The opening lines of Adam Sandler’s song “The Lonesome Kicker” read:
Me, I’m the lonesome kicker
Extra points, field goals at your service
One might think it comes with glory
You might think differently after you listen to my story
As the 2010 football season approaches its beginning on August 28 at Adams State, Dixie State’s kicker is far from lonesome. In fact, the man behind the single-barred mask is jovial, disciplined and a leader.
I had a chance to sit down with senior Mike Langston during a recent DSC practice (and yes, I did take him out of his normal practice routine).
John Potter: You had the unique opportunity to perform last season in front of large opposing audiences. How do you respond to the pressures of thousands of fans focusing on you in special team situations?
Mike Langston: You can’t let the big crowds get to you even though they picked out my name out from the roster. They were making fun of me and yelling things. I take it as a compliment and remained focused. It reminds me of a rush coming for a block – I just stay focused for the team.
JP: Last October, you had a breakthrough game at home against Azusa Pacific. You made four field goals including one from 40 yards. Talk us through your approach to field goals, punting and the kickoff.
ML: Being at Dixie, I get to do all three. I feel most comfortable punting, but that Azusa game was one of my best because I focused on making those four field goals. You would think FG and kickoffs would be easier because the ball isn’t moving, but I have gotten the best results in the punt game. For my approach, I think about the little things in my technique and concentrate on performing them correctly.
JP: You came into summer camp in great shape. What motivated you to lose weight and how did you do it?
ML: Back at Montana State, some guy got my name off the roster and referred to me as “Beer Gut”. Funny thing is having never tasted alcohol, it wasn’t beer; it was laziness. I had gained 25 pounds since coming to Dixie. Over the summer, I shed 30 pounds with a combination of diet and exercise. I ate smaller portions and just remained disciplined with my diet. For exercise, I played a lot of basketball and did cardio. That guy calling me “Beer Gut” was enough motivation. It would be nice to lose five more pounds - I want to look good in that tight jersey this year.
JP: The list of awards you have accrued has been impressive. Last year you were 1st Team All-GNAC and 2nd Team All-Region for D-II. This year, you were named to the Lindy’s Sports Division-II Preseason 2nd Team. What do the honors mean to you and how do they influence your goals for 2010?
ML: I strive off of personal accolades. But it’s not just about me, it is about this team. I want to be a part of the coverage on punts and kickoffs. If I get first team in the conference, I see it as a team award. The preseason accolade is nice and exciting for me. It says a lot for Dixie as an up-and-coming program. You will see more names from DSC on lists after this season.
JP: Walk us through your practice routine.
ML: It starts in the training room and with proper stretching. After a warm-up, I start easy with one-steppers and drops. I focus on the fundamentals and technique because I admittedly don’t have a killer leg. While the team is on the field, I am on the sideline doing the drills I have learned throughout the years to make sure when needed, I am ready. You won’t see me just standing on the sideline doing nothing, that gets boring. I will motivate the team or do some sit-ups just to stay active. Most importantly, I run with the team at the end of practice because this is the ultimate team sport. I want them to know they can count on me.
JP: There had to be a point back in the day where you thought “I want to kick”. When did that happen?
ML: I laugh at this because no one ever dreams of being a kicker. My freshman year of high school, I played tight end and defensive end. During the year, the kicker got hurt so I stepped in. The next year in spring ball, the varsity team needed a kicker and I got the job after kicking a 40-yard field goal cold. As a senior, I was both the kicker and the starting quarterback. In the first game, I got hit hard and was injured. Stretched out in the hospital bed that night I thought, “I am only going to kick in college!” Being a quarterback in high school helped me because I became more athletic and a true student of the game.
JP: At San Bernardino Valley College, you played in a pretty big game against one of the best teams not only in California, but in the nation. How did that Grossmont game affect you?
ML: That Grossmont game was a huge game. We were predicted to lose big. I don’t think they had lost a game in a year or two and were defending state champs. Before the half, I lined up for a 45 yard field goal and they called two time outs in a row to freeze me, but I still hit the kick to give us the lead. In the fourth, I kicked another field goal to give up a four-point lead. The week after, I kicked the game-winner in overtime. I grew a lot in those two weeks. My confidence was sky high.
JP: How did you decide to come to Dixie State?
ML: At first, I didn’t even know where Dixie was. Some FBS schools like Tennessee-Martin came out to watch me kick, but (former DSC) Coach Haun called me and was persistent about me coming here. When I took a step on this campus, a feeling inside of me confirmed this was the right choice. I have never regretted the decision to come to Dixie. It was more than just football. The school fit for my business major, for personal and religious beliefs & it is close enough to home that my family can drive five hours to see me play a home game. My dad is my biggest fan and it’s a bummer if he is not in the stands. Being close allows him to be here and I enjoy that.
JP: Who were your sports role models growing up?
ML: I grew up a Dallas Cowboys fan so I enjoyed watching Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. As I got into high school, I saw Adam Venatieri kick for New England. His winning kicks in the snow and in the Super Bowl inspired me. It showed me that a kicker can shine in the spotlight when given the chance. When I get my chance, I want to feel like Adam did. I also grew up a Lakers fan, so when Kobe Bryant gets the eye of the tiger and becomes mentally tough, I try to emulate that because staying focused as a kicker will eliminate distractions from the opposing teams and their fans.
JP: As the athletic department, we stress the student part of the phrase student-athlete. Tell us about your off-the-field activities.
ML: I am a business major here. As a return missionary, we have our institute program and I was asked to be the LDS Student Association president this year. It’s a club of 3,000 and I am in charge of planning activities. In the classroom, I am taking 18 credits this fall and would like to maintain around a 3.2 GPA in my business classes. Those are some goals I plan to reach off the field.
JP: We will conclude this with a feature called FOUR DOWNS! Four quick questions with rapid fire answers. Question one: what is worse for you – the anticipation of having a kick blocked or having to make a tackle?
ML: Definitely, making the tackle! I made 10 solo tackles in my junior year of high school, but I am slow and may get trucked. Having that fast guy running at you is a little nerve-racking. I rather have the pressure on me to do the job I was brought here to do.
JP: Number two: what is your favorite sport outside of football?
ML: Hands down, basketball. I am a die-hard Lakers fan. I love Kobe Bryant. Sometimes that’s like cussing around here with all of the Jazz fans. I played soccer also when I was younger, but basketball is by far my favorite.
JP: Question three: what is the first thing you think of when I mention your hometown of Riverside, CA?
ML: It’s the best of both worlds. We are an hour away from everything – beaches, mountains, Disneyland. I miss hanging out with my friends and family. They are six hours away, so I don’t get to see them as often as I would like.
JP: And finally: offer some friendly advice for your holder, Caleb Caple.
ML: We call him “Dirty” because he is from the South. I would tell him not to be nervous and warn him that he better put the ball down the way I want it because I know where he lives and I will get my revenge if he pulls a Ray Finkle “Laces In” on me. He has done it a couple of times during practice.