Falls Church High School Alumni
Falls Church, Virginia (VA)
Paul Woodside
Former placekicker for West Virginia University
What is Paul Woodside known for?
Paul Woodside, born September 2, 1963, is a notable alumnus from Falls Church High School in Falls Church, Virginia. After graduating in 1981, he went on to have a prosperous football career as a placekicker. He is best known for his impressive career at West Virginia University, where he earned first-team All-America honors and set a multitude of placekicking and scoring records.
A native of Falls Church, Virginia, Woodside was famed for his "soccer-style" kicking that he began practicing during high school. His college career took off when he enrolled at West Virginia University, joining the football team as a walk-on placekicker in 1981. Regarded as one of the best placekickers in the nation, he had a knack for being known for his eccentricities, such as drawing patterns on his shoes with a magic marker and practicing his kicks on the field facing the wrong direction.
In 1982, Woodside set the NCAA Division I football record for the most field goals made in a season (28). Over the years, he held several NCAA records such as the single season highest percentage of field goals made under 40 yards and single season most times kicking two or more field goals in a game. His WVU records include the longest field goal (55 yards against Louisville in 1984), single season field goals made and attempted, career field goals made and attempted, and consecutive field goals made.
Woodside's seasons at WVU were highly successful. His freshman year saw him beating two scholarship kickers for the starting job and finishing the season fourth in total scoring. In his sophomore season, he finished as the team's leading scorer, setting the NCAA Division I record for most field goals in a season. His junior season was no less impressive, with him leading the team in scoring again. Named to the Sporting News All-America first team and the UPI All-America second team, he continued to excel into his senior season.
Besides his football achievements, Woodside was also highlighted in the book A Few Seconds of Panic by Stefan Fatsis in 2008.
Woodside's contributions to football, especially as a placekicker, have left an indelible mark on the sport. A source of inspiration for many, his journey from a high school in Virginia to West Virginia University and beyond is a testament to his skill, dedication, and passion.