- November 23, 2024
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Mac Chiumento punts the ball as trainer Dan Lundy observes his form and times the ball's hang time. Photos by Michele Meyers
Dan Lundy and Mac Chiumento.
Mac Chiumento practices kicking.
Mac Chiumento reviews video of his form with trainer Dan Lundy.
Trainer Dan Lundy sets up for Mac's session.
Mac Chiumento practices kicking.
Mac Chiumento and trainer Dan Lundy review video: It's all about technique.
Seabreeze junior Mac Chiumento serves to his Mainland High School opponent in his last season match. File photo
Mac Chiumento.
Seabreeze Kicker/punter Mac Chiumento warming-up at halftime. File photo
Mac Chiumento hugs his coach after filling in as quarterback in Seabreeze's last spring game. File photo
Mac Chiumento plays emergency quarterback during the spring game and throws a touchdown pass. File photo
Wearing a Crimson Tide hat and a Gator wristband, Mac Chiumento joined his trainer and owner of 4th Down University, Dan Lundy, on the Ormond Beach Sports Complex football field for a kicking session before a much deserved two-week break.
Chiumento has been Seabreeze High School’s football team’s starting kicker since he was a freshman in 2018. He’ll soon be entering his senior year, bringing with him offers to kick for three Division 1 college football teams: the University of Alabama, the University of Florida and Duke University.
“Mac’s job now is to eliminate as many variables as possible in his process,” Lundy said. “Consistency is key with specialists. This is what we work on daily — streamlining and optimizing his process.”
His most recent offer came from UF on June 22. It was a surprise. He had known since eighth grade that they had a freshman kicker at the time and wouldn’t be in need of another starter. Even though Chiumento has pictures of himself dressed in Gators’ outfits at the age of 1 and memories of his teddy bear dressed as a Gator, he is keeping his options open and will not make a commitment until he has considered all aspects. His decision must be made by December 17.
“A lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into this,” Chiumento said. “Now that the offers have come in, the pressure’s heightened. Now I’ve got to perform. It’s not just ‘he’s a good kicker;’ I have to live up to the expectation.”
Seabreeze’s head football coach Pat Brown has faith in the kicker’s athleticism, so much so that he put him in as quarterback for their last spring game against Westside High School. Chiumento threw a 40 yard pass and followed it up with a pass into the end zone for a touchdown.
“There is no other punter/kicker like Mac in the country,” Brown said. “He is a football player that is exceptional at kicking — not just a kicker. He has shown in games he can run, tackle and even throw TDs.”
Chiumento also helped the Seabreeze boys’ tennis team qualify to compete at the State Championship his junior year, finishing up the season with an 11-1 team record and 10-2 individual record. Offers to kick in college have led him to focus solely on kicking.
“I have been kicking since I was 4-years-old,” Chiumento said. “I’ve always been motivated to kick on my own. I didn’t need anyone to tell me to do it. I like to think I’m pretty good at tennis but now it will be all about what I love to do — kick.”
