I am extremely thankful for ALL of my part-time gigs. It gives me an opportunity to come in contact with so many great kids. Whether it’s coaching, broadcasting, or scribing a note — I have made many friends.
This week’s column features a young man that I have watched grow. I am close to his father, and I have paid close attention to his achievements both on and off the field. Connor Poole is now a senior at Williamsport Area. He is a great guy. Very well-spoken. Smart and polite. Connor has a 4.0 GPA, and his future is bright.
He has played soccer for a very long time. His father is a decorated NCAA official and is still very involved. A few invited Connor to give football a try. Two years later, Connor Poole is a team captain and one of the state’s best kickers. He is automatic and has a tremendous leg. He also kicks off and handles the punts. Connor is another weapon. He’s dangerous. My man kicked a 49-yard field goal a few weeks back. I am calling it the longest kick in the area. Prove me wrong. Connor is still playing soccer, but this new sport is opening a few doors.
“Yes. I have come a long way,” Connor explained. “I have been invited to many college campuses. The entire recruiting process has been fun. I have heard from a number of big-time schools. Having my dad with me has been great. We have been to Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Rutgers, and some smaller Division Is.”
Connor is considered a 5-star kicker. He is currently in the top 15 in the nation, according to several recruiting services. Connor is the top dog in Pennsylvania. He has really worked hard on his craft. Connor continues to spend time in the weight room and has attended many camps. Since he is still playing soccer, he does most of his practice away from the team. Something that has worked for both he and the Millionaires.
“Coach has a lot of trust in me,” Connor continued. “I will only kick a few nights at practice, but he knows I will be ready. He gave me so much confidence when he gave me the opportunity to try that 49-yarder. It was a great snap and a perfect hold. All season my guys have had my back. We are really gelling with our special teams. All eleven of us are doing our job. Punting. Kick-off. Extra points. I give a lot of credit to my long snapper, Owen Newcomer, who is just a freshman, and my friend Evan Kime, who holds.”
I have called Connor’s number on many occasions. I remember one recent game in particular. It was halftime, and we came back for a few stats. The visiting band just finished. They were exiting the field while I was talking. I continued to go over the keys for the upcoming quarter. I suddenly noticed my man Connor standing around the 50-yard line. My partner was saying something important, but I immediately chimed in. DRAE. I HATE TO INTERRUPT. BUT DID YOU SEE THAT? CONNOR POOLE JUST PUT ONE THROUGH FROM 60. Yes. The kid has a mighty leg.
“I am excited to see what happens,” Connor concluded. “I never thought that football would provide so many opportunities. I am doing my best to enjoy the entire experience. I have already received one offer, but I am thinking a few more will come eventually. I will continue to lift and get better. Who knows where I will end up? But yes. I have pictured myself kicking a field goal in front of 60K people. That’s just crazy.”
Connor Poole was a great interview. I am so happy for him and his successes on the gridiron. Connor said all the right things, and you could tell that he was genuine. He was so modest and thanked me for all of the compliments. I, too, am excited for his future. Laces out. Cheers.
