By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer
NORMAN — The failures of Oklahoma kickers Jimmy Stevens and Tress Way could set the stage for the Cinderella of Cinderella stories of Oklahoma.
Patrick O’Hara, who was called on to kick after Stevens had an extra point blocked and Way missed a 35-yard field goal, had never played in a football game before the Sooners’ 65-10 romp over Texas A&M; Saturday.
O’Hara was 2-for-2 on extra points and added a 26-yard field goal.
O’Hara, who was a youth and high school soccer player in his native Topeka, Kan.,started kicking footballs last February during his freshman season at Washburn University at the urging of his twin brother, Steven..
Steven, during a period of boredom, decided to try kicking a football. He was “nailing it’’ and called his twin brother.
“He said maybe we should give this a try,’’ O’Hara said.
The brothers were hitting field goals from 40 to 45 yards out using old balls with a tee. They decided to make a video and sent it out to Big 12 Conference schools.
O’Hara had played soccer since he was four years old but was getting burned out on the sport.
He had thought about playing at Washburn this season but O’Hara said he wanted to try to see if he could make it at the Division I level.
“We figured out if we can kick the ball exceptionally well that we could get our college paid for,’’ O’Hara said. “I thought if I had the talent, why not chase your dream if you think you could do it. The transition from kicking a soccer ball to a football went pretty smooth.’’
O’Hara didn’t play any varsity sports in his one year at Washburn so eligibility wasn’t a problem.
O’Hara talked twice with OU assistant coach Bobby Jack Wright and was given a chance to walk on despite the presence of scholarship kickers Stevens and Way.
“They took a look at the video and said they were interested,’’ O’Hara said. “I thought there was no better place to come here (OU) and kick. I came down and earned a spot on the team and here we are.’’
Despite his lack of experience, O’Hara made the traveling squad. His strong leg might have looked even better to Stoops after Stevens missed a 45-yard field goal against Texas and Way had missed four out of five field goals.
“Coach (Bob Stoops) told me prior to the game to stay ready,’’ O’Hara said, “because he may need me. I was ready.’’
After Stevens had an extra point blocked and Way was off on the 35-yard field goal, O’Hara was thinking he would get his chance.
That was confirmed when Stoops told him to get ready because he would be kicking the next extra point or field goal
“I was a little bit nervous at first,’’ he said about being called up to kick an extra point with 1:29 left in the third period. “It wasn’t too bad. Everything fell right in place really.’’
O’Hara had been getting as almost as many reps in practice as Stevens or Way. Patience was a virtue for a near beginner.
“I was hanging in there,’’ he said. “I knew I would get a time to shine sooner or later. I just had to hang in there and make a field goal.’’
He just didn’t think he would get a chance so soon.
“I know it was definitely a tall order,’’ O’Hara said. “I just had to be ready for the moment.’’
He got an ovation from the crowd that had thinned down a little from its original 85,000-plus at kickoff. O’Hara received a game ball, certainly a first for someone playing in their first-ever game.
“There was no other feeling like that,’’ O’Hara said. “It was crazy. I loved it. It was awesome to get a game ball. I’ll never forget this.
“I’ve never been in front of 80,000 people before,’’ he said. “That was something else, but everything fell into place pretty good
Of course, the pressure isn’t as much with the game not on the line. He’s learned a kicker is only as good as his last kick.
“It’s definitely tough,’’ he said about Stevens’ and Way’s recent troubles.
O’Hara might have earned a job, at least temporarily, with his perfect performance.
“Patty did a nice job,’’ Stoops said. “We’ll see about the future. He probably has the biggest leg of all of them. Hopefully, we will keep getting more consistency.’’
Stoops was direct about why O’Hara got his chance.
“It’s pretty obvious,’’ he said. “One guy doesn’t get it high enough and the other guy misses it.’’
O’Hara got that message.
“He (Stoops) hasn’t talked to me but since the other kickers weren’t too lucky tonight, I imagine if I would keep the job if I keep hitting field goals. Hopefully, I can secure the job.’’
Steven O’Hara is making a video of his kicking for colleges. Brother Patrick might have opened some doors.
The win raised OU’s record to 6-4 and made the Sooners bowl eligibility — something many observers felt would happen three or four weeks earlier.
The Sooners were coming off a disappointing 10-3 loss to Nebraska which knocked OU out of the top 25 for the first time since 2005.
“I wouldn’t say we were doubting ourselves,’’ Stoops said. “We were focusing on this game and playing like we were capable of. There were still some issues that really disappointed me like penalties (11 for 102 yards). We didn’t play as smart as we can.’’
The Sooner defense held A&M; to 226 yards, some 251 yards under the Aggies’ 477.56 average. A&M; came into the game leading the Big 12 in total offense.
“What’s been fun is that they have been practicing well,’’ Stoops said. “They’re clued in. They get excited about preparation and the thought process and the discipline of it. They are a really smart group. They are where they are supposed to be all of the time.’’
