On November 8, Texas Tech student and then Number IV, John Machtolff (Gamma Chi–Texas Tech ’23), was challenged to make a field goal during Pat McAfee’s Kicking Contest on College GameDay. Machtolff briefly shared his football experience, including missing a field goal in his high school state championship game and subsequently being relegated to kickoffs and onside kicks.
With an opportunity for kicking redemption on the line, Machtolff removed his shoes and attempted the field goal, which he initially missed. After further encouragement from hosts Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit, Machtolff lined up for a second attempt and successfully made the barefoot kick. As a result, $250,000 was awarded to a local Lubbock charity, and an additional $250,000 was awarded to Machtolff to be used toward dental school.
Machtolff shared the following about his experience:
“That experience and getting to be on College GameDay, especially in a town like Lubbock that doesn’t usually garner national attention, was incredible. Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit were extremely genuine and really showed care and respect for Texas Tech.
The ‘arena’ ESPN had cleared for the kick was in the middle of our tailgate space, so when I walked out to attempt the kick, there were friends and other KAs lined everywhere I could see along the fence. Having their support during a moment like that made it feel so much more attainable.
Even more so, getting to celebrate with all of them after making the kick was just great. Knowing that I contributed to a quarter-million-dollar donation to a charity in my college town is a blessing, and it’s an experience I will definitely carry with me forever. I wouldn’t have even had the opportunity if the Red Raiders were not playing at an extremely high level. I’ll be rooting for Coach McGuire and the boys to beat the [Oregon] Ducks on New Year’s Day”
