Day 18: Mike Pyszczymucha '71

From the O-line to a G-Man


Not a lot of players make the transition from linebacker to offensive lineman. Fewer still make that transition a big success.

But Mike Pyszczymucha went from linebacker to offensive center in 1970 and made an immediate impact on the team.

The fact that Mike was even with the Lions for his varsity career took some luck. He left Columbia after his freshman year and joined the army, but a medical discharge brought him back to Morningside Heights.

In 1968, he got on the field as a key backup at linebacker, but Coach Frank Navarro needed more help up front in '69 and they made the switch.

The result was Pyszczymucha became the top offensive lineman on the team, helping the Lions go from 781 yards rushing in '68 to 1,086 in '69 and 1,638 in 1970.

The result was Pyszczymucha made honorable mention ALL-AMERICAN in 1969 and third team ALL-AMERICAN in 1970. He was First Team All Ivy in 1970.

After graduation, Pyszczymucha delved further into his Russian language studies and became a career FBI agent serving in Moscow for many years. Both of his sons, Marty and Greg Pyszczymucha, were key players for Rutgers in the early 2000's.

And, by the way, his name is pronounced: PIZ-EE-MUKA.