Cam Shirkey is a key reason that Notre Dame College football has had as much success as they have this year.
"I knew I wanted to be a college kicker my freshman year of high school when I went to a kicking camp and was rated as one of the best in my class. I realized I had an opportunity that many others do not get, "Shirkey explained.
"Even though I did not start kicking until my freshman year of high school, I have deep soccer roots, and have played soccer since I could walk."
Shirkey talked about the competition with fellow kicker Parker Henry:
"Parker and I have been competing since we got here. Every day he takes one kick and I take one. It really brings out the best in both of us and I attribute part of my success to him driving me everyday to be my best."
Henry talked about competition also:
"Despite being what most would call "enemies," since I'm second string and he is first string, Cam and I have a great bond, and he is very supportive of me even though I'm in hopes of taking his spot. Just an all-around great person, very funny and supportive of everyone around him."
Shirkey then spoke about the role of holder Dom Buttazzoni:
"Dom is a major part of my success as a kicker. It is nice to have an experienced holder and someone who I know will do his job perfectly. That makes my job so much easier. He has a confidence that is contagious and brings a sense of calm during every kick that goes on."
Shirkey told me about the first time he met Buttazzoni:
"The first time I met Dom was my first day at NDC when he helped me move in. We were both a little timid and kind of getting to know each other. After a while we just clicked and bonded like no other."
Then he talked about meeting Henry:
"The first time I met Parker was on his visit. He was a quiet, shy kid but I saw he had a lot of potential as a kicker. I wanted to get him here to bring out the best and to see him reach his full potential."
Shirkey told me that the biggest misperception about DII football is that football is not taken seriously. " I have come to see and realize football is taken more seriously because the passion for the game from the players in DII seems to be a lot deeper than Division 1. "
Then Henry spoke:
"Despite meeting Cam in Vegas, and following him through social media, I was completely clueless that he kicked for NDC. I was aware that he came from Marshall, and I knew I was going to have some good competition, I knew I was just going to have to do what I knew I had to do."
Buttazzoni talked about the cohesiveness of the field goal unit:
"Every time the field goal unit goes out on the field, we must trust that each of us are going to do our job correctly. The snap, the hold, and the kick are all equally important to the success of our unit. When it comes to my job specifically, I focus mostly on making sure I put the ball down in the correct spot and having the laces facing away from Cam. Cam is a great teammate because he is a hard working individual and he always makes sure to do his job to the best of his ability."
Shirkey talked about the specialists:
"Within the specialists group we are very supportive of each other and willing to help one another whether it's technique or even the mental state."
Then he talked about the brotherhood:
"The relationship among Dom, Parker, and me outside of the football field is like a brotherhood. We play such a unique position that not many people understand. We all have our own personalities that just fit together in a perfect way. We can always rely on each other to be there through the good and the bad. We form a deep connection because we spend so much time together on and off the field. I consider them my brothers and always will."
NDC football has now made it a habit to make the playoffs every season. This trio of players talked about the standard at NDC, starting with Shirkey:
"The NDC standard is like no other. It is a standard to bring your best every minute of every day. To always be locked in and realize that the reason NDC has and always will be successful is the standard of trying to reach perfection daily and just building one good day onto another."
Buttazzoni agreed:
"The standard of the program is that everyone works hard and does what they are supposed to do. This pertains to all football activities as well as the classroom. We have a winning culture in the program, and it is important to do all the little things correctly to continue the trend."
Henry concurred:
"The standard is set very high, especially coming off all of those conference championships."
Buttazzoni talked about the roller coaster the team has been on this season:
"Every week that we earn a victory is definitely a high for this team. Our win against UNC-Pembroke was the most substantial of the year because it clinched the teams fifth straight conference title. The lows of the season included our two losses, which forced us to work even harder to ensure we bounce back and get a win the following week."
Buttazzoni talked championships:
"Winning five straight championships is a testimony to all the hard work the coaches and players have put into the program over the years."
Henry told me that the coaches and teachers at NDC are very supportive of the students, especially the student-athletes who are already so busy."
Henry talked about what he has learned from Shirkey:
"I've not only been taught from Cam, but he has shown me so many things to help me physically, mentally, and with whatever other things I may need. He's taught me what collegiate football is all about and how it will be different and how I need to adapt to it.
Shirkey told me that hard work and a little bit of confidence will take you wherever you want to go."
Henry talked about Coach Garrett Mack:
"Coach Mack is surely all business on the field, and a great person off the field. I think Coach Mack is a great Head Coach and I think he's a great source of keeping the players disciplined toward being on time, and going to class, going to lifting, and meetings. I think he's an all-around great coach."
Shirkey talked when he knew Mack would be a Head Coach:
"As soon as Coach Mack was hired I knew he was ready because he had this presence of a leader who is here to make us not only better football players but also better men. He is all about learning lessons and growing within yourself. "
Shirkey then talked about the motivation that drives him:
"The end of that Frostburg game (that NDC lost in two overtimes when he missed a pair of field goals) showed me the importance of every kick and that no matter how short or how far every kick is it should be treated the same. As a kicker it is part of the game, but it is some kind of feeling that you never want to experience again. So it just drives you to focus and work as hard as possible every day."
Shirkey told me that he has always admired Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles and modeled his game after him. "He is about the same size as me and I value the way in which he puts the mental aspect of training just as importantly as the physical. His onto the next kick mindset is something that I have always strived to be able to have."
The he talked about his decision to transfer (from Marshall) when he did:
"The decision to transfer from one school to another is always a tough one. You never know exactly how you're going to fit in or whether you are going to like it. I just talked to my family, friends, as well as some of the coaches and decided it was what was best for me."
Then he talked about learning from Tanner Harding:
"It is always cool to learn from somebody like Tanner with a lot of experience and insight into what it takes and what runs through his mind."
Buttazzoni talked about what he learned from his teachers and coaches:
"One thing I have learned from my teachers and coaches is to be respectful to everyone you meet. You never know how that person may benefit you later in life. Making valuable connections with as many people as possible is fuel for success later in your career."
Shirkey talked about the standard of the program again:
"The high standard of the program means that everyone works hard and does what they are supposed to do. This pertains to all football activities as well as in the classroom. We have a winning culture in the program, and it is important to do all the little things correctly to continue that trend."
Henry gave the final thought:
"It is just amazing to be a part of this program and to be surrounded by a bunch of great athletes who are all determined and confident in what they do."
Shirkey, Henry, Buttazzoni and the rest of the 24th ranked Notre Dame College Falcons football team (9-2 9-1 MEC) will travel to Ashland to take on the 12th ranked Ashland Eagles (9-1 7-1 GMAC) in the opening round of the Division II playoffs at Jack Miller Stadium/ Martinelli Field. Kickoff for this Super Region one matchup is set for tomorrow (Saturday) at 1 PM.
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