MSU kicker Michael Geiger feeling healthier, stronger

EAST LANSING – Michael Geiger as a junior was nowhere near the freshman who helped kick Michigan State to a Rose Bowl win in 2013.

Geiger missed eight field-goal tries as a sophomore, then sat out spring practice and all of the summer of 2015 before starting to kick again in preseason camp. He made just 12 of 19 a year ago and missed a pair of extra-point attempts.

“It was definitely a really difficult time for me,” the Toledo native said. “I think through that, I got stronger mentally. But it’s hard being a kicker when your body just doesn’t feel right.”

Geiger still managed to provide one of the Spartans’ biggest highlights of their Big Ten championship season, a 41-yard game-winner at Ohio State that culminated with him windmilling his arm while running down the field after upsetting the Buckeyes. His 87 points also ranked seventh in the Big Ten.

MSU thrust Geiger into the starting job as a true freshman at Notre Dame in 2013, and he made 15 of 16 field goals that year. He began feeling pain early the next season, and his production dipped to 14 of 22 field goals before undergoing the procedure on his hip labrum.

A year-plus removed from his surgery, Geiger said he can feel the difference physically.

“I think I’ve not only been healthy, but I’ve just been working on my technique and striking the ball,” Geiger said. “I feel like it’s definitely showing on my field goals, and my kickoffs feel stronger. I’m able to do more with my body than I was last year.”

MSU's Michael Geiger 'is back, and kicking very well'

Like his fellow specialists, the death of Mike Sadler in July has affected Geiger mentally. Sadler served as his holder during Geiger’s first two seasons, and Sadler – who had knee surgery after the Rose Bowl and endured similar physical struggles the following year – helped counsel Geiger to get through his rehab and the after-effects.

Geiger said he and the rest of MSU’s current specialists had a tribute day after Sadler’s death, just kicking balls and tossing around their best memories of their friend.

“Obviously we’re sad that Mike passed, and our lives will be forever different,” Geiger said. “But I think being around the guys and sharing more experiences and making new memories – obviously we wish we could share it with Sads, but we like to take a moment to recognize whenever something funny happens how much he would’ve enjoyed it. That’s how we get through it.”

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