Through the uprights and into the record books
If you know a thing or two about McMaster Football, the name Tyler Crapigna rings a bell. The fifth-year kicker hailing from Nepean, Ont. has made a name for himself and he will go down as one of the best in McMaster Football history.
But it did not always come easy for him.
On Oct. 7, 2010, in his rookie year donned in maroon, Crapigna suffered a broken leg after a failed kick return against the Guelph Gryphons. Though it was what he called a very gruesome injury and could have been the end to a premature career, he was given the encouragement he needed from family and friends that year off the field to come back better than ever.
“Throughout the whole process of recovering from an injury everyone was there, always giving me that extra push I needed to get back on the field and be back with the team,” Crapigna said.
Being away from football practices and absent from team games really took a toll on Crapigna, but he knew that he wanted to help his squad in any way he could when he was back suited up.
“That first season coming back from the injury, I wanted to be serviceable to the team,” said Crapigna.
Having a great rebound season, Tyler and the Marauders came face-to-face with the opportunity to hoist the coveted Vanier Cup in 2011 vs. Laval Rouge et Or. This was McMaster’s second time having a chance at the title, with the first attempt being a loss in 1967. Crapigna, who was named to the first all-Canadian team in both 2011 and 2012, kicked the game-winning field goal in a double overtime of a 41-38 victory over Laval, the only national title in program history.
“It was definitely a special moment to realize that things came full circle from the lowest point of being injured and not being able to play, to being in the biggest game of my university career,” he said.
Crapigna, a fifth-round pick for the Calgary Stampeders in the 2014 CFL draft, had a chance to experience the game on a professional field as he booted the game-tying and game-winning field goals for the Stampeders in their pre-season. Now back at McMaster, he gained great life lessons and learned from some of the best kickers in the league.
“I learned how to be a pro about stuff, the way to handle things and you learn tips on how to deal with certain aspects of the game.”
Crapigna is now the CIS record holder for career field goals. Having the home game against Waterloo put on pause and the fans in Ron Joyce Stadium applaud his work meant a lot for the fifth-year veteran.
“It’s nice to see that the countless amount of hours you put on and off the field is recognized,” said Crapigna.
His parents, who are present at almost every football game, his team and the fans, are whom he is greatly thankful for.
“It’s a whole team game and without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” praises Tyler of the teamwork responsible for his successes.
With a 42-31 OUA semi-final win against the Ottawa Gee-Gees this past weekend, the mentality now amongst the team is preparing for the Yates Cup. The confidence level is high approaching this game.
“We have a team we can go places with,” said Crapigna.
As Tyler’s last year in maroon dwindles down, he wants to salvage the experience as much as he can.
“I want it to last as long as possible. You come into the last season and these five years have flew by quicker than I thought.”
Crapigna sees a great future for the McMaster Football program long after he leaves.
“I hope we can continue the kicking tradition and being a recognizable program to the country. The program is in good hands with the coaching staff they have,” said Crapigna.
Wherever Tyler goes in life, the Marauder way of life will stay with him forever. “I’ve bled maroon for five years and it is something that will never leave me.”
Having five years as a McMaster kicker on his athletic resume, Crapigna will return to training camp with the Calgary Stampeders this summer and hopes to use his talents professionally. His focus is on the next level and the training that will go on during his road to the CFL.
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