Wisconsin hasn’t had a more popular kicker in some time than junior Rafael Gaglianone. Maybe it was his portly body or his joy for life and dance moves. However, Badger fans are going to have to wait until next season to see him kicking in the Cardinal and White.
On Thursday, UW officially announced that Gaglinaone will be shut down for the season due to lingering back issues. He had surgery early on Thursday to correct some of the issues he has had with his back and will not be back in a Wisconsin uniform this season.
According to a release from Wisconsin athletic communications, his condition appeared to improve Sunday but worsened in the days that followed, leading to the need for the surgical procedure.
“You’re disappointed for Rafael because of all the work he’s put in and how well he was playing,” UW head coach Paul Chryst said. “From a football perspective, I’ve appreciated the way the other guys in that unit have responded this week.”
Gaglianone, the Badgers’ field goal specialist since 2014, had converted 7 of 8 kicks this season before being sidelined by the injury. Recovery from a similar back injury led to him missing spring practice in 2015.
“Unfortunately this isn’t his first experience with something like this,” Chryst said, “but we’ve seen that Raf is going to do everything he can to get back on the field as soon as he can.”
Based on his participation in only three games this season, Gaglianone will be eligible to apply for a medical hardship waiver with the NCAA and seek an additional season of competition.
As for the Badgers kicking duties, it will now all be on Andrew Endicott, who made his first career field goal on his first career field goal attempt from 41 yards out last weekend against Michigan State.
With the Badgers clicking in all three phases of the game to start the season, this change at kicker could have a significant impact on how the coaching staff approaches in-game situations going forward.
Endicott is going to have to earn the trust of the coaching staff, but that 41-yard effort last weekend sure will go a long way to proving he can be a reliable option for the team in the future.
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