PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – College athletes are attempting to form unions. They're getting money now for their likeness. Pitt punter Kirk Christodoulou is ok using the current system to set up his future.
"Student-athletes, there is a lot of talk about compensation and stuff like that, as of right now, in the cards we've been dealt, education is the one thing they can guarantee us," Christodoulou said. "I figure why not take full advantage of what I can."
He is currently working on his MBA and is thinking of adding a second masters in finance. While the 23-year-old would like to continue his playing career in the NFL, he says he's making relationships at his masters-level classes to keep his options open.
The classes are obviously harder, but it's not the only adjustment Christodoulou has made.
"Normally rocking up to an undergrad class you are two minutes early, you have a coffee in hand and you quickly run in there with sweats on," Christodoulou. "I get to my first graduate class and everyone is there in a suit and tie and notes out 10 minutes early. I think I need to pick up my stuff here."
He also had to pick up his stuff on the field. After an average freshman year, he was benched a few games as a sophomore and had a heart-to-heart talk at the behest of head coach Pat Narduzzi.
"Really did force me in the off-season to say 'where do I want to be?'" Christodoulou said. "Do I want to have the head coach stress over my performance or do I want to be a player he doesn't have to worry about."
Christodoulou admits he was in a state of denial.
"It was what I needed," Christodoulou said. "It was good coaching. It's hard to admit, at the time I needed the kick in the bum. And it has (stayed with him) to this point. His focus and intensity to be good has forced me to change my own perspective."
Christodoulou was unable to go home during the quarantine times, so he would go to Schenley Park and kick and random people would offer to field kicks for him. The Australian said its what he loves about Pittsburgh, the people.
"I can't begin to tell you how lucky I've been," Christodoulou said. "Right now I live in a house with five of my best friends, including QB Kenny Pickett, and they are all footballers. It's just an experience that no one could ever compare to. These are going to be my friends for life."
Following a game where he averaged 51 yards on five punts, a pair inside the Florida State 15-yard line, Christodoulou was named the Ray Guy Award's National Punter of the Week on Tuesday, winning for the first time after being nominated twice before.
Whether its on the field or off it, winning is something that will be associated with Kirk Christodoulou for a long time.
