Ozpunt chat's with starting Punter & Kicker Adam Moretti
OzPunt:
Welcome Adam, thanks for taking time out of training to answer some questions about being at York University. So the people out there can get to know a bit about you, lets start with a few get to know questions
OzPunt:
How old are you?
Adam:
I’m nineteen at the moment, turning twenty in a couple of months.
OzPunt:
Where did you go to school?
Adam:
I attended Parade College which is an all boy’s school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne.
OzPunt:
What sports did you grow up playing?
Adam:
As a kid I grew up playing soccer, I played for the local club for about 12 years, then moved onto Aussie Rules football and then rugby
OzPunt:
When did you first kick an American Football?
Adam:
I first kicked an American Football in about November 2008...
OzPunt:
Where are you currently living and what are is it like?
Adam:
I am currently living in the University village with a few of the players on the team. We live in sort of like a frat house. It gets pretty insane here; things do get wild with these boys! I love it here.
OzPunt:
I know from experience that you kick the ball so hard that it hurts the finger of the person holding it on field goal attempts, have the holders at college said anything about how hard you can kick the ball?
Adam:
So far the holders haven’t said anything, which I think is good because it means I’m hitting the ball in the right spot. Most of the guys are amazed at how I kick the ball as they haven’t seen someone kick it that far or with as much power.
OzPunt:
Was it hard to transition to kicking an American Football from an AFL and Rugby ball?
Adam:
The transition wasn’t hard but in saying that it wasn’t easy. In kicking the American football there is a lot of technique and patience required. You have to master your drop and steps before you even get to kick the ball. There is also a limited space on which you can kick to achieve the perfect spiral. It was challenging. The coaches do love the drop punt as well. I use it in directional punting on which i try to kick for the corners. So it’s a good advantage for us Aussie punters.
OzPunt:
You had close to 100 Universities chasing your services at the college level, why did you select York University?
Adam:
York University is one of the biggest colleges in North America with a good academic and football program. I have a close bond with the head coach. His main reason why I came here as he is a player’s coach and someone you want to do your best for. York football also got me a kicking coach who was an ex CFL kicker, so i get good one on one training.
OzPunt:
How many guys are currently on your team?
Adam:
At camp there will be about 160 people trying for a spot on the team with about half getting cut. So there will end up being between 80 or 90 players.
OzPunt:
What positions will coach be playing you at?
Adam:
So far just kicker/punter, but they want to give me a shot at fullback because of my rugby experience. So we will see how that goes.
OzPunt:
What is the longest field goal you have kick so far in Canada?
Adam:
My longest field goal has been 65 yards. That raised some eyebrows amongst the coaching staff.
OzPunt:
How has the training been going? What do you normally do at training?
Adam:
Training has been going good. It is very intense!! We train everyday for about 3 hours. I normally start my training with alot of stretching and warming up, then rotate through field goal kicking, kickoff and punting.
OzPunt:
I hear the team gave you your own personalized football boots? Is that true?
Adam:
Yes, I have my own custom Nike boots with my surname and number on the heel. They are in the team colours and are very cool.
OzPunt:
Did someone have to show you how to put together all the uniform and equipment?
Adam:
Haha yes! There is quite a lot of padding and equipment you need. We have an equipment manager that looks after all that so it’s not that bad.
OzPunt:
Does your Australian accent help you on the team or around campus?
Adam:
That accent does help!! You meet a lot of people because they overhear you speak and come asking you questions and that. The team on the other hand asks you alot of funny things and always ask you to say that classic Jim Carey line ‘put another shrimp on the barbie’ ... I keep telling them that in Australia we call them prawns.
OzPunt:
How has the OzPunt program helped you with getting you ready for the college experience.
Adam:
OzPunt gave me an opportunity to tryout Punting and Kicking. They taught me all the things I needed to know to be a successful kicker/punter at college level. Without OzPunt I would definitely not be where I am today!
OzPunt:
Thanks for your time Adam, all the guys ask about during training and wish you the best. Any words of advice for the guys still training away here in Australia and looking forward to being the next Adam Moretti?
Adam:
Keep practicing and be patient ... It will eventually pay-off.