Sports » Spotlight

Action Sports Spotlight - Mike Guerriere

By Brendan O'Reilly
July 22, 2010 Updated Oct 7, 2008 at 11:36 PM EDT

Until this year, these were the feet of a soccer star.
Sidney senior Mike Guerriere is the school's all-time leading scorer with 91 goals, yet decided to trade in the cleats for a helmet.
"You never know if you don't do it. I'm a senior. I'm going to have fun."
So far, so good.
His sledgehammer for a right leg blasted school-record field goals of 47 and 48 yards in back-to-back games.
He's also an extra point machine and another defender with mile long kickoffs.
But learning to kick the odd-shaped football hasn't come without its challenges.
"A football is heavier, feels more powerful when you hit it and it's always stationary, never moving. Soccer ball you got to go chase it. I've played soccer since I was two so I can kick a ball. I just got to learn how to aim."
Guerriere's soccer speed has also been a weapon at running back.
He's rushed for 343 yards and 3 touchdowns.
The physical skills are all there.
Mentally is another challenge.
Guerriere doesn't know a whole lot about football.
So that's got the Warriors coaches using some alternative teaching methods.
Coach Jeff Matthews says, "Coach Mister told me he needs to play more Madden so he can learn a little bit more about football but he's doing a great job of adjusting to the different sport."
"I didn't even know what a spread was. I don't play Madden. That's my worst video game. Football, who plays football? I always put them down, football players, but it's a little different now."
You never know until you try and now Guerriere is having fun leading the Warriors to the goal, err, the end zone. Justin Horowitz, Action Sports.

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