Oklahoma State University Athletics
Bailey Kicking His Way Into Cowboy History
September 15, 2010 | Cowboy Football
Sept. 15, 2010
By Katie Ann Robinson
OSU Media Relations
Dan Bailey was a walk-on freshman in 2007 with no intentions of earning a starting position, much less a scholarship, for the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
Now entering his senior year, Bailey can attest that receiving both has made his college football experience worthwhile.
The summer before his freshman year, Bailey had plans of becoming an Arkansas Razorback. However, after an unsuccessful summer of two-a-days and football camps, Bailey transferred to OSU and decided to walk-on.
“I had a very bad attitude when I came to OSU,” Bailey said. “I didn't really want to be here. Plus, there were a lot of great guys ahead of me, and I thought I would never earn a starting position.”
However, after taking over placekicking duties from Jason Ricks midway through the 2007 campaign, Bailey's attitude started to change. Throughout the season, Bailey began working out with Ricks and punter Matt Fodge to help him improve and ensure his starting position on the Cowboys' roster.
“Working out with Fodge and Ricks really helped me develop a strong work ethic,” Bailey said.
“They were great role models. I wanted to be just as successful as they were.”
Since then, Bailey has become a steady force in the kicking game and ranks as OSU's No. 9 career scorer with 232 points. He has never missed an extra point in his Cowboy career and has converted a school-record 139 PATs in a row. He has also connected on 31 of his 42 field-goal attempts.
In 2009, Bailey's work ethic and productivity paid off when he was awarded a scholarship for his final two years as a Cowboy.
“It is definitely rewarding because all my hard work has finally paid off,” Bailey said. “It makes me appreciate where I am at and what I'm doing. And ultimately it makes me work harder.”
Although Bailey had a slow start to the 2009 campaign, he completed a career-long 51-yard field goal against Missouri, which also broke his personal and high school record of 50 yards at Mustang's Southwest Covenant. Bailey hit all 46 of his PATs and 13-of-18 field-goal attempts.
As a senior in 2010, Bailey hopes that he can set a good example for the younger Pokes and leave a legacy as being a positive role model for current and future Cowboys.
“I try to lead by example on and off the field, just always doing the right thing,” Bailey said. “I just try to be a positive leader for everybody and hopefully the other players will see that.”
Reflecting on his football career and time in Stillwater, Bailey couldn't feel more accomplished. With records in his name and a scholarship in hand, he now bleeds orange
more than ever before.
“Personally, my entire outlook has totally changed since my freshman year,” Bailey said. “My scholarship taught me to have goals but to also not make plans. Just let it happen. Things aren't always going to go as you planned, but it still works out in the end.”
