UW-Whitewater alumni K/P Answers to some fun Questions!

Sep 13 (edited) in General

1) How did your last college game go? (playing, sub, sideline, stands) Tell about your perspective and what’s going through your head.

My last game was a National Quaterfinal Playoff game against Wartburg College in Iowa. I played as a punter and split kickoffs. I had a “chip shot” kickoff to the sideline that we converted and got the ball back! I was really focused on staying focused on doing my job the best I could to try and help my team the best I could. We went up early, ended up down my 3 late in the game and missed a short field goal to tie it. I was the holder. It was a tough situation and one and I know me and the kicker wish we could have back. But that’s football!!

2) What’s the difference between college and high school football? (Again, from your perspective)

The difference between college and high school for me really was commitment and dedication to understanding the game. I felt like I did not understand the game very well in high school, I was just told where to kick and when to kick it (simply put). But when I got into college I had to start understanding special teams play and why we do what we do and there was a much larger time commitment to be a part of a team at that level. Something I was more than willing to do but you need to be prepared for the commitment that comes with college sports!

3) Do kickers get the crappy gear or the good stuff? Did you get the number you wanted? :-)

My freshman year I would say I got “the crappy gear.” And I did not get the number I wanted. But after that year I earned some respect through hard work and I got my number and nice gear which was reserved for me for the rest of my college career.

4) How are you adapting to being away from home, campus life, schoolwork?

I missed home at first, but really if you buy into the team and creating a bond with your brothers, it becomes and will become some of your most fond memories. I made sure to stay active outside of football, becoming friends with people from classes and other organizations that were important to me. It’s important to remember that football is not your identity and you should prioritize who you want to be as a person while you are in such a great environment to grow! School was hard at first. It takes time to realize a path that suits you sometimes. But my biggest suggestion would be to respect and build a relationship with your professors. You don’t have to be a teachers pet! But build a relationship with them, they will be way more willing to work with you in difficult situations, as well as help you out so that you can succeed. They know a lot of people and a lot of valuable information. Definitely worth the investment and time.

5) Looking back, what was the coolest thing you did in high school football?

The coolest thing I did in high school football was probably hitting a 72 yard punt against River Falls.

6) Looking back, what would you tell yourself then, with what you know now?

I would tell myself to buy into my craft more and buy into training more(weight room and skill training) I wish I had truly immersed myself into kicking and punting and really buying into knowing everything I possibly could about the position and how to make myself better. Making it a daily habit to learn and grow in.

7) How do you handle a pressure situation?

I would always try to focus on my breathing and visualize a successful attempt at whatever I was doing. This is something I felt like I could’ve done better in. The one thing that would’ve helped me is if I had a true process for every attempt no matter what so that when pressure came. I had confidence because I could treat it like every other kick, practice or game.

8) What’s the best part of your skill set? What do you really need to work on?

The best part of my skill set was my ability to do specialized kicks, special situations, pooch punts, onside kicks, etc. other than that, I had a pretty big leg… on a good day.

9) What are your new goals and dreams?

Right now, I just graduated from college less than a year ago. I did a big internship and am hoping to start my career in strength and conditioning as well as getting married in October. That and becoming the best husband I can be are my new goals, but if I had to be honest, my dream is truly to still be able to play a little more football if I could ever get the chance or find a way.

10) What’s the greatest kicker movie of all time? :-) I don’t know if you want to call it a “kicker movie” but the end of “Facing the Giants” where Daniel has to kick a 51 yard field goal to win is one of my favorite scenes!

I hope something in here was or will be helpful for you guys!!

This picture is in the moments after my “chip shot” kickoff in my last game! #15

Celebrate with your boys!

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