Tyler Pruiksma is what former National Football League color commentator John Madden would refer to as a “character guy.” Watching Tyler play, Madden would say “Look at Pruiksma….he’s got mud jammed in his facemask, he’s hobbling on a bad ankle…he’s ready to make a big play.”

GCS head football coach Brandon Linnett says of Tyler “I’ve never had a harder worker.” Defensive coordinator Ryan Turnbull concurs: “We’re not the same team with Tyler off the field. His enthusiasm for the game is contagious- everyone else plays better when he’s out there."

Of course, Tyler is more than just a hard-working, inspirational player. Over the last two seasons, he has rushed for more than 2,000 yards and scored more than 30 touchdowns for the Witches. His success has not been accidental. Athletic Director Duke Beck had Tyler in advanced phys ed and notes: “Tyler’s gains were among the best in the school. In one year, he gained 20 pounds, improved by 40 lbs on his bench press and at the same time, improved his vertical jump and lowered his 40-yard dash time. He worked really hard and his results speak for themselves.”

Away from the football field, Tyler is friendly, quiet and humble. He is a good student and is taking college pre-calculus and calculus through GCS and SUNY Adirondack. Agriculture teacher Betsy Foote describes Tyler as a willing volunteer. “He has worked at Breakfast With Santa and in our Partners in Active Learning and Support (PALS) program, mentoring 5th and 6th graders."

Tyler has some perspective on attending GCS, as he moved to Greenwich as an 8th grader. “I love Greenwich. From the moment I came, I liked the small school environment and the atmosphere. There aren’t cliques here, like at other schools. Here, you can be friends with kids in sports, FFA, classes. It doesn’t really matter what your interests are.”

Tyler also plays baseball and was a starting outfielder on last season’s State semi-finalist team. In college; however, Tyler will concentrate on academics and football. He will pursue a family tradition in criminal justice, following his father, a corrections officer and uncle, who is a  
New York State trooper.
                         Tyler turns the corner to the open field                     

College  football coaches have been in communication with Tyler, but he has not yet made a college choice. One thing is certain, though: he will be a very welcome addition to the school he attends and to its football team.

Tyler is the son of John and Susan Pruiksma. His sister, Jordan, is a 2009 GCS graduate.