Fox Chapel lineman’s development as a player carries him to Cal (Pa.) | Trib HSSN

By:

Josh Rizzo

Saturday, February 1, 2025 | 11:01 AM

Submitted | Gordon Snyder

Fox Chapel’s Kris Bandurski was named first team all-section in the fall.

Kristofer Bandurski found what he was looking for on his visit to Cal (Pa.). The Fox Chapel senior wanted to find a place that could mold him on the football field throughout his career.

“The hospitality of the coaches was unbelievable,” Bandurski said. “They develop players into who they need to be.”

Bandurski, a 6-foot-3, 282-pound offensive tackle, had a strong senior season for the Foxes. While Fox Chapel finished the year 2-8, the Foxes halted a lengthy losing streak and were more competitive throughout the season than in past years.

Bandurski earned first-team all-section honors at offensive tackle. Fox Chapel coach David Leasure appreciated Bandurski’s willingness to play on both sides of the ball.

“He continued to get better every week,” Leisure said. “He is physical and relentless. A lot of kids in 5A can rest a little bit, but Kris was willing to play on both sides of the ball.”

The Vulcans finished last season 10-3 and won the PSAC West Division for the first time since 2016.

Cal took advantage of its first opportunity in the NCAA playoffs since 2017 by reaching the quarterfinals before being knocked out by Slippery Rock.

Bandurski knows that if he wants to play for the Vulcans, he must win a starting spot. Cal is a program that has thrived on competition.

“They told me to get ready to come to work every day,” Bandurski said. “I know I will have to earn everything. Nothing is guaranteed.”

Leasure was impressed by Bandurski’s toughness during his junior season. After suffering a high-ankle sprain early in the season, Bandurski chose to work his way back. Bandurski returned to the lineup during a 0-10 season for the Foxes.

“He showed a lot of toughness,” Leasure said. “He could have decided to shut it down, but he came back for the final two games.”

Bandurski said he made significant progress during his time at Fox Chapel. Where things have changed for him the most has been physical.

“When I look at a picture of myself from my freshman year, it looks like it was taken 10 years ago,” Bandurski said.

Tags: Fox Chapel

This article was originally published by a tribhssn.triblive.com . Read the Original article here. .