Kyle Konrardy aiming to be Cyclones’ career leader in field goals
Iowa State kicker Kyle Konrardy attempts a field goal against Kansas Saturday November 9, 2024 at Arrowhead Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
FRISCO, Texas — After making the decision to stick around in Ames when most of his teammates from last year hit the transfer portal, Iowa State’s veteran kicker is eager for a fresh start.
Kyle Konrardy knew he wasn’t going anywhere after Matt Campbell accepted the Penn State job. After all, he’s an Iowa native, who has several ties to the community, is pursuing a Kinesiology degree that’s nearly complete, loyal, and has an opportunity to open the Cyclones’ record book this upcoming season.
Konrardy has been a very productive kicker for Iowa State over the past two seasons, made 35 field goals and earned back-to-back Honorable Mention All-Big 12 over that span. Now he needs to make 24 field goals this fall to become the program’s career-leader, which is something Konrardy is capable of doing. He’s no stranger to delivering in the clutch, and tied a single-season, school record with 21 field goals in 2024.
Now that Jimmy Rogers is the head coach, Konrardy is intending on spreading his wings, enjoying himself in practice and doing whatever it takes to help Iowa State be successful.
“It’s awesome, Jimmy Rogers knows what he’s doing, he’s had the experience, which helps a lot,” Konrardy said. “He’s a great guy, he’s a family man, so he really connects with all of the players.”
The 6-foot-1, 204-pounder can’t imagine himself playing for another program besides Iowa State, but he’s going to miss several of his former teammates. Konrardy is no longer looking in the rearview mirror though, and focusing on what is shaping up to be an intriguing first year under Rogers. Regardless, Konrardy goals are still the same, and he’s going to approach every practice in fall camp with the same mission.
“No matter where I’m at, my job is the same and doesn’t change when I’m trying to kick the ball through the uprights,” he said. “I’m from Iowa, I’m comfortable here with my career and goals in aspirations for the future, and knowing the area helps a lot.”
Accuracy continues to be an area of emphasis for Konrardy after missing four field goal attempts, and two PATs last year. Injuries didn’t help either, and limited him to nine games. There’s no denying that Konrardy has the leg strength to make long distant field goals. He nailed three field goals in last year’s win over Iowa, including a 54-yarder in the fourth quarter that gave Iowa State the lead for good.
Konrardy has prepared to pick up where he left off, and determined to deliver an All-Big 12 campaign. Accomplishing that feat is going to come down to fundamentals, and being mentally ready when it’s clutch time.
“We practice these moments almost everyday, so I really try to focus on what I’ve done in the past, what I know I can do, and my confidence levels,” the redshirt junior said. “Just really visualizing the ball through the uprights before I kick it.”
There’s no denying that Konrardy has the tools to be a dangerous weapon for Iowa State’s special teams, and with a new head coach and teammates, he’ll likely get a lot of opportunities to inch closer to the record. Konrardy believes his delivery is similar to the Seattle Seahawks’ kicker Jason Myers, and he enjoys watching him on Sundays.
All that matters now for Konrardy is representing for the cardinal and gold, and making some noise for Cyclone fans across the nation.
“I’m just trying to be the best version of myself, and really trying to go 100 percent, but if that doesn’t work out, just keep pushing one game at a time.”
