Catching up with Aaron “Lunch Pail” Papich
It’s been seven years since Aaron “Lunch Pail” Papich (pronounced pap-ITCH) last suited up for the Montana State Bobcats. The beefy defensive lineman from Great Falls was never the biggest or even the strongest player on Bobcat squads from 2004-2007, but no one questioned his toughness and dedication to the Montana State football program.
Papich arrived in Bozeman in January of 2004 and, by the fall, was a contributing member on special teams. Papich became a starter as a sophomore in 2005 and went on to earn All-Big Sky honors as a defensive tackle twice. He accumulated 27.5 tackles for loss throughout his career and was named a team captain by his teammates as a senior.
With the 115th Brawl of the Wild only days away we caught up with Papich, who now serves as the lone high school Health Enhancement teacher, head football coach and head girls’ basketball coach at Burlington School in Wyoming.
Coach: Aaron thanks for taking the time to chat. It’s been a few years since you last donned the Blue and Gold. Do you ever get the itch to get back out there and pop the pads?
Papich: Absolutely. I don’t think I’d be effective, but if you give me some time to get back in that environment I think I could contribute.
Coach: Tell us about your pre-game routine. Did you do anything special before games?
Papich: No, not really. Not too much. I tried to relax and not think about the game. Within an hour of game time though I’d, get excited, you know, just being around teammates. I was pretty excitable in high school, but I learned to manage my excitement.
(Editor’s Note: During his high school career Papich was known to get pretty nervous (and nauseous) before and during games. In fact, Coach was once on the receiving end of a Papich aerial puke during halftime of a game against Flathead High.)
Coach: It sounds like you’re a busy man these days (job, wife, two young girls at home). Do you get a chance to follow the Cats throughout the season?
Papich: Yeah, I’ve actually been following them all season. I think this program has gone to great heights since I’ve left and I think Coach Ash and his staff are an excellent group. It’s been really fun to follow them since I was there.
Coach: It’s Cat-Griz weekend. Tell us what it was like playing in those games.
Papich: Man, there is nothing better than playing in those games. As an athlete the atmosphere is electric and it’s always a hostile environment for away team. Those things alone made it so much fun. I really believe it has to be the best rivalry in America.
Coach: Who was the best Bobcat you ever played with and why?
Papich: Bobby Daly. He consistently performed and made the guys around him better. He was a beast.
Coach: We remember a special play during your sophomore year in which you recovered a fumble and headed toward the end zone only to be stripped just as you were about to cross the goal line. Does it ever haunt you that you were so close to finding pay dirt as a d-lineman?
Papich: Yes, it does. Absolutely haunts me. Any time a d-lineman gets his mitts on a ball it’s exciting. It was a very exciting opportunity, but I got tackled and stripped and I moved on and got lined up for the next play. That play was a lot of fun, but I’m happier that we won the game.
Lightning Round:
Coach: What was the worst injury you suffered during your career? How long were you out?
Papich: My blown out shoulder against the Griz my junior year. I didn’t miss any games and was back for my senior year.
Coach: What was your bench max during your playing days?
Papich: 400 pounds
Coach: Do you still lift weights and if so, you’re preferred lifting music?
Papich: No, but I do lots of pull-ups and burpees in the garage. I’ll listen to anything up-tempo.
Coach: What did a pre-game meal consist of for you?
Papich: Something light. Our games were so early that we couldn’t really eat anything big. I think I’d usually just have a bowl of cereal.
Coach: What’s your go-to snack these days?
Papich: A bowl of cereal (usually Rice Krispies) or a PB&J.
Coach: Favorite activity when you have free-time?
Papich: Spending time with my family. My girls are getting older and I try to spend as much time with them as possible.
Coach: Final score of the 115th Bobcat-Griz game?
Papich: 40-29, Cats.
Coach: Thanks for the time Aaron. It was an absolute honor to have you represent the city of Great Falls during your time at MSU and we hope you know that many Bobcat supporters look back fondly on your time wearing the Blue and Gold.
Papich: Thanks man, I appreciate you thinking of me. (My career) is something I’ll never forget.
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Credits: msubobcats.com, http://gfhsbisonfootball.com, http://www.truaxbiology.com/football
About the Author
Minty Coach A proud native of Great Falls, Coach now resides in Missoula, however he's a Bobcat to the core.
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