Monsignor Farrell’s Dylan Hach has made a name for himself as a kicker over the course of his high school career.
And now, as the senior prepares to compete on the collegiate level beginning next fall, he’s attempting to add another section to his résumé — punting.
Hach, who recently committed to Wagner College as a preferred walk-on, is planning to master both jobs by the time he lands on Grymes Hill, the Advance has learned.
In the meantime, the Annadale resident has already secured a partial academic scholarship at Wagner and is looking forward to competing for head coach and Staten Island native Tom Masella.
“It’s been a long journey and I’m glad to finally be able to get through this and be on a Division 1 roster,’’ said Hach of Wagner, which competes in the Northeast Conference. “That was my ultimate goal and I’m very happy with my decision.’’
Hach, who was a NYSSWA All-State Class AA selection as a kicker following his sophomore and junior seasons, received a plethora of interest from the college ranks and said both Fordham and Stony Brook were in hot pursuit of his services right before he chose the Seahawks. In addition to Wagner, other schools showing interest included Rhode Island, Dartmouth, Penn, Columbia, Princeton, Montana, New Mexico, Kansas St., Marshall, Alabama-Birmingham, Old Dominion, Monmouth, LaFayette, Holy Cross, Temple and Long Island.
However, Hach’s desire to stay close to NYC and the fact his cousin, Andrew Casas, competed for Wagner’s track team before graduating 15 years ago, lured him to choose the Seahawks.
Monsignor Farrell kicker Dylan Hach prepares to take a kick during the 2018 season. (Courtesy of Dylan Hach)
“It was a matter of getting that roster spot,’’ he said. “Wagner gave me a call and we just hit it off from there.’’
According to Hach, Maxpreps.com ranked him first and second in the state as a kicker as a sophomore and junior, respectively. Over the course of those two seasons, the 17-year-old has nailed 12 of 19 field goal and 28 of 33 extra point attempts. His long FG was from 42 yards. As he hopes the Lions play an abbreviated five-game CHSFL schedule next month, Hach’s been consistently nailing 45-yard attempts and definitely has the ability to connect from 50.
Those numbers caught Wagner’s eye.
“They’ve mostly seen what I can do on film and they like my range and the fact I will be coming in as a combo kicker/punter,’’ Hach said. “They like that I’ve been consistent from 45.’’
Hach, meanwhile, is serious about not only improving his kicking game, but on becoming a reliable punter as well as he’s been working out with One On One Kicking guru Luke Gaddis in both areas.
“I’m committed to getting even better,” Hach added. “To be a successful kicker/punter, I know you’ve got to be able to do it in all conditions and to just be consistent. I’m working hard in getting ready for (hopefully my senior year at Farrell), but for college as well.’’
The three-year varsity player is planning to major in Business.
Other recent signings
This content was originally published here.