Kinal Makes the Leap to American Football
8/9/2012 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 9, 2012
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By Alex Botoman, Wake Forest Media Relations (@SIDeacons
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - While American football and Australian rules football may share part of their name, they have more differences than similarities as redshirt freshman punter Alexander Kinal can attest.
Kinal, a native of Adelaide, Australia, is in only his second year of playing the American version of the sport, but after having a redshirt year to learn the nuances of the game, he is ready to compete for playing time at Wake Forest.
"It was definitely a different experience. I had a lot to learn," said Kinal. "I only saw my first (American football) game when I was up on the sideline at Syracuse (in last year's season opener), and everything is different than (Australian rules), from the field size to how we play. I'm better for (having had) a redshirt year, and I'm ready to go this year."
If his time playing Australian rules football is any indication, Kinal should be primed for success at Wake Forest. He played for Walkerville Junior Football Club and frequently led his league in the number of goals kicked. Though he did not see time for Wake Forest last season, he was listed as the Deacons' backup punter behind returning senior Alex Wulfeck.
"I'm feeling pretty good and looking forward to Game One, as is the whole team" said Kinal. "We're just ready to get going."
Kinal and the rest of the Demon Deacons practiced for an hour in shells with a number of offense vs. defense drills Thursday night, before lighting in the area forced the cancellation of the remainder of the session. Wake Forest will continue preseason camp with practices scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.
