YSU FOOTBALL Kicker is confident after performance

Nick Terracina's 50-yard field goal against Edinboro was taken off the board by the coach.
By PETE MOLLICA
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- Last Thursday night, in the first quarter against Edinboro University, Youngstown State kicker Nick Terracina came racing off the field a happy and excited player.
The Lake Charles, La., native had just kicked the longest field goal of his life on his first attempt as a Penguin, a 50-yard thump that split the uprights with plenty to spare.
That kick won't get to go on Terracina's record, though, because by the time he reached the sidelines, YSU coach Jon Heacock had already accepted a penalty that gave the Penguins a first down.
Heacock's rationale
"I know there's an unwritten rule that you never take points off the scoreboard, but in this situation I would do the same thing again," said Heacock. "It was an automatic first down and a 15-yard penalty."
The Penguins proceeded to drive on to their first touchdown of the game en route to a 35-11 victory.
"We came out with seven points instead of three and that's what the game is all about," said Terracina. "When I got back to the sidelines and found out about the penalty I just got ready in case I had to go back in and do it again."
Terracina's longest previous field goal was a 49-yard connection a year ago when he was playing at Jones Junior College in Ellisville, Miss.
"The longest field goal I ever attempted was 53 yards," Terracina said. "I tried that both in high school and junior college."
Some long kicks
Since joining Youngstown State in the spring, Terracina has boomed some long kicks in practice and in scrimmages.
"I kicked one 57 yards this year and had another one 54 yards," he said.
"I'm ready to go in and try any kick that the coaches want me to try," he said. "I feel that my comfort range is anything from 40 yards in.
"When the snap is right, the hold is good and I'm in the grove, 40 yards is a distance that I'd be disappointed in if I missed it," he added.
Terracina believes he's capable of making 50-yard kicks. Thursday night, he was perfect in five extra-point attempts.
The Penguins play host to Slippery Rock University Saturday at 7 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium.
The first 7,500 fans to enter will receive a senior poster, courtesy of National City Bank and FOX 17/62. Phantom Fireworks will also put on a post-game fireworks display.
mollica@vindy.comx