Sept. 9, 2001
By Mark Mannion
MU Media Relations Office
Heading into this season, there probably was not a player on the Missouri squad that was more eager to be back on the field than senior kicker Brad Hammerich. He missed the final four games of the 2000 season after suffering a broken collarbone while making a tackle at Texas.
"It was a painful experience and it took some time to heal, but it is great to be back. I am really excited about the season," said Hammerich.
Until the injury, "Hammer," as his teammates call him, had established himself as the most consistent placekicker Missouri football has seen in recent years. In his Mizzou career, Hammerich is 41-of-42 in PAT attempts, and 18-of-26 in field goal attempts. More impressive is the fact that he has missed only one field goal (11-of-12) inside the 40-yard line, and is 7-for-14 from 40-yards and beyond. He was second on the squad in points scored (36) in 2000 despite suffering the injury. Hammerich kicked a career-best 51-yard field goal in the season opener last week.
A native of Chesterfield, Mo., Hammerich had an outstanding offseason in which he became both stronger, and more accurate. In the Black and Gold game this past spring, Hammerich wowed the crowd by hitting a 56-yard field goal. Then, in preparation for last week's game against Bowling Green, Hammerich launched a 60-yard missile, the longest of his career. "I really didn't have a reaction. I don't really get excited about anything, unless it's a situation that will win a game," he said.
The special teams' goal of being perfect within 40 yards puts very little pressure on a confident Hammerich.
"I'd like to be All-Big 12, that's the ultimate goal," he said. "I want to be real consistent and be a major asset to the team. I want to be someone the guys can lean on in crucial situations."
Hammerich handles pressure situations just as he does any other kick. "I don't really hear any crowd noise. I zone out and wait for the snap. Whatever happens from there is up to itself," he stated.
Hammerich, a candidate for postseason honors, is no stranger to accolades. His athletic ability garnered him several awards during his prep football career at Marquette High. As a junior, Hammerich earned all-state honors as a kicker and first team all-conference at defensive back. In his senior season, he was first team all-conference as a punter, first team all-district as a kicker and at defensive back, and second team all-conference at quarterback. While Hammerich admittedly misses his defensive days, he accepts his role on special teams.
"I chose my position, and feel if I wanted to go to the next level that this is the area to do it in," said Hammerich.
It is worthy to note however that Hammerich led the Tigers special teams in tackles last season with nine, the last of which resulted in his season-ending injury.
Provided he stays healthy, Hammerich has a chance to challenge several Missouri kicking records. Charles Rash's 1957 record for highest PAT percentage (min. 20 attempts) is included amongst these. Rash went 20-for-20 that season.
When his football career concludes, Hammerich will miss several things.
"I'll definitely miss coming into Faurot, the crowd, and the craziness during the game," he said. "Of course, I'll miss the winning, the competition, and the chance to play with some of the best athletes in the country."
On his post-graduate plans, barring any football opportunities, Hammerich is unsure.
"I am leaning towards teaching, possibly in Florida," where his parents currently reside.
However, returning to a bowl game this season is number one on his list of priorities.
"I went my freshman year and got a taste," he said. "I want to go out in style. A bowl game win would be key for that to happen."