The realization that Stan Gaudion has a promising future as a University of Hawaii punter struck him like a kick to the face.

While practicing his high-swinging form, Gaudion recalled, “I accidentally kissed the knee. That nearly knocked out a tooth. That was quite bad.”

But it is Gaudion’s ability to kick off roll-outs, as he did playing Australian rules football in his native Melbourne, or boom punts out of formation that has bolstered hope he will be a successful successor to Rigo Sanchez. Sanchez, who was a punter/place-kicker for two UH seasons, completed his NCAA eligibility in December. Special teams coordinator Mayur Chaudhari expressed confidence in Gaudion’s skills. Chaudhari once freeze-framed a video in which Gaudion’s straight-legged high kick resembled an analog clock’s 6:10.

It has been a steady ascent for Gaudion, who graduated from high school in December 2014. The next month, he joined Prokick Australia, a program that helps develop Australian athletes into American football punters and kickers. At the end of the one-year program, Gaudion drew attention from several schools.

Gaudion opted to join the Rainbow Warriors as a walk-on. Because a non-scholarship student is required to provide additional documents, approval of his student visa was delayed, preventing him from joining the Warriors for the start of training camp in early August 2016. Instead, it was arranged for Gaudion to join in Australia, where the Warriors were opening the 2016 season.

“The first three days, when I sort of introduced myself to (UH) people, they asked: ‘Are you the new trainer?’ or ‘Did you win a ticket to hang out with the team for the weekend?’” Gaudion said. “No lie. It was definitely different.”

After that game in Australia, Gaudion moved to Hawaii, where he learned from Sanchez and discovered a new culinary world.

“The first thing I got was chicken katsu,” Gaudion said. “I was mind blown. It was really good. I had that the first two weeks and put on weight unintentionally.”

He also said he “went to the beach and stuff … and just got lost a lot.”

With holder Ikaika Woolsey’s departure, Gaudion has accepted an additional role. “Very strenuous on the groin,” Gaudion said of the holder’s squat. “You’re on the ground and call for (the snap) and catch it really quickly on the spot.”

Gaudion works on his holding techniques during practice and on his own. “Every night when I’m watching TV, I’d crouch down in position and simulate it in my head,” Gaudion said. “I’ve had time to chip away at it.”