Vassett star punter in U.S

Former Ellinbank footballer Mark Vassett has found success in American football, where he signed on as a punter for the University of Louisville.

Vassett has played four games of college football so far in front of massive crowds. Last weekend, the Louisville Cardinals took on Florida state in front of 50,000 spectators.

The 24-year-old said it’s been a surreal experience so far and hopes to find success in his freshman year.

As punter, Vassett gets one chance to kick the ball as far and accurately as possible to the opposition. A good punt travels through the air for a long period of time, which allows the defending team to advance.

“Having the Australian rules background I feel like the kicking aspect comes so natural to me,” Vassett said.

The 190cm tall footballer was a gun defender in the EDFL, but began training at Pro Kick Australia where he transitioned to American football.

One of the biggest differences between AFL and American Football is the specific roles played. Vassett is on field for a short period of time, but will have to make his time count.

“Playing footy back home you feel like you’re always involved in the game and can make an impact and here I am standing on the sidelines a lot waiting for my opportunity.

“Sometimes it doesn’t go the way I imagined, but I try my best to learn and move on quickly from my mistakes and concentrate on the next punt,” he said.

Overseas, day-to-day life has come with many differences. In his freshman year, the 24year-old has a jam-packed schedule with meetings, weight training and practice. He lives with three teammates in an apartment near the university campus.

“It was weird for me at first, being back in a classroom for the first time since high school in 2014 but I’m now back into the swing of things,” Vassett said.

The Louisville Cardinals have only lost one of four games this season, and have triumphed over traditionally strong teams. A highlight was against the University of Central Florida, where the Cardinals took a last-minute interception.

“We got an interception and took it all the way for a touchdown in the last minute of the game to win it. The crowd was going crazy, and the celebration was a lot of fun,” he said.

Vassett said it was the best moment of the season so far, the Cardinals winning 42-35.

Left: Mikey Athulathmudali takes a short run up at the Yarragon Cricket Club nets, bowling with a medium-fast pace. Above: Wendy Brown and Doug Brown enjoyed the sunny conditions at Warragul last Thursday. Left: Professional golfer Peter Wilson of Nyora winds up a round of golf at Warragul last week as he looks forward to the resumption of the tournament circuit.

Top: Jim Morrison and Leigh Greening were happy to be back on the golf course at Warragul last week.

Mark Vassett takes a punt for the Louisville Cardinals in front of a massive crowd.