Endorf Makes the Most of Opportunity

By Adam Froemming
Lincoln -- When Dale Endorf walks into a room, he is hardly considered an imposing figure. But when the senior from Wichita stepped onto the field last season against Colorado, 77,804 sets of eyes peered down at him as if he could carry the world on his shoulders.

In a scene straight out of the movie 'Rudy', Endorf joined the Huskers as a walk-on only to receive a starting role in the final regular-season contest in 2002.

Endorf lived up to his expectations, as he connected on a pair of field goals and an extra point in his first and only game action of the season. Those seven points were easily enough for him to gain some notoriety, as he received the ABC/Chevrolet Player-of-the-game honors for his effort. In the week leading up to the game, Endorf, who wasn't on the roster at the beginning of the season, became the center of media attention.

"That game was really intense," Endorf said. "It was a lot of fun. It was a real good feeling afterward. When I went out there to kick the field goals, I didn't feel any pressure. I just felt like it was me and the ball, like I was kicking in practice. I didn't see or hear the fans."

A member of the 2002 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Academic Honor Roll, Endorf came to Nebraska after two years at Friends University, a small NAIA D-II school in Wichita. Near his home and playing in front of his family and friends, Endorf handled kickoff duties and also saw spot action in field goal situations during his two seasons at Friends.

Coming to NU from a small school, Endorf's first goal was basically to make the team as a walk-on.

"I always wanted that opportunity to play at a higher level," Endorf said. "I was going to work hard to see if I could get there. I guess that was one of my first goals, to get on the team. Then that happened and I set a goal to play in a game. Now my goal is to try to become the starter."

Growing up, Endorf played soccer at Trinity Academy in Wichita and traveled around the United States with a club team. His interests were squarely on the pitch, instead of the gridiron until he got to college.

"I wanted to play soccer professionally growing up," Endorf said. "That's what I was thinking. Once I got into football, I just started thinking that I could play football for a major college some day."

Sandro DeAngelis entered fall camp listed No. 1 on the depth chart, but that hasn't stopped Endorf from setting his sights on challenging any kicker for playing time this season.

"I want obviously to try to become the starter and work as hard as I can and see where that leads me," Endorf said. "I'm a hard worker. I'm confident in what I can do, and I just try to have a positive attitude at all times and be confident in my kicking abilities."

As far as life after his Husker days are over, Endorf hopes to continue playing football.

"I want to finish my education and get a degree," Endorf said. "I don't know if football will be there or not. I'd like it to be, because I like kicking a football. It's a lot of fun and really drives me."