2008 Woodie Awards
Kicker finds his place on the football team
Serious: Trying to stay focused is a natural part of the game for the sophomore.
By: Cristian Vasquez and Robert Sanchez
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Sports
- Page 1 of 2 next >
With his football pads on and his helmet in his hand, he steps onto the field ready to practice what he has been doing his whole life.
He takes three steps back and two steps to the left. The ball is held in place; he moves, kicks and the ball goes in between the goal posts for the perfect field goal.
He backs up and does it again all afternoon, until the rest of the football team begins using the field for team scrimmages. Place kicker Branden Jones knows the routine all too well. At this point, he and his coach begin to work on physical conditioning.
Every day, the sophomore practices his kicking abilities in preparation for the next game. For Jones, it's all part of being on the team, even though he does most of his workout without the rest of his teammates.
"The team treats me great, it is very supportive," Jones said. "They have been great all season long."
An ardent sports fan, Jones doesn't limit himself to what he can do and started playing sports at age 5 when he joined a soccer team.
"I've been playing sports my whole life," Jones said. "In high school, I played both soccer and football, but in college I had to choose one."
After graduating from St. Monica's, Jones registered at EC and immediately became involved with sports on campus.
"I tried out for the volleyball team last year and made it," Jones said. "I worked out with them and all, but I left the team in the spring to play football."
Making the transition from the gym to the field was not easy for Jones, who enjoys every aspect of athletic competition.
"It was a tough choice for me to make; I love sports all around," Jones said. "However, my passion for the game is what brought me back."
Despite the high hopes for his football career, Jones keeps his priorities on track and doesn't overlook his academic obligations. Jones, a journalism major, doesn't let distractions get to him off and on the field.
"My first priority is school," Jones said. "I would love to go as far as football can take me."
He takes three steps back and two steps to the left. The ball is held in place; he moves, kicks and the ball goes in between the goal posts for the perfect field goal.
He backs up and does it again all afternoon, until the rest of the football team begins using the field for team scrimmages. Place kicker Branden Jones knows the routine all too well. At this point, he and his coach begin to work on physical conditioning.
Every day, the sophomore practices his kicking abilities in preparation for the next game. For Jones, it's all part of being on the team, even though he does most of his workout without the rest of his teammates.
"The team treats me great, it is very supportive," Jones said. "They have been great all season long."
An ardent sports fan, Jones doesn't limit himself to what he can do and started playing sports at age 5 when he joined a soccer team.
"I've been playing sports my whole life," Jones said. "In high school, I played both soccer and football, but in college I had to choose one."
After graduating from St. Monica's, Jones registered at EC and immediately became involved with sports on campus.
"I tried out for the volleyball team last year and made it," Jones said. "I worked out with them and all, but I left the team in the spring to play football."
Making the transition from the gym to the field was not easy for Jones, who enjoys every aspect of athletic competition.
"It was a tough choice for me to make; I love sports all around," Jones said. "However, my passion for the game is what brought me back."
Despite the high hopes for his football career, Jones keeps his priorities on track and doesn't overlook his academic obligations. Jones, a journalism major, doesn't let distractions get to him off and on the field.
"My first priority is school," Jones said. "I would love to go as far as football can take me."