HC sophomore ranked 3rd in nation for kickers
Although he may not look like the archetypal football star, Graham Wald, a sophomore kicker for HC, has developed into one of the top players in the country. With the football team loaded with lots of seniors this season, this five-star kicker is now getting acclaimed for his talents despite his age.
Over Winter break, Wald was an attendee at the Kohl’s Midwest December Showcase in Chicago for football kicking and punting, where he was ranked the 3rd overall kicker in the nation for the sophomore class. This recognition occurred due to his performance: two kickoffs over 70 yards and an average of 68 yards per kickoff at the camp.
Interestingly, Wald has only been playing football for three years. His kicking career, however, began by playing soccer when he was three years-old.
“I started playing [football] in eighth grade, my first football season, although I wasn’t planning to kick,” Wald replied humbly. “I was the only one on my team who played soccer, so my coach wanted me to kick and I did.”
Along with his football accomplishments, Wald also holds an impressive 4.0 GPA, and has high expectations for himself both on and off the field.
“My proudest accomplishment was being a recipient of the 2017 First Team All City roster,” Wald stated. “One of my biggest goals [in high school] is to get First Team All State either my junior or senior year.”
Approaching his junior year, his role as a leader on the team will begin to increase and his coaches look forward to seeing his growth.
“Junior year is a big year for him. I am optimistic to see him continue to improve,” Assistant Head Coach Demetrius Gay said. “I’d like for us to try more field goals so he can show his range more.”
As a sophomore, his skill level and ability to kick is almost unmatched. Currently ranked as one of the nation’s top kickers, he possesses a confident and mature demeanor.
“The most important advice I’ve received is to remain humble,” Wald responded.
He has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout his kicking career, including 2017 Special Teams Player of the Year for HC, and 2017 2nd team kickoff All-American.
“He has a strong leg,” Coach Gay said. “You don’t find too many sophomores with a leg that strong.”
Wald has been to numerous kicking camps from Cincinnati to Chicago to Orlando, and he plans on doing unofficial visits to colleges in the upcoming year.
He also has aspirations to pursue his passion for football in the future.
“Beginning to contact [college] coaches is the next step,” Wald said. “In the future, I’d love to kick at the next level.”