COLLEGE FOOTBALL: TIOGA'S FISHER SIGNS LETTER TO KICK AT UTICA UNIVERSITY (2 PHOTOS) (2024-06-11)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTRAL - Tioga senior Gavin Fisher had the best of both worlds. He loved Utica University the first time he stepped on campus, and he’ll have the opportunity to compete for a starting job as a freshman.

Those two things led Fisher to sign a National Letter-of-Intent here Monday afternoon during a ceremony in the middle school auditorium that featured 13 Tioga seniors signing to play at the next level in four different sports.

Fisher graduates from Tioga with state records for most extra points in a season (99), most in a career (226), most points in a career (232), and most extra points in a state playoff game (9), which he did three times. He was a two-time all-state selection.

"I visited a couple of colleges before I went to Utica," said Fisher. "I was a little confused about what I wanted to do, then the Utica coach text me, and I loved it there.

"The campus is great. I love the program, and all the coaches are nice," added Fisher. "It’s just the best situation for me."

The Pioneers graduated an All-American kicker, so Fisher will have the opportunity for playing time as a freshman.

"There is one other kicker, and two punters on the roster," he said.

"Obviously, I’m still going to have to compete, but I’m hoping I can get some playing time my first year.

"I just have to prove myself," noted Fisher.

Tioga coach Nick Aiello has little doubt Fisher will succeed at the next level.

"Gavin went to a lot of camps, and got some good exposure," he said. "I think he’s going to step into a program, where he can compete for a starting position immediately.

"The best thing about Fish is he kicks off the ground.

"I think that’s going to help significantly with making the jump to college because if you’re use to kicking off a 1-inch block or a 2-inch block, it can be a difficult adjustment, but he won’t have that issue," noted Aiello.

"I’m not sure where Utica is at with punting, but Gavin definitely has the leg to do that for them as well," he added.

Fisher said he knows he has some work to do before reporting to camp in August.

"There’s still a huge skill gap between a high school and collegiate kicker," he said.

"Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the physical aspect, getting my body in the best shape I can be," noted Fisher. "I’m working on flexibility, and I’m lifting every single day.

"Obviously, I still work on kicking a lot, but right now, for me, I’m working on the physical aspect," he added. "Everyone is bigger and stronger in college, and I need to get to that point."

Aiello said the mental adjustment is one Fisher needs to be aware of.

"It’s going to be a lot different for him.

"I punted in college … and it’s almost like you’re not part of the team, so you have to adjust to that," he said.

"He has a great personality, so I think he’ll fit in very easily at the next level," added Aiello.

Fisher is majoring in Communications.

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IN PHOTO 1: Tioga senior Gavin Fisher.

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