Sports

Ipswich's Abele to play in Poland

By Mike Grenier
staff writer
Published: August 16, 2008

George Abele of Ipswich has been saying for months that he can't wait to play pro football in Europe.

His wait just got much shorter.

Abele, 23, was counting on going overseas next March, but a spot opened up with a top team in Wroclaw, Poland and he'll be joining the organization next week. Abele, a linebacker who starred at Ipswich High and Mt. Ida College, will be available for the Wroclaw Crew's final five games and a possible championship game in the Polish League of American Football (PLAF).

"I'm really excited about it," said Abele, who's been working himself into prime physical condition with the anticipation that he'd be playing in Europe at some point.

"I think I'm the first American to go over there to play for the Crew. They've got a few games left and then the playoffs."

Mark Grocholski of Cumberland, R.I., who runs a business called World Sport Scouting that places players in Europe, was instrumental in getting Abele the opportunity to play. Grocholski is familiar with the team and the city, which is the fourth largest in Poland with a population of 635,000.

"George is going to a good team | Wroclaw is the defending champ in its league," said Grocholski. "He was definitely going to play in Europe next year, but now he's going to get a taste and a feel for it for the rest of this season.

"He has a lot riding on his shoulders. George is the ambassador of football when he gets over there. He's the American player, a linebacker, and all eyes will be on him. It's a wonderful opportunity for him."

Abele has already done his homework with regard to the style of defense that Wroclaw plays.

"They play a 4-4 and that's what I played in college," Abele said. "I know that defense. I'll just go out there and do it."

Grocholski believes Abele will be a quick study and play right away. Wroclaw begins the second half of its season on Aug. 23.

"There'll be an adjustment period for him," Grocholski said. "He doesn't have much time, but I don't think it's a complex defense. With his natural ability, there's no doubt that he'll do a good job."

Abele expects to return home in October and then the preparation begins anew for what he hopes will be another shot in Europe.