry, Andrew Francoeur is McRib and Brandon Bocachica is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese,” shares will. 

Carrying the Torch

“Two years ago, [we had] the greatest captain I’ve seen. He was a great player but an even greater captain, and I feel like all the captains before were great, but I would like to shout out Declan Semler. He really brought energy to the team and [at]  every game, from the freshmen to sophomores, and even the kids who didn’t get an inch of playtime, feel like they belonged on the team. It made me, a freshman who didn’t get any play time, feel looked at, and [I] felt a belonging to the team,” shares Wickware. He adds that he has stayed in touch with Semler and every so often talks about the team. 

“My cousin Evan Brez ‘22 was captain. I am hoping to carry that torch next year. Even though I am not a senior or a captain, I still try to lead the team now,” shares Will. He adds that if he’s handed the metaphorical “torch” next year, he’s excited for the responsibilities it brings and hopes to honor it just as the captains before him did, especially his cousin. “The captains before me have, one, taught me how to be a good football player, and two, a good captain,” he shares.

Foresight: Goals on and off the field

“I am not a person with a lot of foresight, but I still feel I will not continue my career after high school,” says Will. He explains how the colleges that would probably have him on the team would not be the institutions he would be keen on pursuing further education at. Although, when he does choose his school and they have a team, he would gladly try to walk on.

 “As for personal goals, well the most realistic is to get a sack this season and mess up the opponent’s QB a little bit. But a bigger goal is to make all IVY, which is part of the Metropolitan Football League which we also play in.” Will explains how the team comprises the top 1-2% of players in the league and how he aspires to be selected for the group. 

Closing Remarks

When asked for closing remarks, “ I would 100% advise anyone to join the football team. It’s a great atmosphere and great brotherhood, especially for us linemen. But even so, just being a student-athlete is an irreplaceable feat. We can’t relive these high school years, so it’s important to live them to the fullest,” encouraged Wickware. “Lastly, I would also like to give a shout out to Gus Ornstein, the athletic director; he is an amazing person who is really inspiring and funny. GO EAGLES”