By RICK FORTENBAUGH
FAIRLESS HILLS, Pa. - While there seems to be some debate as to how Pennsbury High School’s Corte Rumph unexpectedly ended up pulling double duty this fall, everyone agrees it was a good thing he did.
During the afternoons, Rumph is a key player on Pennsbury’s soccer team. During the evening he serves as the place kicker on the Falcons’ football team.
Rumph’s ability to handle two sports at the same time was never more on display than this past Friday.
After heading home the third goal in the Pennsbury soccer team’s 3-0 victory over Council Rock South, Rumph quickly changed uniforms for a big Suburban One National League football contest, also against Council Rock South.
The result was a booming 39-yard field goal that split the uprights with plenty to spare. Although the three points might not sound that big considering Pennsbury eventually won the game, 30-7, it was a huge deal at the time since it gave the Falcons a 9-7 lead late in the second quarter.
The soccer/football combination, of course, is not that uncommon, but it is unusual for an athlete to be a key contributor for two programs that are this strong during the same season.
Following Friday’s action, Pennsbury’s soccer team is riding high with a record of 7-1 after entering the year as the top-ranked team in the state.
The Pennsbury football team, meanwhile, is also getting rave reviews after winning its first four games and gaining more and more recognition around District 1 and the state.
“I guess that is pretty rare,’’ said Rumph. “All I can say is there are a lot of great athletes on both teams. This has turned out to be a lot of fun.’’
Making the story even more intriguing is the fact Rumph had no idea he would be on the football team this year. In fact, until five or so weeks ago, he had never kicked a football before - even in fun.
It was at that point where things get a little hazy as to how the standout soccer player also ended up wearing a helmet and pads.
“I have a friend on the football team who was going to be the kicker,’’ recalled Rumph. “I started hanging around the football field after (soccer) practice and I ended up getting a shot.
“When I kicked two 40-yard field goals right away, the coaches noticed.’’
Pennsbury soccer coach Tom Stottart remembers Rumph ending up on the football team in a somewhat different manner.
“What happened is I have a good friend (Justin Fee) who is the special teams coach on the football team,’’ said Stottart. “Justin came to me looking for a kicker and I sent him Corte.’’
Whatever occurred, it’s all worked out perfectly so far for Rumph, who is not built like your average soccer player/football kicker. You know, the skinny type who has a great leg, but not much else when it comes to muscle.
Rumph stands 5-11 and weighs 180 pounds. And when you see him in a soccer uniform you realize how solid he is.
In addition to his obvious soccer skills, it’s Rumph’s ability to use his body to his advantage that has gained the attention of college soccer coaches.
“I think Corte’s physicality will make him an even better player in college,’’ said Stottart. “You can get away with a lot more there than you can in high school. His game is even more suited for the college level.’’
Nothing is definite yet, but Rumph does plan on playing on the next level and has already been contacted by the soccer coaches at Virginia Tech and Mt. St. Mary’s.
While there’s a good chance his football days will be over at the end of this season, it doesn’t mean he couldn’t succeed as a place kicker in college.
Rumph may be a little raw, but he has a powerful leg and can flat out boom the ball. He has also missed only one extra point and made both of his field goal attempts, including the recent 39-yarder. His kickoffs lack height at times, but they usually come in like a hard line drive around the 10 or 15 yard line.
“Corte is a natural,’’ said Pennsbury football coach Galen Snyder. “He’s quite an athlete and has a great leg. He’s doing a great job.’’
Another thing that stands out is Rumph’s confidence. Many a first-year player would be intimidated or at least a bit nervous about the prospect of being rushed by flying bodies under the glare of the Friday night lights.
Not Rumph, who not only immediately adapted to football, but quickly found he relished his newest role.
“The atmosphere between football and soccer is completely different, but I love it,’’ said Rumph, who is a life-long Levittown resident. “The football coaches have been great to me. They really made me feel welcome and part of the team.’’
And what does Rumph think of getting the chance to put the screws to a kick returner and stopping a potential touchdown?
“Oh, I’d love that too,’’ said Rumph. “It would be great to hit somebody.’’
Not surprisingly, Stottart had a somewhat different reaction to one of his star soccer players mixing it up on the football field.
“I thought of that,’’ said Stottart with a groan. “But now I try not to think about it.’’
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