Over the past few years you have grown attached and apart from some of the UConn Field Goal Kickers. It was a love hate relationship….I get it. Lets rewind, to the Pre-Rent days. I would like to bring us back to 2001.
UCONN VS. RUTGERS in PISCATAWAY
1ST QTR: CONN – TD, KERON HENRY 24 YD RUN (MARK HICKOK KICK), 2:34 CONN – FG, MARK HICKOK 46 YD, 6:17 RUTG – TD, DELRICO FLETCHER 19 YD PASS FROM RYAN CUBIT (RYAN SANDS KICK), 14:57)
2ND QTR: RUTG – FG, RYAN SANDS 38 YD, 7:07
RUTG – TD, TRES MOSES 10 YD PASS FROM RYAN CUBIT (PAT FAILED), 12:47
3RD QTR: CONN – TD, TOMMY COLLINS 30 YD PASS FROM DAN ORLOVSKY (MARK HICKOK KICK), 10:45
4TH QTR: RUTG – FG, RYAN SANDS 22 YD, 5:55 CONN – FG, MARK HICKOK 47 YD, 11:56
**UConns 1st Big East Win in School History**
Marc Hickok moved down to Florida after his career at UConn ended. He played on a few different Arena II teams. He signed with the NY Giants 2 years ago and made it to the final cuts. He went from a good kicker at UConn, to a great Kicker – trying to make it in the NFL.
He hung up the cleats & is taking his knowledge of the kicking game to The University of South Florida. He works primarily with the Kickers & Punters as an official Kicking Coach, he is also an assitant strength coach & graduate student. I know Marc will do well down at South Florida. My only concern is the difference in schools, I hope he can make the adjustment. The differences explained through pictures…
UConn Fan
UConn Fan
University of South Florida Fan
UConn Students in the Winter
UConn Students in the Winter
USF Students in the Winter
USF Students in the Winter
Allthough there are some EVIDENT differences, there is one MAJOR similarity…
They both have a ” SOFT ” spot for kickers, GOOD LUCK MARC!
DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT KICKING FOR THE HUSKIES THIS SEASON. IN THE RARE EVENT THAT A FIELD GOAL IS MISSED AT THE RENT, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING MY NAME IN VAIN. I AM PROBABLLY SITTING NEXT TO YOU….I HAVE FEELINGS TOO!!
I started this “Life & Times of a X-UConn Kicker” blog in the middle of the winter, by the 2nd month – it died.
What is a has been place-kicker suppose to write about in the off-season? You don’t care about my analysis on UConn’s Pro Day, the upcoming NFL draft or my perspective on next season…Come to think of it, what would you like to hear from me?
This blog got off to a decent start but faded quickly, the opposite of my junior year (Started slow and finished strong). Or my freshman year….never really started, bad analogy. I am back, open for comments, advice and much anticipated “Fan” Mail. My fan mail is your hate mail, its all about perception. Your insults are my compliments – “Nuzie Sucks” – After it is filtered through my head, I convince my self that I mis-heard the 40,000 fans & they were really singing my praise.
I saw one of my old teammates Facebook away message the other day. It read:
“July 31st & I had one of those pre-camp nightmares”
He hasn’t played a down in 3 seasons, but July 31st (Night before the start of pre-season camp) still has him spooked. He was a real football player (Not a pretty boy UConn Quarterback). You can find him in the trenches & in the fast food line after practice. He was a……yup, you got it…OFFENSIVE LINEMAN. My favorite group on the team. The feelings were mutual as they loved to spend time with me and the rest of the kick squad. (Loaded w/ Sarcasm)
There was nothing worse then looking into a 300 pounders eyes after the 2nd practice on August 14th (97 degrees out), and you just MISSED the kick to get the team out of sprints. That will guarantee you a seat at their families Thanksgiving Diner table.
On days like that, I was lucky if there was an apple left at dinner by the time they let me eat!!
Camp was like an all inclusive vacation. Similar to a Sandal’s Resort & Spa…
-All you can eat (training table) & drink (powerade)
-5 Star Accommodations (Hilltop Suites)
- Wake-Up Call (Air-Horn @ 5:00 A.M)
-Laundry service (Equipment Managers)
-Whirl pools (set at 33 Degrees).
Probably comparable to the vacation your on right now!!
Before I congratulate Desi on being named captain, I need to give him the official Friar’s Club Roast. There is always animosity between the “established” kicker and the young stud, coming off a stellar senior year of high school. Graig & I were working hard at practice one day (multiple games of pool and locker room tennis) when we came across a highlight tape. The tape was a composite of the incoming freshman class introducing themselves and a few highlight clips.
Normal introduction,
“Hi, my name is Matt Nuzie, I’m a a place-kicker from Trumbull, CT.”
Your 2010 Captain;
Hi, I’m the Kentucky Hammer, punter from Louisville (pronounced LOOOO-VILLE), Kentucky.”
I re-played Desi’s introduction multiple times (it was a long practice that day), right then and there I knew we were inheriting a real character. I remember joking around that day about self-proclaimed nicknames I could adopt;
The list was brief;
1) The Hebrew Hammer
The coach’s like to motivate us throughout the off-season. Nothing makes you work harder then the threat of an incoming freshman taking your job. Coach Johnson enjoyed telling us Desi’s touchback percentage in high school. He would also mention; the Kentucky Hammer isn’t just a reference to how hard he kicks the ball. The Kentucky Hammer is known for being the first man down on the kick off team. He will make skull crushing tackles on the rare occasion the ball doesn’t go through the back of the end-zone and land on the highway (300 yards past the field). Coach Johnson made him out to be a cross between Sebastian Janikowski and Ray Lewis.
Hair style (mine) was often ridiculed by the away team fans and sometimes our own. It was no secret that Graig, Tony & I, had a heavy hand when it came to hair gel. Desi may appear care-free in the hair department (long golden locks), but it is all a cover up (in my mind).
Let’s take a look at Desi’s hairstyles through the years;
Desi couldn’t be more deserving of the opportunity to represent the Special Teams Forces & the UConn Huskies this season. From day one, he was always focused on his goals. It is easy for a kicker/punter to lose focus, get lazy and not work hard at their skill. This wasn’t the case for Desi. He watched hours of film, did constant drill work & made the most of his time spent at practice. His intense discipline does not end on the field. Off the field he is extremely a great role model. I know Desi will take a leadership role this season. He will ensure the team stays focused with their championship goals in sight.
Personally, I cannot wait to hear some of Desi’s pre-game speech’s. Hopefully he will get a chance to pump up the crowd on the big screen at “The Rent.”
Kentucky Hammer has a better ring to it then the Hebrew Hammer & I would never be the first man down the field on the kick-off team.
Two seasons have passed since the last kick of my college career. Over 730 days, 24 football games, 2 bowl games, a Co-Big East Championship & STILL….
…When a field goal is missed at Rentschler Field, the restless crowed breaks out with…
“I can’t believe Nuzie missed the kick, get him out of there!” (The PG version)
One would think they are joking around; I’d go out on a limb and say that 50% of the fans believe I missed the kick. I go to as many games at “The Rent” as possible. However, when there are missed kicks, it gets a little awkward. I’ve gone so far as to tap a fan on the shoulder & show him my EXPIRED student ID. Unfortunately, that just leads to the fan spreading the word and by the next missed field goal; I’ve got 25 fingers pointed towards me. From experience; buying them a beer or hot dog helps to diffuse the uncomfortable situation.
I try to stay away from the student section at all cost. It is a danger zone for someone like myself to sit in. I figure in 3 more years, the freshman when I was a senior will have graduated & I can get the student section experience without any distractions.
My most unique spectator experience was this past season. I got an e-mail during the week from a UConn fan. He asked if he could print out posters that involved me and bring them to the game. After a quick review, I OK’d the project. Lets reference the old cliché, “Bad press is better then no press.” I strongly disagree. Case & Point;
I never thought the day would come, and it didn’t. At least I was the subject for a few laughs at the stadium that day.
Observation, they had the worst seats in the stadium…
When I first started my blog, I received the following comment;
“Matt, the self depreciating humor works well for you, keep it up.”
I’d like to apologize for getting off track and writing about serious issues. Please comment, critique & insult, I’m used to it.
If you are sitting at “The Rent” next season and come across a mis-informed fan, please correct them by letting them know I graduated two years ago, much appreciated.
Confidence is the difference between GOOD & GREAT.
Speed, power & strength take a back seat to confidence. It is the difference between success and failure. Throughout my career I learned a lot about the power of confidence. It can allow you to overcome the toughest of challenges. However, lack of confidence will break you down, making the most common of tasks appear impossible.
Since I was 9 years old, my Little League coach instilled the importance of confidence in me. Before we ended practice, started a game or left a team party, it was always the same chant;
CONFIDENCE, CONFIDENCE, WIN!
I spoke to the same Little League coach before every game at UConn. Like clockwork, Friday night his call would come in & the message was the same;
“…believe in yourself, visualize your success and have confidence in your ability…”
Confidence is not a verbal characteristic. Reciting, I am great & everybody loves me (Rodney Dangerfield style) does not generate confidence. It creates an ego that will soon deflate. Confidence is an intense inner belief. It is having the courage to believe in your self when others don’t. It is easy to boast confidence when you’re on top. When the cards are stacked against you it is confidence & only confidence that will allow you to overcome the adversity.
It may appear inconceivable that a Division 1 kicker could miss an extra point, a running back can fumble a ball on the 1 yard line or a ball can fall through a wide open receiver’s hands. I guarantee it is not a lack of their ability, work ethic or talent. If it was they wouldn’t be in the position to make the kick, catch or run. It all breaks down to their level of confidence.
What I’ve learned…
When faced with a challenge, you can go in two different directions. You can face the challenge with confidence or lack of confidence. From experience, lacking confidence will ensure failure. Going confidently will give you the chance to be successful.
UConn’s Pro Day was a heavily publicized event. The numbers the seniors posted were impressive and a true testament to the growth of the program. I could have logged on to ESPN.com or SI.com but I chose to get my UConn Football update from my long snapper & celebrated Fat White Guy (http://lunn65.blogspot.com/) Rob Lunn.
My knowledge on football isn’t great. My play book was a page long & drawn up by a 3rd grader that scribbled a field goal post and a ball in the middle. Despite playing for four years, my total time spent on the game field was approximately 10 minutes (Snap to kick was under 1.5 seconds). My analysis on UConn’s Pro Day should be taken seriously, so listen up Mel Kiper Jr.
The “Original” Kick Squad had a founding father participate in Pro Day. Tony Ciaravino (pictured below), represented the “OKS” to the fullest.
Quick story on Tony C before we get back to pro day.
Tony came to UConn, highly recruited. He won the High School Lou Groza award. Needless to say our relationship wasn’t exactly a Bromance from the start;
Bromance
Describes the complicated love and affection shared by two straight males.
Steve: Ah, Dave!!! I can’t believe you stole this first pressing of Aladdin Sane from your record store for me. We were just talking about this the other night.
Dave: No sweat, pal.
Steve: That is some full-on bromance. You’re the man.
The Savior comes to UConn for his Official Visit…
To the one person that forgot, I wasn’t exactly The Big Man on Campus at the time (or anytime) of Tonys official visit. My approval rating in Storrs was at an all-time low. Tony was Barack Obama and the CHANGE we could BELIEVE in & I was President Bush & the PROBLEM that fueled the need for CHANGE.
Tony & I ended up at the same party during his official visit. Halfway into the night, a bottle of cologne was stolen from the apartment. The guys that lived in the apartment were going around asking if anyone knew who stole it. I told them I had no idea, but I pointed over to the guy who was poised to take my position next year.
After Tony was unfairly prosecuted, he was later found innocent & acquitted. He didn’t steal the cologne but ended up signing with UConn.
Fast forward to Pre-Season camp, the relationship gets worse…
My cellmate was Tony C. Ironic? Nope. For 2 weeks, I didn’t engage in conversation with the rookie. He would ask questions (normal freshman behavior); I would give a one word answer if anything.
Divorce is in the air..
I could go on about the time I let him sleep through a pre-game meal ( forced to eat out of a styrofoam tray back in the hotel room) or the team meeting I forgot to tell him about. You get the point, let’s move on…
After a few years of marriage counseling we reconciled and put the bad blood behind us & became great friends. Tony saw some action his sophomore year but really excelled and showcased his talents the following season. Tony worked hard at UConn and was a vital asset in UConn’s Big East Championship run. http://collegefootball.rivals.com/cviewplayer.asp?Player=38829 He broke many records & raised the bar for future UConn place-kickers.
Back to Pro Day…
Tony ran a 4.4, 40-Yard Dash, did 32 reps of 225 on the bench & recorded a vertical jump of 39 inches. Coach Belichick worked him out at running back. Just wanted to make sure you didn’t fall asleep. WAKE UP!
Tony was impressive. He was consistent and extremely accurate in front of the scouts. He took out the driver and connected from 50+ yards on a number of field goals.
I will leave you with a few words of wisdom from Tony C
(Interview after making a 55 yard field goal to save the team from running sprints)
Check back for future updates on the Original Kick Squad member & his NFL pursuit.
Change is inevitable. It’s the one guarantee in life.
Change is the foundation for progress & enables ordinary people to achieve extraordinary accomplishments. If everyone followed suit of those who came before, progress would come to a halt. This country was built on those who had unpopular ideas, crazy dreams & then had the courage to venture outside the box and pursue their passion. The road isn’t easy for such pioneers. The reward far out weighs the risk & it is those rewards that continue the cycle of growth, advancement and creates opportunities for future generations.
What would be the reaction if I told the man and women in this picture; 50 years from today you will be able to hang a 60″ TV on the wall, watch 750 different channels & the picture would be in color?
A comparison can be made to the progression and advancement of the UConn Football Program. What would be the reaction from the 1924 UConn Huskies (pictured below) to the news that UConn has a 40,000 seat stadium, a Big East Championship & was a Top 25 team in the country?
The 1924 Huskies may be an extreme example, you get the idea. The program has undergone monumental change over the years. The first interview I ever did at UConn, I was asked the following question:
“Why did you choose to attend UConn?”
“I wanted to be part of the beginning.”
I didn’t have the slightest clue as to what that would entail. It was a convenient answer at the time & it sounded good. Fast forward 5 years & I experienced the transformation of a non-competitive Independent Conference football program turn into a competitive, Big East affiliated team with National prominence.
The transformation was fueled by unpopular ideas & crazy dreams that a Division 1 Program, Big East Conference affiliation, Rentschler Field, Bowl Games, Big East Championships, The Burton Family Football Complex & the Shenkmen Center were possible. Those who shared in these beliefs were determined not rest until their vision came to pass. On behalf of those who reaped the benefits, I’d like to say thank you.
