Justin Montague
MulesCentral Feature Writer

SEPTEMBER 16, 2008 - Mark Starks is the starting kicker for the Mules this season. He’s a converted soccer player who went out for football after originally coming to Central Missouri to play on the men’s club soccer team. Some fans may remember Mark's older brother Brandon. who is a former UCM kicker himself. Brandon currently holds six Central kicking records. This is Mark's second season with the Mules and his first season starting after the departure of Marcelo Velazquez.

What is the best part of playing at Central?

I would have to say the family atmosphere that everyone brings. Coming into my first year I knew no one, but that quickly changed. Everyone is friendly and treats you as if you were part of their family. The coaches are great and it shows in how well they treat their players.

What made you start playing football?

I was tired of playing soccer here and I heard they had open tryouts, so I went.  I tried out in high school, but they took a kid a year older than me, so I gave up on doing it in high school. Once I came here I always wanted to be a part of a college team, so I went and tried out. I had my brother help me with stuff and did what I could.

What do you do to get pumped up before a game?

Listen to music; take a walk down to the field. Its not like I have to get pumped up to go hit some guy, I just have to kick the ball straight and through the uprights and where they want it on kickoffs.

As a kicker a lot of pressure is on for you too make every kick, how do you deal with that?

I listen to what my holder, Ryan Nesbitt, tells me. When we go out there he says "It’s just you and I out here, no one else." It helps me focus and just keep my mind on what I have worked hard to do and what I know I can do. My job is simple: put the ball between the uprights. Coach (Shane) Meyer has done a good job helping me with my technique so I use what he taught me and do my job and do what I can to help the team win.

What would we find on your iPod?

You would find anything from Frank Sinatra to Korn to lil Wayne to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Tim McGraw. I listen to anything and everything.  On my game day mix I have a range of music. Sometimes I want to be calm, but other times I want some music to just get my ready to play.

What is a normal day in the life of Mark Starks like?

Wake up, go to class, and find some time to eat lunch. Then get on the field by 2:15 to start kicking. After we do all of our kicking, probably help out with the sticks or the clock if need be. After practice it is time to eat, do homework if any, then hit the sack.

What are your plans after the season?

Probably get my second degree in marketing. After that, try to find a job either doing marketing or a management position at some business. What I really would like to do would be to own my own business, but right now that doesn’t seem feasible.

Since this is your last season, what will you miss the most?

Playing on Saturdays with my second family. I wish I would have tried out a lot sooner than I did. Waking up on Saturday and going to play the game is the best part about playing. This team is great and I know that everyone is doing their part to make this the best season for the Mules so we can win the MIAA and go on to win more games.