FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (September 24, 2021) – After developing into one of the nation's best kickers during his junior year, and losing part of his original senior season to COVID-19,
Luis Aguilar was granted an extra year of eligibility and is proudly fulfilling his final season as Northern Arizona's kicker.
Stepping onto the Flagstaff campus back in 2016, Aguilar felt confident in his decision to put on the Lumberjack uniform. Following his redshirt season, he quickly solidified his presence on the field and began his journey to becoming one of the best kickers in program history.
Playing in all 12 games during the 2019 season, Aguilar finished with a perfect extra-point percentage, led the FCS in touchbacks (61), and connected on the longest field goal by an NAU kicker since 1993 (57 yards).
The 57-yard kick stands as a special memory for Aguilar, taking place during Family Weekend, versus Northern Colorado.
"It was right before halftime, and it gave us the momentum we needed heading into the third quarter," Aguilar said, reflecting on Northern Arizona's eventual 41-23 victory.
He's also made every field goal attempted inside the Walkup Skydome over the past two seasons.
"The Dome has a cool atmosphere, it's fun because the way the stands are built allows the fans to be really close to the field and you can see everyone," said Aguilar, who is 19-of-19 in the Dome the past two years. "It gets really loud, and it's really fun."
Even in high-pressure situations, the 10-time All-American came out on top, hitting several significant kicks against conference teams. Aguilar hit a 38-yard game winner to put the Lumberjacks ahead of the Portland State Vikings with just four seconds remaining in the 2019 Homecoming game, another favorite memory of Aguilar's.
In November, Aguilar's 'clutch gene' was on full display as the Lumberjacks faced Sacramento State and Idaho. A 54-yard field goal against the Hornets in the fourth quarter allowed the Lumberjacks to take the lead and a last second 19-yard field goal against the Vandals sent the season finale into overtime.
"I don't want to say I'm more locked in in those situations, but I just try to treat every kick the same," Aguilar said. "In practice, our coaches do a good job of putting pressure on me, which helps when it comes to game day because it's nothing different and we're just out there having fun and doing our job."
Although the spring 2021 season was short, the Golden Eagle Scholar-Athlete Award recipient continued to provide consistency to the Lumberjacks, extending his consecutive extra points streak to 64 after scoring eight during the season. With another five made this season, Aguilar's now just eight short of tying Mickey Penaflor's program record (77) set between 1987 and 1989.
However, that's not the only record Aguilar has the potential to reach. He is also knocking on the door of Robbie Dehaze's record of career kicking points (302) set between 2005 and 2008. After ending last spring with 188 career points, Aguilar currently trails Dehaze's mark by 106. The senior would need to replicate his 2019 season when he set a new NAU record for total season kicking points at 118.
"Now that I know how close I am, it would be really cool to break those records and leave my name in the record books, but I'm not chasing any records," Aguilar said. "My goal is to take it one kick at a time, score as many points as I can, and kick the kickoffs out of the end zone."
Additionally, Aguilar mentioned his dream of leaving behind a legacy, modestly brushing over the fact that he's already made a name for himself. His career extra point percentage (98.9 percent) currently sits atop NAU's record book. He also owns the program record for a single-season field goal percentage at 88 percent.
His stats are a clear reflection of his steady, ritualistic behavior before and during game day. Prior to each game Aguilar hydrates with two Gatorades and two bottles of water, eats the same breakfast, suits up in a chronological order, warms up and visualizes the same procedures each game, practices his kicking, and always listens to the same preparation song.
"I always listen to Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses, there's just something about it, it's a good feeling, and it helps me stay focused," Aguilar said.
Growing up, Aguilar idolized NFL kicker Robbie Gould, and even had the opportunity to meet him briefly. During their short interaction, Gould advised Aguilar to 'keep it simple, and focus on kicking the ball long and straight', words that resonate with Aguilar to this day.
"Most of the time, before a kick, I'm by myself just focusing on the game, far away from the rest of the guys and doing my practice kicks," Aguilar said. "I always make sure I get at least one practice kick in before the field goal call, and then the only thing on my mind when I'm running on the field is positive thoughts. Of course I get nervous, I'm human, but I just try to stay calm and smile."
In order to maintain his productive headspace, Aguilar enjoys watching film regularly. Leading up to a game, he said he prefers to watch the whole week's worth of film and selects his strongest moments; once he narrows down his favorite clips, Aguilar hones in, occasionally watching replays upwards of 40 times to fully process the details.
"I also like to go on YouTube and watch NFL game-winning field goals just for fun," Aguilar said. "When I replay those cold-blooded kicks, I can't help but put myself in those shoes."
With dreams of playing in the NFL someday soon as well, Aguilar is excited to embrace an even deeper level of commitment to his craft and to his team.
"I can't see myself doing anything else. I've put so much time into this and I love it. I just have to continue being myself, which means working hard on and off the field, and being a good teammate," Aguilar said.
Aguilar takes an intense pride in the Lumberjack program and feels a bond with his teammates, trusting that whatever happens on the field they will continue to unconditionally support each other.
"I do my best every day to prove in practice that I care about this team and I play for them," Aguilar said.
While Aguilar felt another year of full-time kicking experience would not only benefit his physical strength but his mental strength, he also has another goal in mind: winning a conference championship.
"The conference always seems to be a dog fight; there's upsets, and lots of road games,and it's not easy to win on the road in the Big Sky," Aguilar said.
Northern Arizona last won the Big Sky Conference title in 2003 with a pair of FCS playoff appearances in the meantime, but Aguilar feels confident in the Lumberjacks' ability to perform at the highest caliber.
Despite his impressive individual milestones and accomplishments, Aguilar has set his sights on glory for the whole group.
"I just have to do my 1/11th and let the rest run its course."
