Spring Practice Day 6: The Specialists

KENT, Ohio - The sidelines were filled with energy Tuesday morning at Dix Stadium during Kent State's kick scrimmage. Players and coaches got so lively that a pair of excessive celebration penalties were called, including one where half the team came onto the field following a blocked field goal attempt returned for a touchdown.

"I'm very pleased after six practices," Head Coach Darrell Hazell said. "And we'll continue to get better. Today's game shows you how important kicking and field position is. The punt is the only play where you can gain 40 yards consistently."

In 2011, the Golden Flashes have the benefit of returning All-MAC First Team punter Matt Rinehart and starting kicker Freddy Cortez, who has made 24 field goals in two seasons.

"I had never heard of it before," Cortez said of a kick scrimmage. "It was fun...just trying to get used to the tempo and getting back into the groove of things. The new coaches are bringing a new type of winning energy."

Starting Specialists Returning

Freddy Cortez (Jr./Jr., 6-0, 200, Fort Meade, Fla./Fort Meade)

Matt Rinehart (Sr./Sr., 5-9, 171, Dover, Ohio/Dover)

Ryan Hidalgo (Sr.Sr., 6-1, 206, Fayetteville, Ga./Whitewater)

Alex Thomasson (5th/Sr., 6-1, 201, Maumee, Ohio/Maumee)

Starting Specialists Lost

None

The Golden Flashes continue spring practice Thursday, April 7.

Kent State's 15-practice slate concludes April 16 with the annual Spring Game, which will take place at 6 p.m. in Dix Stadium and is free and open to the public.