POCATELLO, Idaho- Case deBruijn was a member of the Idaho State 1981 National Championship Team and is still in the record books as one of the best kickers in Idaho State history. He recently shared his feelings on the National Championship season.
1. What is your fondest memory about playing at Idaho State?
Wow. That's a difficult one since all my time at ISU was so special. I'm one of those few that was there for the 4 years culminating in a championship. I have memories of some rough times …….losing a lot of games…..then being a part of turning it around to win it all. My first two years at Idaho state, we won one game total. I got a lot of experience punting. There wasn't too much to shout about in those years. When Coach Dave Kragthorpe was named head coach, things obviously changed a lot. Not too many people have a chance to know what it takes to go from the bottom all the way to the top like that. It takes a lot of things going right to make that happen; leadership, confidence, coaching, talent, commitment, perseverance, attitude and a little luck. What has left a mark in my life is having the firsthand knowledge of what it takes to change things around. I know what it feels like to be an active participant of a losing (rock bottom) team and I also know what it feels like to be an active participant on the same team that went all the way to the top winning (championship) team. To experience this transformation was a gift and lesson I have held with me for life.
2. What impact did Coach Kragthorpe make on your life?
Coach Kragthorpe's impact on me was probably similar to many of the guys. To me it was him and his team coming to ISU with an instant attitude change to “there is no such thing as can't”. This wasn't a slogan or battle cry, but it was something we felt immediately. We never discussed or thought about whether or not we were going to win…winning just started to happen as a byproduct of good coaching, attitude, commitment and talent. We started looking at things differently. It quickly became an issue of “how” we are going to win….not “if”. The focus was more on “What do we need to accomplish this week to get it done?” Winning brings in the people……..full stadiums bring a whole lot of advantage to the home team. All these things started snowballing and ended up with a National Championship. But the biggest impact Coach Kragthorpe had on me was his belief in us regardless of past history. He came in with a winning attitude and turned a blind eye to (or ignored) the losing history as if it never existed. Good life lesson.
3. What did the 81 championship mean to you and how has it helped with success in life?
Having been a member of the ISU National Championship team, I have gone (and will continue to go) through the rest of my life knowing what it takes to be the best. When developing teams in my current job, I know the ingredients for success are the same as in football; attitude, leadership, coaching, commitment and talent. Finally, there are very few things in life that can never be taken away. The 1981 National Championship is one of those precious memories and accomplishments that will remain with all of us involved in any way forever.
4. What are some of your funniest moments about playing at Idaho State?
To practice kicking field goals and punting under pressure, Phil Lucky came up with the idea of harassing me during my kicking practice. He would yell, scream, hit me with rags, bump me…etc., etc. to try and throw me off while kicking. It probably looked a little goofy to someone watching this, but it was actually a pretty good way to work on focus. At times, it could have been borderline “kicker abuse” if you ask me. Thanks Phil!!
5. Who is one teammate that left a lasting impression on you?
I have such fondness for all the guys, and wish I could share a little about each one, but I'm going to pick on Jim Lane for a little memory. Besides being the center for all punts and kicks, Jim actually had a “real job.” He was an all-conference and an All-American lineman. Most guys that play full time don't stick their hands up for specials teams' jobs. Jim could actually snap a football faster than most people can throw it and he was dead on accurate. I would say Jim Lane could snap a ball within six inches of a target 15 yards away. I was very lucky to have a professional caliber snapper to work with. It makes a kickers life much easier when you only have to focus on your form and kick rather than worrying about where the ball is going to be snapped.
Kickers do have it physically pretty easy compared to the other team members. Realistically, you aren't totally bushed after a two hour kicking practice. You only have to know one play (kick the ball) plus an occasional trick or fake. Since the whole football field is used during practice, the only time to really get some real field practice is after practice is over. Jim was always willing to work on the kicking game after practice. I remember him working with me and some of the other special teams' guys on timings, height, accuracy etc. It wasn't unusual to go an hour after regular practice. For a kicker…no problem…but for someone that has just finished a normal practice it was an incredible showing of commitment. Jim definitely had a lot to do with the success of our special teams and making the kicker's life easier.
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