Under Pressure: Samperi kicks way to scholarship

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University head football coach Chris Merritt asked junior kicker Luke Samperi a simple question before practice on the morning of August 20th.

"Do you like pressure?"

Samperi answered in the affirmative and then waited patiently for the next two hours to find out what exactly coach Merritt had up his sleeve. Finally, coach Merritt brought the team together and set up a 33-yard field goal attempt for Samperi.

As Samperi lined up his kick, coach Merritt blew his whistle and walked over to Samperi. He said just one word; scholarship.

"I didn't have a lot of time of time think after he said the scholarship," Samperi said. "My mind locked into attack mode and I quickly visualized a successful kick. I have a small checklist of technique related things that I quickly go through. After that, it is all about attacking the kick, hitting a clean ball and trusting your teammates to do their job."

It had been just three short years since Samperi's friends had convinced him to stop playing soccer and join the football team. He became the team's starting field goal kicker and punter as a senior in high school, earning the nickname Legatron. Samperi then started his college search and found a home at Bryant.

"I was drawn to Bryant because of the high level of academics, the chance to continue my athletic career and the opportunities I would have post grad," Samperi said. "I knew that my four years here would set me up for a successful next forty years of life."

Samperi left no doubt in his kick, hammering the ball well through the goal posts. Holder Gavin Rowley was the first to hug him and then Samperi was swarmed by his teammates.

It feels appropriate that it was Rowley that was the first to congratulate Samperi. Last fall, Samperi took over PAT and field goal duties from Rowley four games into the season. It was Samperi's first shot at being the starter in his career.

"Gavin was super supportive and helpful during the transition," Rowley said. "It was exciting for me since I only began playing football my senior year of high school. Earning a starting spot after only three years was a proud moment for me personally."

Samperi made his collegiate debut on Sept. 22 vs. Robert Morris and made all seven PATs. He went on to make each of his first 15 PATs before having two-straight blocked at Fordham. That left the Bulldogs down two points with under a minute to go.

Bryant's offense started at its own nine and was able to drive to the Fordham 24 with four seconds left on the clock. Samperi then got the signal from the sidelines. Like the kick that earned him an athletic scholarship, Samperi's boot from 42 yards left no doubt. His first career field goal won the game.

"That first field goal is something that I will remember for the rest of my life," Samperi said. "As a competitor, you live for big moments like that. I am looking forward to more big moments this year."