Cichy attended Shanley High School in his hometown of Fargo, North Dakota, where he was quarterback of the football team.
[8] The Bison posted a record of 29–0–1 during his three seasons, and Cichy had completed his high-school career with a 25-game winning streak, resulting in a span of 55 games without a loss.
[10] Following his collegiate career, Cichy was unselected in the 1971 NFL draft, but was briefly with the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason until being released in July 1971.
[11] He then returned to his high school, where his father was head football coach, and taught in the physical education department.
[12] In May 1973, he was hired by St. Mary's Central High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, to a similar role and to serve as head football coach.