Canisius kicker Blake Haubeil is no stranger to pressure situations. In June, the junior traveled to the Ohio State to kick in front of head coach Urban Meyer.
"I couldn't believe he wanted to see me individually," Haubeil said.
A month later the national champions offered Blake a scholarship.
"With a coach and all his accomplishments it was terrific," he said.
But Blake's biggest kick would come just three games into the regular season. With the Crusaders facing fourth and long against South Park last Saturday, a decision had to be made: punt or send out the junior.
"I asked our special teams coordinator how far it was. He said ‘about 60,'" Head Coach Rich Robbins recalled. "I said, 'Well, do we have it?' He said, 'Yeah, we got it.’"
"He's proven in practice that he has that ability," Special Teams Coordinator Bryce Hopkins added.
The distance? 61-yards.
"I was warming up form 65-70 yards in pregame," Blake said.
Blake set a new school record when he made the field goal. It is the second longest field goal in New York State high school football history.
"It was a dream come true. I honestly do dream about stuff like that and just to know it became a reality was just terrific."
One of his biggest supporters is current UCONN kicker Michael Tarbutt, wo set the record last year at Canisius with a 60-yarder.
“He told me before the season started he expected me to break all of his records,” Haubeil said. “I don’t think he quite expected it this early and neither did I, but it was nice to get that.”
***SUPER 7 COUNTDOWN***
#1 – Blake Haubeil, Canisius Football
Set a school record with a 61-yard field goal in a 23-20 win over South Park on Saturday. The kick is the second longest in New York State history. Todd Sauerbrun holds the record with a 62-yarder. That mark was set back in 1990.
#2 – Marissa Birzon, Williamsville East Soccer
Broke the school record for career goals pushing her total to 78 with four goal effort against Lakeshore. As a sophomore she broke the single season record for goals in a season with 38 last year.
“It’s a phenomenal accomplishment for someone to do it as a junior. For someone like her to have the record, it’s an incredible accomplishment. She should be proud to have it.” – Chris Durr, Head Coach
#3 – Zach Samborski, Lancaster Football
Ran for a school record 389 yards and scored five touchdowns last Friday night against Jamestown. He also caught the game-winning touchdown in a 46-41 win over the defending Class AA Champs.
“What we saw on Friday is what he does every day in practice. When he puts that effort in during practice, the result is seen by everybody is Western New York.”
#4 – Grace Fredricks, Mount St. Mary’s Swimming
Won the 100 meter breast stroke and helped her team with the medley relay at the Sacred Heart Invite. She also finished 2nd in the 200 IM.
"Grace is a leader both in and out of the pool. As team captain she continually strives to improve and encourage not only herself but her teammates. Grace is our top breaststroke and IMer. She is a positive young lady and a pleasure to coach." – Alison Lowes, Head Coach
#5 – Sydney Cerza, Clarence Soccer (photo)
Scored three goals in an 8-2 win over Lancaster as the Red Devils improved to 4-1 and 4-0 in the ECIC.
“She’s been a great team leader and taken on more responsibility distributing the ball. She’s one of the most lethal strikers in Western New York.” – Tom Furminger, Head Coach
#6 – Tyree Brown, South Park Football
Has thrown for 600 yards and five touchdowns this season and ran for 321 yards and scored six rushing touchdowns.
“He’s really stepped into a leadership role as a senior. From his offseason work to get better to now he has really stepped up his game to the next and one of the reasons why we are playing so well.” Tim Delaney, Head Coach
# 7 – Kiley Austin, Immaculata Academy Soccer
Has scored 17 goals this season including a hat-trick against Fredonia and scored four more against Niagara Catholic.
“Kiley is a complete player. Her vision on the field helps her make great decisions. She starts a lot of attacks with great service and through balls. She also has a great shot and dribbling skills, allowing her to score a lot of goals.” – Matt Gorny, Head Coach
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