Athlete of the week: Zionsville’s Sam Black

ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Zionsville’s senior kicker Sam Black has had an incredible start to his senior season. After initially starting as a soccer player, Black has transitioned into the Eagles’ starting kicker over the past two seasons.

So far through his senior year, Black has made five field goals, including a 54-yarder against Franklin Central that had plenty of power behind it. An added bonus for Black’s progression is Zionsville’s volunteer special teams coach, Adam Vinatieri. Vinatieri, an NFL Hall of Famer and former longtime Colts kicker, has had a front-row seat to watching Black’s progression.

“For me, I believe seventy-five percent of kicking is between your ears,” Vinatieri said. “What separates the good from the great and the average from the good is the ability to step out on the field and clear your mind and be able to put the ball through the uprights. Sam is pretty exceptional when it comes to that. He does a really nice job.”

Black added how valuable it is for him to have one of the greatest kickers of all time in his corner.

“It’s a blessing. There’s no better person that it could have been,” Black said. “He’s the greatest to do it ever, so he’s taught me a lot of great things, especially on the mental side. Just being able to go out there with a clear head and have those positive thoughts going out there, that’s been one super big thing he’s helped me with.”

Maybe the biggest reason for Black’s success this year is the positive mindset he brings each time he steps on the field to attempt a kick.

“I don’t have any thought in my mind where it’s like I’m going to miss this,” Black said. “I walk out there with a smile on my face, just grateful that I get to do this. Knowing how far I’ve come and being able to put all those positive thoughts through my head really helps me.”

Vinatieri described how watching Black’s attitude and work ethic makes him the type of person that others around him look up to.

“As a specialist, obviously we’re not on the field the majority of the game; we just have to step out there a handful of plays,” Vinatieri said. “He does a wonderful job when he’s on the field. He definitely is one of the upperclassmen leaders that we have. Guys look up to him and you don’t always have to be a loud ra-ra guy to be a good leader. Sometimes you lead from example, and that’s what Sam is.”

Black and the rest of Zionsville’s football team (3-1) take on Noblesville at home this Friday, September 18th.

For more on Sam Black being featured as the athlete of the week, watch the video above.