Bodner is in the midst of a breakout season, his seven field goals tie him for the Amherst and NESCAC single-season record. With two games to play, Bodner has sole possession of the record firmly in his sights.
"[Breaking the record] would be nice, but it just comes from playing the game, which is what I am really focused on," said Bodner.
Bodner's success comes on the heels of a diligent offseason. "He worked really hard over the summer and has a really bright future ahead of him," said fellow placekicker Mike Proman '03. "He deserves all the success he has had this season."
A 5'10," 170 pound sophomore from Atlantis Beach, N.Y., Bodner was an exceptional athlete in high school. Bodner played more soccer than football, as he only started playing football during his junior year.
In secondary school, Bodner received countless accolades for his skill on the soccer and football fields, finishing his senior year as an All-State soccer player and also as an All Long Island Football Player. Bodner attributes his performance on the gridiron to his teammates, for whom he has much admiration, respect and love.
Bodner is, no doubt, an exceptional kicker. It is very evident that his soccer background helps him perform whether punting the ball or making field goals. His particular skills on the field are his awareness, cooperation and sheer power. Bodner's stats are a reflection of his exceptional play. A particular, yet subjective, strength of Bodner's is his composure and balance on the playing field.
Also important to kicking is the play of the long snapper and the holder. Grant Webb '03 and Jason Wagstaff '05 perform those respective duties for Amherst.
"They have really been great all season," said Bodner. "They have to do a good job for me just to get a chance to kick a field goal."
As a kicker, Bodner is required to perform under enormous amounts of pressure. One miscalculation or slip can make or break the game. Thus, Bodner is constantly under the pressure of his teammates, coaches and even his opponents. During close games, the outcome literally rests on his shoulders.
Despite the pressure, Bodner never displays bad sportsmanship or signs of frustration or anger. He is always positive, optimistic and never ceases to encourage or cheer his teammates.
"He's not a very loud guy but he is very solid and dependable and everyone on the team has confidence in him," said Proman.
Bodner is an invaluable kicker to the football team. The fusion of his raw kicking power, talent, teamwork and equanimity produce a versatile athlete who can be called upon at any point in the game. Bodner was a major force behind the Lord Jeffs' close victory over Tufts and the impressive 5-1 record of the team.
Bodner and the Jeffs travel to Hartford next week to take on Trinity College in a battle of 5-1 teams. Bodner may well prove to be the difference again in what should be a closely contested game.