Members of the Football Team Volunteer at Special Olympics PA Bowling
Sam Ficken gained an immediate taste of Nittany Lion football by making his collegiate debut in the 2011 season-opener with Indiana State. He was successful on his one PAT attempt and kicked off once in the non-conference matchup with the Sycamores. Ficken was one of three Nittany Lions to connect on a field goal last season, making a 43-yarder against Eastern Michigan, and was among four true freshmen who saw action. A first-team all-state honoree at Valparaiso High School, the athletic Ficken has a strong leg and work ethic. Ficken earned Dean's List recognition during the spring semester and brought a 3.46 cumulative grade-point average into the summer academic session. He and punter Alex Butterworth are Nittany Lion returnees from Indiana.
2011 Freshman Season
Ficken made his Nittany Lion debut in the season-opener with Indiana State, connecting on his one PAT attempt and kicking off once. He missed his first career field goal attempt, from 49 yards, at Temple. Ficken made his first career field goal, from 43 yards, on his second career attempt and kicked off twice in the non-conference matchup against Eastern Michigan. He did not see any action in Big Ten play. Ficken was among four true freshmen who saw action in 2011.
High School
Ficken was named first-team Associated Press Class 5A all-state for Coach Mark Hoffman at Valparaiso High School. He also was a member of the all-area team. A former soccer player, he made 13 field goals as a senior, including a school-record 52-yard kick. He also recorded 45 touchbacks on kickoffs during his senior season.
Personal
Full name is Samuel James Ficken. He is the son of Jim and Nancy Ficken and has a brother, Drew. A cousin, Robbie Hummel, recently completed a stellar career with the Purdue basketball team. Ficken enjoys water skiing, wakeboarding, tubing and skiing. He is enrolled in the Smeal College of Business. Born December 14, 1992 in Valparaiso, Ind.
