By Robby Fletcher
Junior kicker Noah Gillespie does not have the experience in varsity football that most other kickers have, but his experience in the other football has helped.
Noah, who has played soccer for five years and been a part of a travel team for three, is still adjusting to the differences in the style of play that separates the two sports—football and fútbol.
“The technique definitely doesn’t translate from soccer, and it takes discipline to kick [the football] as opposed to the constant chaos happening in soccer,” Noah said.
Noah’s mom, Kathy Ware, has observed Noah as he makes adjustments.
“I think it’s the way of approaching it. There’s the waiting for a chance to kick in football and contemplating what can happen versus the running and instinctual aspect of soccer that really play into effect,” Mrs. Ware said.
Noah’s interest in football started at the JV level when coach Keith Stainker approached him about the kicking position.
“I figured why not because it was definitely something new and different, and I wouldn’t have lost anything by trying it,” Noah said.
After a year of playing both football and soccer, Noah said he might have to decide if football should be his primary focus.
Mrs. Ware thinks that Noah’s best chance for a scholarship may be in football.
“Personally, I prefer he continue to play soccer, but he is the one who chooses in the end, and right now he wants to focus on kicking for Varina,” Mrs. Ware said.
Noah’s teammate on special teams, junior CJ Jewell, said he has seen the substantial progress Noah has made.
“He definitely has looked more confident on field goals in practice, and it shows in his accuracy and stance,” CJ said.
Noah said that the one thing that has allowed him to continue to learn and focus on both sports and school is the encouragement from his mom
“She really has been right there with me through both sports, and it’s just nice to have someone always there with you,” Noah said.
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