On Monday, Jan. 11, the NCAA Division 1 football season came to an end. Despite the abbreviated schedule, Loyola alumni Nick Barr-Mira ’19 was still able to enjoy his competitive sport as the starting kicker for the UCLA football team.
Barr-Mira said, “Currently things are going well for me at UCLA. I accomplished my goal of being the starting kicker by my second year in the program, but I still have a lot of work to do. I was happy with my stats from this year and hope to build on them next year.”
In just five games, he converted 30 of 31 extra point attempts and six of seven field goal attempts. He hopes that his junior season will not be cut short and strives to improve his stats going forward.
Barr-Mira also grew as a leader during his sophomore campaign. During his first season with the program, he was a backup with no game experience under his belt. Now, as the team’s starting kicker and a veteran in the special team’s unit, his ability to serve the younger players as a leader is vital in the team’s success.
Barr-Mira commented, “I try to be there for everybody in my position group and set the example. This is definitely something that Loyola prepared me for. To have a first in, last out mindset. I’ve always had the attitude that I have to be the hardest worker, and that everything is earned not given. That’s something I’ve really taken to heart and it’s worked out for me so far.”
His work ethic and positive attitude drive him to keep improving and set him apart from the average student-athlete. His former coaches and teammates regard him highly.
Varsity Offensive Line Coach Pablo Pedroarias commented, “He was one of our hardest and most dedicated players. He was extremely disciplined and would practice his three skills [field goals, kick offs, and punts]consistently on a daily basis. Nick was an absolute joy to coach and I am so happy for his success at UCLA.”
As a final statement to his fellow Cub brothers, Barr-Mira said, “First, enjoy your time at Loyola. I was just there, and trust me when I say it’s going to fly by. Get out of your comfort zone. Embrace the challenges and hard times, it will make you better. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that’s the only way to get better. There’s no substitute for hard work: you get out of something what you put into it. That is something that I’ve always believed and that has never failed me.”
