2012 West #51
Tyler Gruszka
Linebacker
5’11″ 230
High School Coach: Mark Chapman
High School, Class: Comstock Park, B
College: Saginaw Valley State University
Tyler Gruszka is the son of Mike Gruszka and Cindy Scheidel Gruszka. He has a younger brother, Ryan (16), a student athlete who plays football, basketball, and baseball at Comstock Park High School.
Tyler began playing flag football when he was five years old. He was given the nickname “Moose” while playing Rocket football and it has stuck with him ever since. During his high school years he played both sides of the ball. He was a three-year starter on varsity and a captain his senior year. He was moved up his sophomore year to play on the defensive line where he led his team in tackles during their homecoming game. In his junior year as a linebacker, he led his team in tackles with 125. He also recorded 4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 recoveries, and returned one fumble 53 yards for a touchdown. Tyler also led his team to the regional finals which hadn’t been done in the history of Comstock Park Football. Tyler continued his legacy his senior year as a team captain. He helped lead his team to the state semi-finals. In his senior year, he recorded 156 tackles, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and one interception. His game high for tackles was 25. Tyler is also the first ever student athlete from Comstock Park High School to be selected to play in the MHSFCA All Star Football Game.
Tyler wrestled and played lacrosse, baseball, and track. He earned All State honors in wrestling his junior and senior years. He ended his wrestling career with 149 wins. Tyler also excelled academically, earning highest honors all four years. He was involved in the National Honor Society, the National Society of High School Scholars, People to People as a student ambassador, a scholastic mentor, and a Young Apostle in his church youth community.
Tyler thanked his parents the most. “My mom was always there making sure I was signed up in my younger years and she also made sure I made it to all of my practices and games. Having my dad by my side, helping to coach me, was meaningful to me as well.” Tyler said, “My coaches always pushed me to get better because they could see my true potential. They pushed me beyond what I thought I could do.” Panther Stadium has to be one of the best in the area thanks to the community members. They not only provide us with a tremendous stadium, but also with a very loud and proud showing at all of our games.
Tyler received the President’s Scholarship from SVSU. He will play football while pursuing a career in medicine.
Awards
Good GMC Player of the Week, 2009
West Michigan All Star Team, 2010
Week 10 Defensive Player of the Game, WBBL, 2011
Week 12 Player of the Week, WBBL, 2011
WBBL Defensive Player of the Year, 2011
All Conference, 2010 & 2011
All Area Dream Team, Grand Rapids Press, 2010 & 2011
All Area, Advance North Newspaper, 2010 & 2011
All State, 2011