Giorgi going to NYC

The state’s leading rusher this season is headed to one of the country’s leading universities.

Joey Giorgi, a Grafton High School senior, has committed to play football at Columbia University in New York City.

An assistant coach came to visit Giorgi last spring during track practice, he said.

“I really liked everything the coaches were saying about the directon of the program,” Giorgi said.

“Obviously, it’s a top-notch education I’m going to get. I couldn’t pass it up.”

Giorgi caught the eyes of Lions’ coaches by leading the state with 2,338 yards rushing last season. He had 29 rushing touchdowns and helped Grafton reach level two of the Division 3 playoffs.

The Ivy League doesn’t give athletic scholarships, but Giorgi said he is receiving a sizable grant to help cover tuition.

Giorgi went on an official visit a few weeks ago when he received an offer. He had never been to the Big Apple. He realized he would never be bored in the country’s largest city.

“It’s eye opening,” he said. “It’s a lot different than Grafton, Wisconsin.”

Giorgi said he hadn’t considered attending an Ivy League school.

“The opportunity presented itself, and I’m going to take it and see where it goes,” he said.

Giorgi said he plans to major in sports business management and with an eye to land a job in the office of a sports organization. He said he is open to different ideas.