By Mark Maynard / Prokickernews.com
CLARKSTON, Mich. – Prokicker.com camper Alex Barta made a verbal commitment to attend the Naval Academy as a punter on Monday.
Barta, a combo kicker for Clarkston High School, will attend prep school for a year at Newport, R.I., before transferring to the Naval Academy for his four-year commitment.
The decision wasn’t made lightly. He’s looking forward to being a part of the Midshipmen football team but also serving his country.
“I’m proud to serve my country,” he said.
Barta learned much of his techniques after attending “dozens” of Ray Guy Prokicker.com camps ranging from Kentucky to Illinois. He said they gave him the technique and background to become a top punter.
As a senior, he played on a powerhouse Clarkston High School team that rarely had to punt. But when they did, Barta was there for them. He averaged 40 yards per kick.
As a kicker, Barta provided Clarkston with a solid season as well. He made 3 of 5 field goals, including one from 45 yards out, and was 41 of 44 on extra points. He also averaged 61 yards on kickoffs, backing opponents up with a strong leg.
Barta was recruited as punter but plans to keep his kicking edge just in case.
Navy began showing interest in him last summer after watching him at a camp. In November they contacted him again to see if he was still interested and began the process.
Barta started getting his paperwork in order. Not everybody enrolls and attends the Naval Academy. For one, a congressman has to nominate students. He doesn’t have to have everything in order until transferring in the fall of 2013.
“I never thought I’d end up at one of the armed services,” he said.
Barta got a great taste of it in December when he was invited to watch the Army-Navy game.
“It was a great experience, of the best football games I’ve ever been to,” he said. “The atmosphere was amazing. There were some sweet flyovers and paratrooper guys dropping out of the sky. President Obama was on the sideline for a lot of the game, which was surprising.”
Barta has been a Navy fan this fall watching the Midshipmen whenever possible.
“I tried to watch as many games as I could,” he said.
Barta credited much of his success to Prokicker.com camps.
“I learned a lot from (director) Rick Sang and his staff. They were great. They got me to the poing where I could start getting recruited. They focus on the basics instead of just charting me the whole time. You’ll get the technique at those camps. That’s the most important thing.”
