Athlete Spotlight: Jamie Galvin

Before Jamie Galvin earned the trust of Evans High School football coaches this season, he was in the air, earning the trust of his flying instructor.

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Galvin, the Knights junior kicker, flew multiple solo flights this year as part of his training to receive his pilot's license when he turns 17. After successfully navigating an aircraft at 3,000 feet, lining up for a field goal seems a less daunting task, no matter the distance.

"He doesn't get nervous," Evans coach Marty Jackson said. "If he can land an airplane, a field goal ain't nothing."

Since connecting on six of nine field goal attempts as a sophomore last season, Galvin has been allowed more opportunities to show off his leg. After drilling a 45-yard field goal during practice two weeks ago, Evans coaches sent Galvin out to attempt three field goals the next day at Glenn Hills.

He made all three -- from 36, 41 and 47 yards -- during Evans' win.

"I guess that showed coach Jackson that I could really do it in a game situation," said Galvin, who also connected from 40 yards last week against Butler. "He gave me a try and I made it. Now he definitely knows I can do it."

Jackson and Galvin have traveled the past two summers to Auburn University for its kicking camp. There, Galvin picked up tips from former professional and college kickers, such as proper stretching and muscle memory drills.

Galvin's goal is to attend a military academy -- his preference would be the United States Air Force Academy -- and to eventually fly military cargo planes.

"It's been my dream, really," he said.

Galvin's interest in flying started as a child while on family vacations, when the Galvins would fly to destinations around the country.

Once, on a flight to Florida on his birthday, Galvin was allowed in the cockpit to see the instruments and talk with the pilots.

Galvin flew solo multiple times this summer, and should receive his private pilot's license when he turns 17, the age requirement for receiving the license. The progression from there would be instruments certification, to fly at night and in bad weather, then a commercial license.

"It's just freedom," Galvin said. "You're up there, and you can go anywhere. There's no speed limit."

Galvin said there is truth to what Jackson said, that learning to handle his nerves in an airplane has aided his kicking. His three field goals against the Spartans were the most he's had in a game.

After the last, the 47-yarder in the fourth quarter, holder Troy Griffith celebrated while Galvin momentarily held a blank stare.

"Troy was going crazy," Galvin said. "I was like, 'Whoa.' "

Galvin was told after the game that the school-record distance was from 49 yards. But Galvin, with half of this season and his senior year remaining, said there is still time to get the record.

The junior said he received a letter of interest from the University of Maryland before the season, and that if a non-military college made him an offer, he would have a decision to make.

For now, Galvin's goal is clear. He wants to fly.