Gryphons kicker a big part of successful season
Gryphons kicker, Daniel Ferraro, earned Athlete of the Week honours after one of his best performances against the Windsor Lancers on Oct. 4. Ferraro was successful for five field goals, putting up 16 of the Gryphons 24 points in the 24-9 victory.
The Psychology major continued his strong play on Oct. 10 in the team’s Friday Night Lights 44-24 win over the Carleton Ravens. Ferraro connected for five field goals once again, three coming from over 40 yards away.
Stephanie Coratti: What attracted you to the kicker position?
Daniel Ferraro: I started playing soccer when I was three and played until grade 11, but in gym class in grade nine, I won a punting competition. The next year, I was asked by the junior football coach to try out for the team. While participating in one of the drills, the coach asked me my name and I said, “Ferraro,” and his reply was, “Oh you’re the kicker, good job!” Since that day I was the kicker and I loved it.
S.C.: When a kicker makes a mistake, everyone notices. How do you deal with this pressure?
D.F.: I like to keep football fun. When I’m having fun, I’m relaxed. Also, preparation is a big thing. When you’re prepared, there’s no reason to feel pressure because you’re ready for anything. One quote I love is: “Pressure is what you feel when you’re not prepared.”
S.C.: How has it been playing alongside your brother, Gabriel, who is also one of the Gryphon kickers?
D.F.: Playing next to Gabriel has been awesome. Not very many people get to play football with their brother and it’s truly something special. My brother and I are very close, and having him there for support and being there for him is great.
S.C.: Do you have a pre-game ritual?
D.F.: The night before or the morning of the game, I choose a quote from the Bible that will be my inspiration. As soon as I get to the stadium, I go out to the centre of the field, read the quote, and say a prayer. Then I walk around the field and visualize myself playing. I go inside, get ready, and go warm up. After warm up, I get someone to write the Bible passage on my arms. After running out onto the field just before the game, I say another prayer and I’m ready to go.
S.C.: Where do you get your motivation?
D.F.: Firstly from God. He gave me the talent and opportunity to play football so I just thank Him every day and I play to honour Him. I’m also motivated by my family. My parents have given up a lot to help me get to where I am today, and I can’t thank them enough. This year I have dedicated the season to thanking God, my parents, and my supporters […]. My teammates really motivate me too. We’re all working towards winning a championship, and I just try to do my part to make that happen.
S.C.: What are your goals outside of football?
D.F.: […] To graduate with a psychology degree and get into teaching. I love working with kids and have been working at a summer camp for three years. Teaching is a passion of mine and I hope to make a career out of it in the future.
S.C.: What’s next for you, following this football season and school year?
D.F.: I have really been trying to take everything day-by-day. After this football season, I don’t know what will happen with the CFL draft, but that is something I will have to worry about once the season is over. I’ll need at least one more semester to finish my degree after this year, so that is also something I need to take into consideration. All of that is in the future though. Right now I’m focused on the season and winning a championship.