Allison Fitzpatrick
Reporter
@allisonfcourant
In 1970, Robert Inesta, St.Mary’s High School kicker, kicked his 18th career field goal, which set a Connecticut state record. For the past 45 years, the record had stood. However, on Friday, October 30, Peter Swindell nailed a 29 yard kick in the second quarter of New Canaan’s 52-14 win over the Norwalk Bears.
During the game, this record had not been on Peter’s mind until he had broken it.“Two weeks before, coach Marinelli had told me about it, but I forgot about it. But then when it happened he told me again, and I remembered. It was really exciting,” Peter said.
This milestone accomplishment could not have been achieved without serious commitment. As both a kicker and a receiver,practices can be very strenuous for Peter.“Practices are always really tough, I start with kicking and then I usually do reciever drills for the bulk of practice, and then we end with kicking”,Peter says.
Even before games, while the rest of the team is in the locker room, Peter is out on the field punting the ball.“Me and the other kickers go out on the field before any of the other players go out, just to get a good stretch in. Then we warm up, starting with short field goals and then moving on to longer ones. After that, the rest of the team comes out”
Two other senior players, holder Mike Cognetta and long snapper Will Arliss also have an integral role in a successful kick off.Since the start of the season, Mike has been holding for Peter. “I started holding my senior year. The coaches asked if anyone could hold and no one jumped so I just decided that I would take the job. I really enjoy the job because it’s fun and I can be used to run fake kicks and other trick plays,” Mike said.
Mike’s hold on the ball can determine whether or not the field goal is made. “I have a tee I must put the ball on and it has to be in the back left corner. I have to make sure I get the ball on the tee almost instantly and I also have to spin the it on the tee so the laces aren’t going to make contact with Peter’s foot. .If I don’t do the things and the hold is off, Peter could kick it wide left or right,” Mike said.
The job of the long snapper, Will Arliss, is just as important. “The long snapper is a very important part of the kicking process. He is the one who gets the ball back to me. He has to place it perfectly where my hand is and with a spiral or else I won’t be able to get a clean hold on the ball fast enough for Peter to kick it,”says Mike.
The hard work and dedication of Peter and the kickoff team, has helped Peter achieve this accomplishment.“The whole thing is very exciting, it’s really a thrill. To have a record stand for forty five years and then realize that you broke that record, it’s an honor”,said Peter.
