Proctor Native Getting His Kicks At Vermillion

Wes Vork-NSO

Oct 23

Kerry Rodd-NSO

When last seen on a high school football field, Caleb Maki was helping his Proctor Rails to a state tournament berth in the 2007-2008 high school season. Two years later, the diminutive kicker is an integral part of Vermillion Community College’s football team and on Friday night he helped lead his team to a 37-21 over Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. The win gives the Iron Men the North Division Championship of the MCAC outright.

In high school, Maki was a star running back and kicker for the Rails, but in college he has parlayed his strong right leg into the league’s best place kicker. Against the Thunder, Maki nailed field goals of 37, 40 and 43-yards and generally kept the Thunder in poor field position all night with his kickoffs.

After starting his collegiate career at Mesabi Range Community College last year, Maki transferred and is playing in Ely at Vermillion this year. The move has not only enabled Maki to kick, but of all things to also play as a down lineman on defense. Given the fact that Maki is just 5’4″ and only 168 pounds soaking wet, makes it even more unusual. At times this season Maki has gone against players who weigh nearly 200 pounds more than him.

“I’ve played the last five games at defensive tackle,” said Maki following the game on Friday against the Thunder. “The thought is that my speed gives the offensive line something to think about and deal with.”

Despite his defensive prowess, Maki’s ability to boot the ball is his ticket to perhaps a Division II or III school that is in need of finding a place kicker next year. According to Maki, there are a number of teams talking to his coaches at Vermillion and who are asking questions about him for next season. Maki also mentioned that he will worry about it after the season, but right now he is focused on the Iron Men and their efforts to win the championship.

Kerry Rodd can be reached at kerry@northlandsportsonline.com