Assumption's Joe Grundhoffer, who was named the Marawood Conference South Division Player of the year as a junior, hopes to lead the Royals to back-to-back conference championships in his senior season. Scott A. Williams/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin


WISCONSIN RAPIDS – People tend to notice Joe Grundhoffer on the football field and basketball court.

Part of the reason is because the Assumption senior stands out in a crowd at 6-feet, 6-inches tall and 260 pounds.

But Grundhoffer, who was the Cloverwood Conference Defensive Co-Player of the Year in football, also grabs attention with his ability to dominate in both sports.

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The reigning Player of the Year in the Marawood Conference South Division as a junior, Grundhoffer returns as one of the top players in the area again this season.

A four-year varsity performer, he is the centerpiece on a Royals squad in search of back-to-back conference championships. Grundhoffer became just the sixth player in school history to top the 1,000-point career scoring milstone with 18 points against Auburndale on Dec. 8.

"A big goal for us this year is to make a deep run into the playoffs," said Grundhoffer, who considers the conference championship a year ago the highlight of his basketball career. "My role for the team this year is to step up and become a vocal leader on the court as well as a big inside presence."

Planning to play football at Division I-AA Lafayette at the next level, he's averaging a team-high 18.8 points and nine rebounds through six games.

Grundhoffer recently took some time to answer questions from USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to help get to know him on a more personal level.

What do your friends/teammates call you? “Big Joe.”

What is something most people don’t know about you? I play the piano and harmonica.

What is your most memorable sports achievement? Winning the conference title last year in basketball.

What is your most embarrassing sports memory? Air-balling two free throws in a row when I was little.

What is your sports superstition or ritual? Listen to music.

Which teammate will you miss the most? Jake Sullivan. 

Who is your celebrity crush? Taylor Swift.

What is your dream vacation? Europe.

What is your dream career? Engineer.



Sport: Basketball

Pro/college athlete? Shaq (aka Shaquille O'Neal)

Musical artist or group? Chance the Rapper

Television show? "The Office" 

Movie? "The Shawshank Redemption"

Meal? Steak