Competition Leads To Success For Rowe Kicking Brothers
MADISON- For most of their lives Jesse and Aaron Rowe have been extremely close as brothers. For 13 years they shared the same bedroom and played side by side on multiple athletic teams. This year, the two have shared duties as place kickers for the James Clemens varsity football team and have become better athletes simply from the competition between them.
“The best part of having two brothers competing for the same kicks is the fact it’s easy to see when one has success, the other tried to be even better,” said Wade Waldrop head coach of James Clemens. “The competition within the two of them is great for everyone involved.”
For Jesse, a junior, he’s currently the team’s starting field goal, extra point and kickoff kicker and backup punter to starter Drew Blackwell. Aaron, a freshman at James Clemens, is seeing his play as a backup to his older brother, but has experienced some varsity action, as well as, play on the freshman squad.
“I have a soccer background having played that sport since I can remember and took up kicking a football after I talked to a friend who led me to try football,” said Jesse. “I caught on quickly to the game and now look to possibly play in college if I’m good enough.”
“I play defense and striker in soccer since I began at age seven, but football is now my favorite sport,” said Aaron, 5-foot-9, 165 pounds. “I also play linebacker for our defense, so I’m learning that position along with what it takes to be a good kicker.”
The Rowe brothers moved to Madison four years ago from Tallahassee, Fla. along with their parents Brian and Sondra and one additional brother and sister. Both continue to excel on the soccer field, but their inter-competition has bled over to the football field and according to Waldrop both have the talent to possibly play at the next level.
“Jesse is very athletic, competitive and has done a lot to improve he began with us last season,” said Waldrop. “I like him. He doesn’t like to fail.”
Jesse stands 6-foot and weighs in at 165 pounds and has the talent of moving the ball around, which allows for more flexibility in how the Jets make their special teams play. He has more leg power than his younger brother and has perfected the area of punting. He has the dream of returning to Tallahassee, which is the home to Florida State University, and playing for the Seminoles.
On the other hand, Aaron is also looking at a possibility of playing in college as he continues to strive to be the best he can be. “I want to kick in my future as I am very passionate of my kicking.”
“He’s one of the best athletes in our freshmen class,” added Waldrop of Aaron. “He has a strong leg and is sure to have a future here, as well as, when he leaves our Jets’ program.”
Both brothers have each been named the squad’s Special Teams Player of the Week during the current successful James Clemens season. Having two very competent and competitive players is a cause to understand the Jets are in a good spot for its special teams with the Rowe brothers in tow.
The Rowe brothers console one another when things go sour and are the first to congratulate when kicks are perfected. Aaron, the younger by two years, has even assisted his older brother by offering advice on Jesse’s kicking techniques. The same can be said in reverse.
“They certainly don’t like to be bested by one another and that competition is part of who they are and what makes them a great part of our program,” added Waldrop.
