Smith MBA Dan Gronkowski Scores High
Marks in the
Classroom and on the Football Field
The
term student-athlete is often a
misnomer, but not when it comes to Dan
Gronkowski. As a full-time MBA student
and the starting tight end for the
University of Maryland's football team,
Gronkowski has achieved success in two
worlds: academics and athletics.
Gronkowski grew up in Amherst, NY, a
suburb of Buffalo, and comes from an
athletic family. Gronkowski's father,
Gordie Sr., was a standout offensive
lineman who played college ball at
Syracuse, and his mother Diane played
high school basketball. His brother,
Gordie, Jr., played first base at
Jacksonville University (Fla.).
His brothers Chris and Rob both play
football for the University of Arizona,
while his youngest brother Glenn plays
football and baseball for Williamsville
High.
Gronkowski starred at quarterback in
high school, and it was at this position
that he was recruited by colleges.
He selected Maryland after choosing
its athletic scholarship offer over the
University of Buffalo's. But during his
freshman year, he switched to tight
end to get on the field quicker.
It was a smart move. Gronkowski is
described in his Maryland player bio as
a "good-sized, blocking tight end with
sure hands." The Buffalo News praises
Gronkowski "as one of the best blocking
tight ends in the country." During
Maryland's 2008 campaign, Gronkowski
hauled in 29 catches for 287 yards and
three touchdowns, all career highs. He
caught at least one pass in 10 of
Maryland's 12 games, and received
honorable-mention on the All-ACC team.
But Gronkowski had another plan
during his freshman year: getting into
the Smith MBA program. He finished his
undergraduate degree in marketing in
only three years, and will graduate in
May 2009 with his MBA.
In October, Gronkowski was nominated
as a semifinalist for the Draddy Trophy,
which is recognizes academic excellence
for a college football player. He was
also nominated for the 2008 NFF
National-Scholar Athlete Awards. In
addition, Gronkowski is awaiting word
from the NCAA on whether he has been
named as an academic All-American. He’s
had the highest grade-point average
among Maryland football players for
three years running.
Gronkowski cites effective scheduling
as the key to succeeding both in the
classroom and on the playing field.
"It's a ton of work on both fronts. It's
important to know where you have to be
and what you have to deliver," said
Gronkowski.
His immediate future plans are very
different than those of the typical MBA
student. Once Maryland wraps up its
season in the
Humanitarian Bowl on Dec. 30, 2008
(ESPN, 4:30 p.m. EST) Gronkowski will
begin training for the NFL scouting
combine in mid-February. After that,
he'll prepare the NFL draft in late
April and wait to see where he's
selected. Current projections have
Gronkowski going in the 4th round of the
draft; his brothers Chris and Rob are
regarded to have excellent NFL prospects
as well. Well, there is one aspect
that’s similar to the typical student:
the little matter of completing his MBA
students.
And it should come as no surprise
that Gronkowski is thinking ahead even
further. After his planned NFL career,
Dan plans to become an entrepreneur. One
thing is certain: it would be wise not
to bet against him.
Pete Baird, MBA Candidate 2009,
Smith Media Group
