The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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22 ■ THE WOLFPACKER TRACKING THE PACK NC State senior kicker Niklas Sade will finish his Wolfpack career as one of the most decorated players at his position in school history. Sade already holds the school record with 121 career extra points, and he is fourth in field goals made (43) and points scored (250). Sade is 62 points away from passing running back Ted Brown (1975- 78) for most points in school history. He needs just seven field goals made to pass Mike Cofer. The 6-3, 219-pounder, who moved from Germany to Wake Forest, N.C., in the third grade and attended nearby Raleigh Wake- field High, went 19 of 23 on field goals and made all 31 extra points en route to 88 points last year. He earned the Gov- ernor's Award for being NC State's team MVP and was a finalist for the Lou Groza Award, which is given to the nation's top placekicker. Sade is 43 of 62 on field goals with a long of 50 in his 38 career games. He made four field goals against both North Carolina and Louisiana Tech last year. The finance major recently took the time to catch up with The Wolfpacker. What does it mean to you to climb some of these lists at NC State? "I just want to finish strong my senior year and defi- nitely start like I did last season. I just want to be ac- countable to my teammates. I'm not looking at the big picture like, 'Where will I be ranked?' I just want to go in and make every field goal that I am sent out there for." You originally picked Nebraska before switch- ing to NC State during the recruiting process. How do you look back on that decision? "I couldn't be any happier. The fans are amazing here and it has been great to be close to home, and this program and university." What did you try and get better at this off- season? "The goal for me is to see the ball and make contact, and make sure my extension goes through the uprights. I've done a lot of drill work with that. I have done a lot of contact drills with the ball." Former NC State kicker Steven Hauschka has become one of the best with the Seattle Se- ahawks. Have you had the chance to talk to him? "I usually talk to former NC State kicker Josh Cza- jkowski, but I've never talked to Hauschka. I'd like to. It's definitely pretty cool [what he is doing] and I would love to meet him one time, and ask about his experi- ences and everything. It's a pretty cool story where he bounced around and then won the Super Bowl. That's awesome." How was watching Germany win the World Cup for you? "It's still not over for me. I wish I was in Germany for it, but it was still awesome. For the specialists, we did a power point presentation and mine was a highlight video of every goal Germany scored in the World Cup. That is probably the best thing that has happened to me." How close are you to getting your degree in finance, and do you have NFL aspirations in the future? "I'll graduate in December. To me, it's not going to be different than any other season. I have always told everyone that I'll focus on that other stuff [the NFL and graduating] after the season. I'm just going to take it one kick at a time and go from there." How much of an influence has kicking coach Dan Orner been for you over the years? "I try and talk to him as much as I can. If I am having trouble, I'll reach out to him and talk to him. He's kind of a mentor now because I don't see him as much. He helps me with the mental aspect." Coach Dave Doeren has joked about trying too many field goal attempts last year. Would you like to lead the ACC in extra points basi - cally? "I'm hoping I get sent out just for extra points. That would be fine with me. I'd be happy with leading the country in extra points if that is my job." Who inspires you? "Definitely, my parents. My dad, Ron, works harder than anyone I know. My mom, Heike, has always been there for me. They have been there pushing me, but always been there for me." Sade is fourth in the NC State record book in points scored (250), and he is 62 points away from passing former running back Ted Brown for most points in school history. PHOTO BY KEN MARTIN Getting To Know: Niklas Sade ■ Football Quick Questions What concert would you like to attend? I like country concerts. Luke Bryan is always fun. Favorite athlete to watch at NC State that isn't a teammate? I like watching the basketball team and soccer. I'll give a shout out to Ryan Metts on the soccer team. Favorite class at NC State? Probably my personal finance class, which was about retirement planning. It's kind of boring but kind of helped me open up my eyes for planning and investing. Any superstitions? Last season, I played one song before every game before I went out. That was "Pompeii" by Bastille. It wasn't my favorite song, but it came up the first time before the first game. Any meaning behind No. 32? No, it's just the number I got when I came here and stuck with it. Go-to place to eat in Wake Forest/Ra - leigh area? Kanki's on Friday's, but my favorite place to go is either Sullivan Steakhouse or The Pit Authentic Barbeque. Android or iPhone? iPhone. Do you have a favorite field goal that you've made? All the game-winners like Rich- mond or Maryland, or tying the game against Miami. All of those are big time. Favorite German meal? I'm just a steak kind of guy. Anything with steak and potatoes. Key advice to a high school kicker? Just keep working, focus and always be hungry. Don't just settle, keep working to get better.