Kicking It in the Family

It could only be a beautiful twist of irony that allowed Tom Hull to be a punter for Harvard. His father, Michael Hull, a member of the 1972 Redskins Super Bowl team, was the player designated to block punts, the player meant to wreak havoc in the life of a punter.

But there is nothing ironic about the talent that both father and son possess, a similarity that binds punter and blocker.

“[Tom] is a dream come true for us,” Michael says. “Throughout his football career, he’s evolved into a wonderful player with so much natural ability. It’s a true God-given gift.”

The senior has been the starting punter for the Crimson since his sophomore year and has been part of two Ivy League championship teams.

“Tom’s one of the most focused guys I’ve ever been around,” captain Carl Ehrlich says. “He’ll be the first with a weather report, he’ll be the first to practice and the first to warm up.”

This focus is no doubt what enabled Hull to be the starting punter, tight end, and safety for his high school football team, while excelling in the IB and honors program.

When sifting through college options, the combination of athletics and academics was a significant factor, especially for the elder Hull.

“Tom was given a full-on academic challenge matched by a full-on athletic challenge at Harvard,” Michael says. “The true scholar-athletes are found at these institutions of higher learning.”

The California native found his experience at Harvard, particularly on the football team, worth the move.

“It was definitely a shock coming here from California,” Tom explains. “But I’ve met such quality guys from all over the country and have been exposed to all sorts of cultural backgrounds. The coaches are the best I’ve ever had and care about both the program and the players.”

As a punter, Hull has learned—or perhaps innately possessed—a mentality of preparedness and patience.

“Tom only gets five or six plays a game,” Michael says. “I’m in awe of his self-control and of his ability to perform like he does after waiting on the sidelines.”

“To stand on the sidelines and come in for one kick is the hardest part for me,” his son adds. “It’s tough for me not to get too pumped or too excited and over-kick the ball.”

The senior attributes much of his mentality to the example his father provided him.

“My dad was the one who taught me how to punt when I was little,” Tom Hull says. “He definitely has been my role model and mentor and has instilled me with the mental fortitude and work ethic needed to survive in football.”

Now as a senior, Tom is serving as the role model for his Crimson teammates.

“Tom has been playing a big part in providing guidance on the team this season,” Ehrlich says. “He’s ready to face any challenge...and is really stepping into a leadership role with the underclassmen punters.”

With just The Game left in the season, the Harvard squad needs this leadership, especially in light its the loss to Penn last Saturday.

But Hull remains positive despite the loss—which significantly diminished the Crimson’s chances for an Ivy title—and remains focused on the game ahead.

“Everyone says it is an easy thing to win, but you don’t really learn anything,” Hull reflects. “It’s how you cope with situations like these that show your true character and grit.”

Tom’s father echoed his thoughts, emphasizing that the loss against Penn takes nothing away from the success of Harvard’s season.

“We learn from our gains and our losses—it’s like life in sports,” Michael says. “You can win a national championship or a Super Bowl, but losses are where you attain the most understanding.”

As his final collegiate game looms before him, the younger Hull has his usual sense of preparedness.

“I feel nothing but confidence in the team for this weekend,” he says. “It’s tough to come back from a loss like that, but we have such a quality group of guys that I know we’ll still come out and fight to the very end.”

The Game will certainly be a fight, but as a seasoned punter trained by an experienced father and supported by a talented team, Tom Hull is ready to lend his leg to one last battle.

As his father says, “This guy’s got something special.”