April 29, 2008
Patriot League Success Stories - Where Are They Now? will feature former Patriot League student-athletes, highlighting both their accomplishments while competing at the Division I collegiate level and their successes since graduation. The Patriot League embodies the scholar-athlete model in all its intercollegiate participants and is proud of the strides made both in the classroom and in competition. The League applauds the accomplishments of its former student-athletes and celebrates their life long achievements. The following features truly embrace the League's slogan - Today's Scholar-Athletes, Tomorrow's Leaders.
Many of the featured athletes were named either Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Player of the Year or Tournament Most Valuable Player in their respective sport. The accomplishments of the former student-athlete THEN and NOW will be highlighted. To view past Patriot League Success Stories click here.
Name: BJ Gallis
Institution: Lafayette College
Sport: Football
Position: Safety
Graduation Year: 1997
Undergraduate Major: Chemistry
THEN:
- Third-Team AP All-American (1996)
- Third-Team The Sports Network All-American (1996)
- Football Gazette All American (1996)
- Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (1996)
- ECAC All-Star (1996)
- Two-time All-Patriot League selection (1995 and 1996)
- Team Captain
- Charles Albert Award: Lafayette Outstanding Male Athlete
- Patriot League All-Anniversary Team (1986-00)
NOW:
- Professional Healthcare Representative with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
- Therapeutic Healthcare Representative with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
- Married to the former Tiffany Bedics (Lafayette women's basketball student-athlete)
- Three Years in the Canadian Football League with BC Lions and Edmonton Eskimos
- 1997 CFL Jackie Parker Trophy (Outstanding Rookie Award)
Thoughts on how your competitive experience as a Patriot League student-athlete helped you achieve professional or personal goals:
I have always valued my experience as a Patriot League student-athlete. I learned hard work, persistence, and sacrifice which were values that allowed me to be successful during my time on the field and in the classroom. These personal values can significantly make up for a lack of talent, speed, or strength in any competitive environment and have had a direct correlation to success in my professional career.