2024 Post season interview with Cameron Bulkowski from Rocky River
Entering the 2024 season, what goals had you set for yourself?
Going into the season, I set myself a lot of goals both offensively and defensively, but a main goal I set for offense was to average 100+ yards a game, and defensively, I set a goal to limit the receptions I allowed on me.
What goals had you set for your team?
The team's biggest goal was to win the conference, which unfortunately didn’t happen, but we also set the goal to win a playoff game, which we did.
Who was the best player that you faced this season, along with the team he played for?
We played a ton of good players and teams this year, but I'd have to say that Buckeyes running back Troy McCann was definitely one of the hardest players we had to deal with all season, especially with the line he had as well; he was a very hard player to stop.
Who was the best team that Rocky River faced this season, along with what made them so good?
The best team we faced had to have been Perkins; I think they went the first 3-4 weeks without having a point scored on them, and I think they have a real chance to win states this year.
You are listed as a WR/KR/DB. Which of those is the hardest to prepare for?
It honestly depends on the week, but I think WR was probably the hardest prep. We played a lot of teams this year that were very run heavy, so my role as a DB wasn’t as prominent as my role on offense was. I was always being used in different positions and schemes offensively every week, which more tested my conditioning than anything.
How long have you been returning kicks, and how did you first get into it?
I first started returning kicks in the summer of my sophomore year. We had a sort of position battle for kick returners at practice, and I had no idea that I'd end up starting that year, so I felt like kick returning would be my chance of getting on the field on Friday nights. It ended up being something I love doing, and I hope that I can continue to return kicks at the next level.
What did you learn about yourself that you can use to become a batter player in 2025?
I learned how resilient I could be this year more than anything; I played the whole season with a pretty serious shoulder injury, and I didn't let it stop me from playing every week. I can use this next year to help me get through the growing pains pretty much every college freshman is bound to face going from being one of the best players in their area to not being that once you hit the next level.
What was the biggest moment this season?
The biggest moment from this season, I think, has to be finishing as the 4th seed. Throughout the whole year, we had like 2+ starters out every single week, so we had a new starting lineup every week, which made winning so much harder.
What was the lowest moment from this season?
The season ending would have to be the lowest moment; that was by far the worst feeling we faced as a team. We also had a number of senior starters who weren’t able to play in our last game due to injuries, which made losing hurt worse.
Which road stadium was the toughest to play at this season, along with the reasons that made it as tough as it was?
Buckeye hands down was the hardest place to play. The grass there was very slippery; there’s a hill in the middle of the field; there was kettle corn cooking the whole game, which I personally didn’t like having to smell that while playing.
What makes playing and attending Rocky River so special?
I didn’t start playing football here until my freshman year, so I have to say that what stuck out to me the most about playing here is the relationships I was able to form with my teammates and coaches in a pretty short amount of time. I never felt like an outsider on the team, and that definitely helped my confidence and allowed me to play my best.
When do you start preparing for next season?
I'm not sure yet; I don't have a specific school I'm 100% going to yet, so I won’t find out my summer schedule until I figure out where I'm going.
Who is your favorite athlete?
Lebron James is by far my favorite athlete. I believe he’s the most athletic and dominant athlete of all time. He has great size, physicality, athleticism, leadership, and many other features you look for in an athlete. He’s also from Ohio, so that also earns him some brownie points.
What is your favorite class or subject?
My favorite subject has changed every year of my high school career depending on who my favorite teacher was that year. This year, though, I'd probably say my marketing class is my favorite.
What is your go-to snack?
My go-to pregame snack would have to be birthday cake little bite muffins, but my favorite non-pregame snack recently has been hot Cheetos.
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