Falvo ties Gee-Gees all-time field goal record

Last season, fourth-year kicker Matt Falvo emerged as more than just a player to watch in Canadian university football. After three years of training, hard work, and determination, the Welland, Ont., native finally secured a place on the second all-Canadian team. However for Falvo, the work is far from finished. Now on the verge of breaking numerous Gee-Gees all-time records, Falvo will attempt this season to secure a place on the CIS first all-Canadian team and further his chances at a spot in the Canadian Football League.

Falvo’s accomplishments last season speak for themselves. Making 18 of 21 field goals, good enough for the highest percentage in CIS football and including a perfect record at home (13/13), finishing third in CIS football with a total of 86 points, kicking an astonishing field goal of 47 yards, and even recording a touchdown pass, Falvo’s skill, strength, and work ethic have proven his elite abilities.

“Last season was awesome,” says Falvo, “It was one of the most fun football seasons of my life. To have that much success just gives me a ton of confidence.”

Falvo also is peppered throughout the Gee-Gees record book. Aside from holding the Gee-Gees record for longest punt at 68 yards, Falvo is on the verge of overtaking former Gee-Gee Ara Tchobanian for all-time team leader for field goals in a career. As of October 16, Falvo is now tied with Tchobanian with 54 career field goals. This year, Falvo has already made 13 field goals, including his longest from 46 yards out. He is also 24 of 24 on extra point attempts.

In addition, Falvo is among the all-time top 20 points scorer in CIS history, with 276 total points. He’s second among active players, just behind Queen’s kicker/punter Dan Village. However, Village has played one more season compared to Falvo. The Gee-Gees’ extraordinary kicker is tied for 17th in field goals made in a CIS career, with 54. With each passing week, Falvo is getting closer to reaching the CIS record books as well.

“I figured if I got to play here for four or five years and started every year I’d be in that range, but [these records are] definitely unexpected,” says Falvo.

Falvo’s start in football came at 16 when he first tried out for his high school’s team, hoping to become involved in any capacity on the field. With a strong background in soccer, and the team looking for a kicker, Falvo decided to try out for the open position. By the end of his high school career, he wasn’t playing any other position.

However, for all the success that has come to the young Gee-Gees player, it has only been because of an extremely strong work ethic.

“Matt has done a great job evolving into the ideal and consummate CIS high-end athlete,” says David Miller-Johnston, a Gee-Gees kicking coach and former CFL kicker himself, “He has really stepped up his post-season work. He works on improving physically and works on the position’s specific requirements all year.”

“He has every opportunity to be the best kicker in the country this year.”

With statements like these, one would think the pressure might get to a student-athlete trying to balance, school, sport, and life in general. For Falvo, this is anything but.

“I don’t feel pressure from anyone else but myself,” says Falvo, “I put pressure on myself because I know I have to have a good season if I want to reach my goal of playing in the CFL.”

With a slew of success already behind him, and a “never say die” attitude, Falvo’s CFL goal is becoming an increasing reality. An appointment to the CIS first all-Canadian team may just seal the deal.