Kolesar the kicker and 47 yards that broke a 47-year old record

Corey Costelloe.

In 1977, a Tehachapi kid kicked a 45-yard field goal against Kern Valley and established a record that would stand for 47 years. Vince McLaughlin booted that field goal in a 27-10 loss at Kern Valley in a season that was less than memorable for the Warriors, who would finish the year 4-5 and suffer their first losing record since 1961.

I'm fairly confident that Vince and his head coach at the time, Dennis Ruggles, paid very little attention to that record. Back then they might not have even known it was a record until several years ago when a group of dedicated locals started researching everything Tehachapi Warriors Football and an established record book was created.

Here is the thing about this town and our sports, we create legacies. Matter of fact, I believe I spotted Coach Ruggles was in attendance two weeks ago when senior kicker Carter Kolesar lined up a 47-yard field goal from the right hash mark and drilled it through the south end zone uprights with plenty of yards to spare in Tehachapi's 41-0 win over Taft. Also in attendance was junior varsity head coach Bruce Schkade, a 1977 teammate of Vince McLaughlin. My first text message went to Vince's nephew Jeff, whom I played with for several years and remains one of my closest friends.

"Good for him!!" he wrote back. Understanding the impact that both his uncle had on this program, and the magnitude of a young man breaking a record that had stood for 47 seasons. Kolesar also broke the single-season FG record with his fifth of the season (also besting McLaughlin's four in 1977), just three games in. He is on pace to set another record that might last for another 47 years.

The connection between generations is special within our program. There is nothing like records falling and recognizing the names and legacies of former players, their relatives and generations that have suited up for Tehachapi. It makes us truly unique.

My next text was to Kolesar's personal kicking coach, who I have known for years as we worked together in various media ventures during my time at Cal State Bakersfield. He called me last year to ask, "what are you feeding those kids on the mountain?" Then continuing to point out that Kolesar is one of the best he has ever seen, and this is coming from a former Division I kicker from Southern University who has seen his fair share of talent. I let him know his pupil just broke a 47-year-old record -- fitting that it was the same distance as the field goal itself.

"You're welcome," he responded jokingly, but then continued with "but also he has put in so much work." He went on to comment on various Facebook posts about the record-setting kick ... "One of the best I've ever had the privilege of coaching. He's gonna be playing this game for a long, long time if he wants to."

Some of that work includes his invitation to the famed Zendejas brothers kicking showcase at Arizona State University over the summer, where a kid from Tehachapi kicked with some of the best prep talent in the nation. He worked through the Bakersfield heat to get better at a craft that really was never a priority for Mountain Football in the past. So many teams would use quarterbacks or even lineman with decent legs to line up our point after tries or field goals. There have been some decent legs over the years, but when your program is more known for a smash mouth, three-yards and a cloud of dust-style of football, kicking is usually last on the list.

With competitive balance all over the area you never know where an extra three points here and there might impact a football game. Usually when a high school team gets inside the 35-yard line it is four-down territory. Now with this extra weapon that has improved each year, the Warriors are looking to put points on the board in those situations.

Now, 47 years and 47 yards, I would be remiss if I put a bow on this thing and said that is the longest field goal ever and we will see how long it stands. Frankly, I believe Kolesar has another, longer FG in his sites at some point this season. I believe his first missed attempt against Bakersfield Christian three weeks ago was longer, he just pushed it right kicking into the northwest wind at Coy Burnett Stadium. If you see the many local media angles of his 47-yarder against Taft, it was clear to see it was good from 50-plus yards. I believe there are a few more records to fall this season, of course everything must go well, the snap, the hold, the blocking up front, a breakdown in either and throw the kicker's rhythm off just enough to miss one direction or the other.

Carter Kolesar wrote the beginning to a nice story a few weeks back, and it had some wonderful legacy connections to our program. I am sure there are plenty more of those to come, and an understanding that one leg can change history, and potentially create a new football conversation rarely discussed in our parts, the kicking game.

Not the most exciting of topics, unless we are talking about records, and just how far one football, and one young man with work ethic and talent can travel.

Corey Costelloe has covered NCAA, professional and local sports for more than 20 years as a reporter, broadcaster and athletics administrator. He advocates for the value of athletic competition and serves as the President of the Tehachapi Warriors Booster Club. He can be reached at [email protected].