Kicker Tryouts...Soccer Finals

Submitted by Gerald R. Ford on

Coach Rod said last week that open tryouts for the kicking position would take place this Friday (tomorrow).  Just a question of strategy here (sorry if this has been raised):  If the NCAA Soccer semifinals are on Friday night in California, and the finals are on Sunday, would it not have been more strategic to hold the tryouts on Monday or Tuesday? 

I can't imagine that there is not at least one kid on that championship level soccer team who would not tryout at least to help us finish out the season in a bowl.  Even just a kickoff specialist with a big leg that can get it to the endzone.  A good soccer player can do that easily and has already benen in competitive situations.

Wolverine0056

December 9th, 2010 at 8:45 AM ^

Personally I don't care if RR finds someone at the tryouts or not, I just want someone to make some damn FG's. Whether it be one of the two we have or someone from the tryout, please someone just make a FG.

But to go along with what you are asking, I would think that it would be more beneficial to wait until after this weekend. Then again, RR may know that no one on the soccer teams wants to try out, I don't know I'm going to stop typing now.

Purkinje

December 9th, 2010 at 8:50 AM ^

Has anyone here ever tried out before? It seems like it would be a dream come true to even try if you were any good at kicking things... And a humiliating nightmare if not, like me.

DMIKEGOBLUE

December 9th, 2010 at 8:52 AM ^

After the team beat Maryland on Saturday (which was awesome), some fans who were talking to the players were asking/beggin them to kick for the football team.  They all had the same answer - that they were committed to soccer and only soccer.

UAUM

December 9th, 2010 at 8:52 AM ^

I want someone who can kick the ball past the opponent's 15 yard line on kick offs.  It's like we give each team 2 free first downs whenever we kick off.  Kills field position.

ChasingRabbits

December 9th, 2010 at 9:40 AM ^

Pretty sure hagerup had been kicking off of late and was doing a good job until the "violation" happened.  Since he is back for the bowl and 3 more years, I am much much more concerned with the FGs.

 

UM2k1

December 9th, 2010 at 8:53 AM ^

I thought I had read somewhere (probably on here) that Justin Meram had a year of elidgibility left for Football (but not for Soccer, kind of like Greg Paulus).  Having him kick this year (bowl game) would exhaust that elidgibility (I believe).  Based on his Youtube video, Meram is very accurate from 50 yds plus, so If he is able, I would love to see him kick next year.

Tim

December 9th, 2010 at 9:06 AM ^

Having him kick this year would have no effect on his eligibility for next year. He'll have one year to play a sport other than soccer, whatever it is.

Doesn't matter though, because he's good enough to play soccer professionally, and will probably do that next year.

fatbastard

December 9th, 2010 at 10:28 AM ^

but if he wanted to try out after they win the championship, I'm sure that could be arranged. 

Could you imagine the legendary status that he would have in Michigan lore if the soccer team went on to win the championship and then the guy walks onto the football team to kick a couple of long field goals in the Gator Bowl.  Comes back next season to help Michigan to the Rose Bowl, and then goes on to a professional career in soccer and the US National team? 

He'd pass Ali Haji Sheihk as Michigan's greatest all time kicker list and could approach the fame of  the Space Emperor himself!