Joe Pawelek

Classroom

Pawelek was an Academic All-American (2008 ESPN The Magazine/SoSIDA), three-time Academic All Big 12, eight-time Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll member and led his team in highest GPA last two seasons. He is a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and has a double business major in finance and economics.

Character

Head coach Art Briles on Pawelek: “Throughout the course of last season, he flourished in pressure situations and was able to handle adversity with the greatest ease and composure.  Consequently, his ability to communicate and relate with both players and coaches provided a bridge between a new staff and a team hungry for success.”

Community

Pawelek actively volunteers in the community through service and has recently assisted the Central Texas area at events such as Santa’s Workshop, reading to area youth in the One Book One Waco program, was a spokesperson for Baylor’s “Food for Families” canned food drive, played with young cancer survivors at the Little Wranglers event, participated in Waco’s Special Olympics as well as speaking to youth at area schools.

Competition

Pawelek is an All-America candidate, an Academic All-America candidate, and a Butkus Award, Lombardi Award ad Lott Trophy candidate. He is a fifth-year player who is the most veteran on squad. He leads the team with 34 career starts and is tied with teammate Jason Lamb for most career games played at 36 heading into 2009. He has recorded 313 tackles in 36 career games (heading into 2009), three shy of entering the school’s top 10. He is second on Baylor’s career assisted tackles list with 172. He has 13 career games of 10-plus tackles. Four of Pawelek’s eight career interceptions were made in the BU endzone.