Bulls' Geisler Always Brings His 'A' Game

[E.T.]

Bulls' Geisler Always Brings His 'A' Game

By BRETT McMURPHY bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

Published: Nov 13, 2004

 

TAMPA - When South Florida kicker Justin Geisler received his grades last year, he couldn't believe what he saw - an A-minus.

While some college football players would celebrate an A-minus as if they had just scored a touchdown, Geisler was furious.

It was the only class in Geisler's 4 1/2 years at USF he didn't receive an A.

``I questioned the grade and was told, `Most people don't complain about an A-minus,' '' Geisler said.

Then again, most people aren't like Justin Geisler.

On Dec. 11, the management and economics major will graduate with a 3.99 GPA - thanks to that A-minus in Environmental Economics. During the ceremony Geisler will be recognized by the USF Alumni Association as the university's outstanding senior.

``It's a tribute to him,'' USF coach Jim Leavitt said. ``He's serious about his game, his life and obviously his academics. I think it says a lot.''

Geisler, whose kickoffs are holding opponents to 20 yards per return, and the Bulls host East Carolina tonight.

``It's exciting to know all your hard work has paid off,'' Geisler said. ``It's nice to be recognized.''

Throughout his athletic career at USF, Geisler has been anything but recognized. The three-sport star at Land O' Lakes, where he was The Tampa Tribune's Male Athlete of the Year as a senior, has handled the Bulls' kickoff duties the past four seasons. The more glamorous - and publicized - job of kicking extra points and field goals belongs to senior Santiago Gramatica.

Hampered by a nagging groin injury his first two seasons, Geisler was beaten out by Gramatica.

``It's not the best situation for a kicker to have a pulled groin,'' said Geisler, who kicked a 59-yard field goal in high school. ``I thought it best to rest at that point and be able to kick all four years instead of kicking one year in pain and then maybe not be able to kick again.''

Gramatica shook off a shaky freshman season and has held on to the job ever since.

``All I can do is work and be ready if something happens,'' Geisler said. ``I've accepted it. I just continue working on my kickoffs even more because that's my main role.

``If everyone on the team does well in their role, then the whole team will be better off. That's the way I look at it.''

It's not surprising Geisler is more concerned with the team than himself. When Geisler isn't playing football or studying, he's spending time helping others as a volunteer.

Last week, Geisler and three other USF students went to the Tampa Hope Lodge, a short- term residential facility for cancer patients and their families.

Geisler's group cooked up a meal for 20-25 people consisting of chicken Alfredo, croissants, french bread, salad, cookies and cinnamon buns.

``It's nice when people come up and say this is one of the best meals we've ever had,'' Geisler said.

Geisler also has participated in book drives, canned food drives, walks for cancer and visited local nursing homes.

The Kosove Scholar also was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America District III team and is eligible to be a CoSIDA Academic All- American.

``It's what you make of a situation, how hard you're willing to work,'' Geisler said. ``Sure you could sit back and do nothing, but why?''

[smazza]

good story

[GarySJ]

Ironically, Gramatica pulls HIS groin tonight and Geisler has to kick PATs and field goals.

[Ricky the Bull]

Geisler was nailing the FGs and PATs!  His kicks hit the net with authority, unlike the 'scoop' kicks that SG usually puts up.

It makes you wonder what Geilser's NFL chances would be if he'd been the kicker all year.  

[The_Reaper]

I noticed that too Ricky!  He really kicks with authority.  

[ChiTownBull]

i wish we knew more things like this about other players on the team.

Great story and even better person!

PROUD he is a BULL!