Going from kicking a soccer ball to kicking field goals was a minor change for senior Ian Patterson. Having played soccer with his older brother since kindergarten, he had to decide which sport to play at RBHS. Limited to one fall sport, Patterson ended his soccer career his sophomore year to fully commit to football.
“I always loved football,” Patterson said. “It was difficult to give up soccer, but I like to look at it in a positive way because by playing football and being the kicker, I haven’t had to give up soccer completely.”
The choice was difficult, but Patterson’s love for football helped sway his decision.
“I knew that I couldn’t get in trouble for pushing people around in football,” Patterson said. “I have always liked kicking because it came easy to me because of my soccer background.”
Going into his junior year’s season, Patterson looked forward not only to kicking, but also to playing linebacker. Unfortunately, a tear in the labrum tissue in his shoulder cut his time as a linebacker short.
“We were all worried when we found out Ian got hurt,” senior Corey Reuter said. “Even though we were looking forward to having him on the defensive end, we were glad he was able to still kick.”
Surgery and a period of rehabilitation forced Patterson to wear a shoulder restraint for the duration of the season and limited him to only kicking. When Patterson started playing football in sixth grade, his parents wanted him to play kicker to avoid injury. It wasn’t until he got bigger that his parents let him play linebacker.
“I was really bummed that I wasn’t going to be able to continue to play linebacker for that season,” Patterson said, “but I was extremely thankful that I could continue to kick, and once I finished rehab, I could start preparing to play linebacker the next year.”
His junior year of kicking ended happily, in a commendation with first team all-district and all area honors.
Going into his senior year Patterson again looked forward to playing both linebacker and kicker, but another labrum tear in the same shoulder as his last injury forced another surgery, shooting his hopes back down.
“I was really bummed when I found out that I needed another surgery,” Patterson said. “I was really ready to have a strong season at linebacker and to end my high school career with a bang. But you have to deal with what is given to you. I am just thankful that I got to kick for my senior year.”
Patterson’s senior year started shakier than planned. Stress over college plans affected his focus. After some words of wisdom from his older brother, Dolan, Patterson changed his views and his thinking about his senior season.
“I was really wrapped up in college and my plans for next year and wasn’t really focused on the job at hand,” Patterson said. “Dolan helped me get my mind straight and helped me to realize that everything will work out just as long as I rely on my fundamentals, focus on every kick, keep my head down and do what I did in camps all summer.”
Patterson’s season picked up after speaking with Dolan, and he soon found his groove. With six for six on field goals and kicks from 21, 24, 31, 41 and a long of 46 yards, he hopes to help the Bruins have a strong end to the season.
Despite the sacrifice, Patterson doesn’t regret his decision to give up soccer. Depending on this season’s end, Patterson will look to continue his career at the next level.
“I definitely don’t regret giving up soccer,” Patterson said. “I miss it, but I’ve found my niche in football.”
By Caraline Trecha