Zips Walk on Getting Ready

[zff]

McKinley kicker Campbell's summer strategy pays offSunday, July 22, 2007By Jim Thomas Repository Sports Writer Local Sports Headlines CANTON McKinley High School's all-time kicking leader preferred not to participate in Saturday's East-West All-Star Kicking Contest. On his own home turf of Fawcett Stadium, mind you. Zack Campbell had better things planned. "I haven't been practicing my kicking every day this summer like I have been all year and last year," said Campbell, a 2007 McKinley graduate. "I'm a preferred walk-on at the University of Akron. "I didn't want to wear my leg out or get injured before going to camp." Campbell had tallied 237 points over four seasons playing for the Bulldogs, third-best in Ohio all-time as a kicker. But Campbell wanted to play in the 18th annual Repository East-West All-Star Football Game. And he did, with great success. Campbell converted both of his point-after touchdown kicks and made a 38-yard field goal. His field goal in the third quarter kicked the East's lead out to 17-12 so the West would have to score a touchdown to win the game. The West failed to crack the scoreboard again and Campbell's field goal was the last points scored in the East's 17-12 victory. "He really made a big play with his field goal," East head coach Tim Tyrrell said. "That kick was huge. And his kickoffs were huge." "I'm really excited," said Campbell, a big 6-foot-2, 180-pounder. "I was happy that I could kick one more time here on this field. It's a great feeling. "My brother, Matt, ended his career exactly the same way. He kicked here four years ago in the East-West game. "He didn't make a field goal, but he made an extra-point. But the East lost (37-7 in 2003)." Campbell's two PATs and a field goal were just like any other day while he was a member of the Bulldogs. He slammed through seven field goals in each of the last two seasons and booted five as a sophomore. Campbell made 42 point-after kicks as a sophomore, 55 as a junior and 52 last season. Campbell will take a week off before starting to limber up for the Aug. 5 two-a-days. "I know there is a senior there, and a kid who's a red-shirt freshman," Campbell said. "I'm looking forward to (the competition)." Reach Repository sports writer Jim Thomas at (330) 580-8336 or e-mail: jim.thomas@cantonrep.com

[Dr Z]

Campbell converted both of his point-after touchdown kicks

I like him already

[RACER]

as bad as our kicking game was last year; even if he makes extra points it will be an improvement.

[timmyboy]

ive said it all along. this kid is the real deal..... look for him to be in the mix when camp starts.