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Brother Rice Alum Keys Boston College's Shocking Win Over USC

By Justin Breen | September 17, 2014 6:09am
 Boston College center Andy Gallik, a Brother Rice High School graduate, was named Atlantic Coast Conference players of the week at his position after the Eagles upset USC.
Andy Gallik
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CHICAGO — Andy Gallik's phone hasn't stopped ringing or buzzing since his Boston College Eagles shocked No. 9 Southern California 37-31 on Saturday.

"I've talked to a lot of people I haven't talked to in a long time, just guys saying congratulations," said Gallik, a Brother Rice High School graduate and the Eagles' starting center. "That win was definitely a highlight of my career so far, and it was overwhelming to see the hometown support following me since this past weekend."

On Monday, Gallik was named the Atlantic Coast Conference's Player of the Week for his position — the first time he's received that honor. Gallik helped the Eagles, who were three-touchdown underdogs, rush for 452 yards and five touchdowns on the ground. It was Gallik's 31st career start.

Justin Breen talked to Andy about how his time at Brother Rice prepared him for collegiate athletics:

"We are all very excited about Andy's success and accomplishments thus far at Boston College," said Brother Rice Director of Admissions Tim O'Connell, who also coached Gallik when he played for the Crusaders.

"From Day One at Brother Rice, he set the goal of being a Division I offensive lineman, and [he] worked tirelessly to reach that goal. Andy's sacrifice, commitment and effort to achieving his goals on the field and in the classroom are a shining example to our student-athletes today, and continue to make our staff very proud."

Gallik already has his bachelor's degree in sociology, and he's working on a master's in information systems. The Evergreen Park native eventually wants to attend law school — after football concludes.

Gallik said the Eagles celebrated Saturday's victory with a team dinner in downtown Boston, followed by a "great film review." He said a loss to Pitt the previous week left a "sour taste" in the Eagles' mouths.

"We were amped up in practice," Gallik said.

Gallik said he thinks about his alma mater often and noted Brother Rice, at 10001 S. Pulaski Road, was instrumental in making him the player and person he is today.

"It was just a positive experience [at Brother Rice], and I hope there’s other young kids who are able to experience the things I was able to experience," Gallik said.

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