Q & A With Mike Shafer
10/29/2002 9:14:33 AM | Football
Q: What made you come to Syracuse when you're originally from Florida?
A: "When I was recruited here a lot of my family lived in Rochester. The chance to play as one of two freshmen was appealing. And being a kicker in the Dome where there is no wind was a great opportunity. It is also a good school. It just fit the mold."
Q: How did you start playing football? Have you played all your life?
A: "Actually I started playing when I was a sophomore in high school. Playing soccer, I could always kick the ball far and was always the one to take the free kicks. So when the opportunity came to play football, I just took a chance."
Q: What would you like to do after graduation?
A: "When football is all said and done, I want to be a pilot."
Q: How did you discover flying?
A: "I always liked planes and took flying lessons when I was nine. I love to be around planes, and if I can't fly them, I'd like to have another job that focuses around planes."
Q: You struggled a bit as a sophomore. How did you manage to come back from that to earn All-BIG EAST honors last season?
A: "When I was a sophomore I did everything - I kicked, punted and kicked field goals - and it takes a lot out of you trying to do all three. But I trusted my ability and faith in God to get me through. I didn't want to come out of Syracuse being a player that everyone forgot about. And that fueled the fire. I wanted to come up here and be successful, so I was determined to pull through."
Q: What was your most memorable moment playing football?
A: "I think when we beat Virginia Tech last year, it was one of the most memorable big games that I've had."
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: "I have a lot of hobbies. I guess you could say I am a car enthusiast and like to mess around with my car. I go to church and like to keep in touch with my family. I also like following sports."
Q: Why did you change your number from 13 to 36 before your junior year?
A: "I guess it was just a change. I wanted a new look, to start over after my freshman and sophomore year. Thirty-six was a number that was open. It also was a number that a lot of successful kickers have had."
Q: Do you think there is an advantage to kicking in the Dome because there is no wind? Does it put you at a disadvantage at away games?
A: "It is just one less thing you have to worry about. In the Dome there is no current, no wind, no side or directional things you have to worry about. It definitely helps out. But on the other hand, when you do have the wind on your side that can help you as well."
Q: How does the home crowd affect your performance?
A: "I think the home crowd is definitely an advantage. Playing at Auburn, or any hostile environment, makes you appreciate playing in front of your home crowd. Playing in front of that crowd in the Dome is an extra advantage because it gets so loud that opposing teams can't concentrate when they play."
Q: Did you enjoy being the commercial for Syracuse football?
A: "I did what they told me to do - an Emeril exclamation. It was fun and a neat thing to do."
