18 days ago
STOCKTON, CA - After Lincoln High School of Stockton scores a touchdown Friday night, it will be young lady -- not a young man -- kicking the point after.
Emily Meerdink decided on a lark that for her senior year, she'd join the varsity football team. She hasn't regretted that decision.
"I love it out here. The guys treat you right. It's fun to be out here," Meerdink said.
Last week against Lodi High, Meerdink successfully booted four extra points. She did miss one, which she blamed on "not bringing my leg up."
Meerdink didn't have to look far for inspiration in joining the football team. Her sister did the same thing -- also as a kicker -- back in 2001.
Meerdink suits up as the kicker, but she works out in practice just like any other team member.
"It's something different from kicking most of practice. I go out and get hit," she said.
Her coach said after a rough start, Meerdink has done a good job helping the team at kicker. He also said the young lady was immediately accepted as a teammate.
"We haven't had any awkward moments or situations. She's one of the guys for lack of a better term," said Brian Gray.
Friday night when Lincoln plays Bear Creek of Stockton, Emily will serve as one of the team captains. It's another sign she's become one of the guys.
By Tim Daly, tdaly@news10.net
News10/KXTV
