For NM State Media Relations
LAS CRUCES, N.M. – As game time approaches junior punter, Stephen Witkowski can be found in the locker room relaxing his pre-game nerves with tunes by artists such as Jack Johnson; this Australian native prefers the acoustic beach music from back home when preparing for a game.
“Prokick Australia prepared me very well. They have prepared a number of guys that play throughout America. There they taught us the fundamentals and skills and also prepared us with the actual wearing of the gear because in Australian Rules football we don’t wear pads, helmets or anything like that, “said Witkowski.
Witkowski aims to progress in the game and although the late walk-on is still getting familiar with American college rules his performance on the field demonstrates his successful transition.
The Aussie punter is recording a 40.17 yards per punt on 32 punts this season. His season-long 60-yard punt came against Georgia State, Oct. 4.
Witkowski seems to have found success and is attempting to get his name in the record books. If Witkowski ends this season with at least a 44.3 yards per punt or higher, he will be in the top rankings for punting average.
Currently, the record for punting average in a single season is held by Cayle Chapman-Brown, who had an average of 44.3 yards per punt in 2012. Chapman-Brown also holds the No. 2 spot in the record books, averaging 43.8 yards a punt in 2013.
The Australian punter feels fortunate for making his way into American college football and looks forward to improving his game.
“So far I think I’ve had some highs and lows. I think that’s all a part of it especially considering this is the first time I’ve ever played the sport,” Witkowski said. “I’m sort of still finding my way in a sense but overall I’m reasonably placed and at the same time I have a lot of improvement in me, which is exciting as well.”
Witkowski and the NM State Aggies take on Idaho, Saturday Oct.18 at 3 p.m. The game is scheduled to air on both ESPN3.com and locally on the radio (98.7 FM).