August 17, 2011
Rose Mary Phillip
ESKS.com
Every night at 8:30 p.m. Andrew Nowacki is doing the unexpected. He’s watching Wheel of Fortune. That’s right. Wheel of Freaking Fortune.
The 30-year-old from Stony Creek, Ontario, and his wife Erica, are avid viewers of the word puzzle game show that is older than they are. “It’s always a competitive half-hour,” says Nowacki. “I usually need two or three letters before I get it. Erica can pick them up pretty quickly. I don’t know how she does it. I think she’s seen some shows before.”
They play it on Nintendo Wii too.
The categories he struggles with the most are “fictional characters and, sadly, probably book titles and authors. I don’t read as much as I should.” That’s probably because he’s buried in his playbook preparing for Friday’s game. Losing at home is not an option.
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| On Friday Nowacki will start his 4th game this season. He missed four games with a hamstring injury. |
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last week, you know the Eskimo receiving corps will take on the BC Lions without Fred Stamps, Jason Barnes, Marcus Henry and Adarius Bowman. Don’t worry. Nowacki can handle the pressure. After all, he is the only receiver left from their 2005 Grey Cup win.
Fittingly, he’s playing a larger role defending home turf during Game Show Night at Commonwealth Stadium. During halftime, fans will have a chance to “come on down” and choose between a cash-filled envelope or a mystery prize inside one of three Purolator trucks.
The magnitude of Friday’s game is not lost on Nowacki who has spent his entire career with the Eskimos. He was Edmonton’s fourth selection (26th overall) in the 2004 CFL draft.
In college, he played in 24 games recording 53 receptions for 608 yards. In 2003, he led the Murray State Racers in receiving with 43 receptions for 477 yards and three touchdowns. His best CFL season came in 2007 with 47 receptions for 465 yards and two touchdowns.
If there is one thing you need to know about Nowacki, it’s that he’s up for a challenge. If you require more, here are five tidbits that may surprise you.
1. There is goat milk in his fridge. It’s for his one-year-old daughter, Everly Love. Goat milk is believed to help prevent the development of allergies.
2. During the off-season, he lives in Ft. Lauderdale. His wife is from the spring break capital.
3. Nowacki gave away his Grey Cup ring. On his wedding day, Nowacki gave his championship ring to his father. It’s okay. He plans to win another – hopefully at BC Place again this November.
Take a photo with the Grey Cup before Friday’s game at the Purolator booth, located on the East side of the stadium. See if you can spot Nowacki’s name on the trophy.
4. He is one smart cookie. Nowacki graduated with honours from the business program at Murray State. During the off-season, he is completing his MBA.
5. The strangest item in his closet is nonprescription glasses. Although, given his wheel watching ways, perhaps there is a Pat Sajak costume tucked away in there too.