The success of the University of Hawaii football team’s field-goal unit hinges on a strong partnership among kicker Kansei Matsuzawa, snapper Jack Mowrey, and holder Caleb Freeman. While Matsuzawa has garnered national attention for converting 11 consecutive field goals to start the season, the contributions of Mowrey and Freeman have been essential to this achievement.
Matsuzawa, who moved to Hawaii in 2023 after transferring from Hocking College in Ohio, has credited his teammates for their collaborative effort in executing successful field-goal attempts. “It’s like a three-way relationship, and we all have confidence in each other,” Freeman stated. This unity has been crucial, particularly as Matsuzawa has developed confidence in both Mowrey’s snapping and Freeman’s holding.
The Warriors faced a challenge in April when they needed an experienced long-snapper after two players entered the transfer portal and another retired. Thomas Sheffield, the special teams coordinator, brought Mowrey on board, recognizing his skill set from his time at James Madison. After a tryout, Matsuzawa selected Freeman, a fourth-string quarterback, to be his holder.
Building their chemistry, the trio engaged in early morning practice sessions before the team’s regular training. Freeman plays a pivotal role, guiding Mowrey with a reassuring approach: “Don’t worry about your snap. If you give me a bad snap, I’m going to get it down.” Mowrey, who achieved recognition as one of the nation’s top long snappers during his senior year at Ardey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, consistently delivers accurate snaps, making Freeman’s job easier.
Freeman noted, “Jack makes it easy on me. He’s so good. It’s crazy.” He reflected on his high school experience, where snapping was less technical and more casual. “Now it’s a different level here. Jack is the best,” he emphasized.
Matsuzawa’s routine before each kick incorporates techniques suggested by a sports psychologist. He focuses on calming techniques, including deep breaths and visualizing his target, which proved beneficial during high-pressure moments, such as when he made a decisive 38-yard field goal to secure victory against Stanford. Freeman recalled the team’s mindset during that moment: “We were like, ‘we’ve done this a million times,’ especially on our home field.”
The team faced another critical moment against Arizona when they executed a swift field-goal attempt. Freeman recounted, “I remember looking up at the clock and we had 9 seconds. I was trying to make sure everyone got set.” With seconds to spare, he called for the snap just as the clock ticked down, leading to another successful kick from Matsuzawa.
Freeman balances his athletic commitments with academic pursuits, studying finance while helping to manage the family ranch in Katy, Texas. This 900-acre operation raises cattle and horses, and Freeman takes an active role in its daily functions. He also manages the ranch’s social media, showcasing their work and connecting with the community.
Despite the challenges, including a tornado that damaged their infrastructure last year, Freeman finds satisfaction in ranch work. He appreciates the physical demands and the opportunity to work alongside his father. “It’s tough, but it’s rewarding,” he stated. “I’d rather do that than sit in an office all day.”
Freeman’s family has strong roots in Katy, with five generations having lived there. Recently, the town honored his family by naming its tenth high school Freeman High School, a testament to their longstanding impact on the community.
As the Hawaii football team continues its season, the synergy among Matsuzawa, Mowrey, and Freeman stands as a key factor in their success, showcasing the importance of teamwork in achieving excellence on the field.
