FRED MITCHELL AWARD RECOGNIZES PLACE-KICKERS FOR
EXCELLENCE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD AND IN THE COMMUNITY IN SEPTEMBER
Contact:
October 2, 2012 – The Fred
Mitchell Award recognizes 31 place-kickers for their excellence on the football
field and in the community during the month of September. “September had quite a few college football
games decided by late scores by place-kickers, long snappers, holders and
blockers on special teams. It has been a
very exciting start to the college football season. We are pleased to recognize place-kickers
that were nominated by their schools for extraordinary performance during the
month,” said Fred Mitchell. The Award’s
Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney added, “The place-kickers we
recognize are having tremendous success on the gridiron so far this season. In addition, their civic and volunteer
activities are having a profound and positive impact in their communities. We are delighted to honor this group.”
The recipient of the Fred
Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the
field and in the community. Details are
provided at www.fredmitchellaward.com.
The breakdown of the 31 place-kickers
is as follows:
- Collegiate Division – 9 FCS, 9 Division II, 10
Division III, 2 NAIA and 1 NJCAA
- State – the place-kickers play at schools located
in 24 different states with three place-kickers at schools in Pennsylvania
- Year – 16 Seniors, 8 Juniors, 6 Sophomores, 1
Freshman
In alphabetical order, the
Fred Mitchell Award honorees for September 2012 are listed below.
TODD ADOLF
Northwest Missouri
State University – Division II
Senior from Omaha,
NE….leads the Bearcats in scoring with 45 points from 7 of 9 FG’s and 24 of 24
PAT’s….made career-long 48-yard FG in 48-10 win over Fort Hays State on
September 15…..has made 222 of 226 career PAT’s….307 career points ranks 6th
in school history….averaging 62 yards on 38 kickoffs….Habitat for Humanity
volunteer….participates in the team’s annual cleanup efforts to help the
elderly in Maryville
ALLEN CAIN
Texas Lutheran
University – Division III
Senior from San
Antonio, TX….leads the team in scoring with 42 points from 10 of 12 FG’s and 12
PAT’s….tied his own school and conference records with 5 FG’s in 43-35 win over
Southwestern Assemblies of God on September 22….earned d3football.com Team of
the Week honors….scored 14 points and made 4 FG’s in win over East Texas
Baptist leading to 34-28 win on September 29….set school record for career FG’s
on September 29….served as math grader, resident assistant, Student Government
Association Senator, TLU Honors Program member and Math Club
member…..Fellowship of Christian Athletes….Student-Athlete Advisory Council
Representative….Seguin Youth Services math tutor….youth football coach
CHASE CARPENTER
Northwest
Mississippi Community College – NJCAA
Sophomore from
Slayden, MS….leads the team in scoring with 34 points from 5 of 8 FG’s and 19
of 19 PAT’s…. scored 13 points in 19-13 win over Northeast Mississippi on
September 20….tied school record with 4 FG’s against Northeast Mississippi….named
MACJC/JUCO weekly and NJCAA Special Teams Player of the Week following September 20 game….scored 8
points in 44-6 win over Coahoma on September 13….averaging 57 yards on 29
kickoffs….exceeded 50 hours in community service….Vacation Bible School
volunteer
CASEY CLARKE
Campbellsville
University (Kentucky) – NAIA
Senior from East
London, England....leads the Tigers in scoring with 25 points from 6 of 8 FG’s
and 7 of 7 PAT’s….never played football and did not know place-kicking rules
before the 2012 season….broke or tied four school records for FG’s while
scoring all 15 points in a 15-14 win at Kentucky Christian on September
29….made all 5 FG’s against Kentucky Christian and tied school record with
52-yard FG and set school kicking record with 15 points in a game….NAIA and
Mid-South Conference Special Teams Player of the Week….made 43-yard FG against
Bethel on September 15….averaging 62 yards on 19 kickoffs….was four-year
All-Conference player on the school’s soccer team….Campbellsville Youth Soccer
Association volunteer coach….participates in weekly and monthly volunteer
activities with the football team including reading at local elementary
schools….soccer clinic volunteer
ERNIE COLLINS
University of San Diego
– FCS
Senior from San
Ramon, CA….leads the Toreros in scoring with 28 points from 5 of 5 FG’s and 13
of 14 PAT’s…named College Football Performance Award’s Place-Kicker of the Week
following 34-27 win over Western New Mexico on September 8….tied for 2nd
longest FG in school history with 51-yard FG against Western New Mexico….has
made two 48-yard FG’s this season which is tied for 4th longest FG
in school history….averaging 63 yards on 18 kickoffs….Autism Tree Project
Foundation volunteer….promotes autism advocacy with rest of football
team....participates in Toreros Linking the Community events including the
Donate-a-Dollar and Toy Drive program which helped support 30 local families by
collecting hundreds of unwrapped gifts and more than $2,500
ZACH CZAP
Lycoming College
(Pennsylvania) – Division III
Junior from Philipsburg, PA … 4th on the
Warriors in scoring with 17 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 11 of 13 PAT’s….scored
6 points in 24-14 win over Delaware Valley on September 8….scored 5 points in
29-14 win over Albright on September 22….averaging 57 yards on 22 kickoffs….helped
with flood cleanup along the Loyalsock Creek with the football team … helped a
local church with a basketball open gym last spring … participated in the
Student Senate of Lycoming College's
haunted house … active in youth work at his hometown YMCA
RAINER DUZAN
Morehead State
University (Kentucky) - FCS
Senior from
Dublin, OH….leads the team in scoring with 28 points from 5 of 6 FG’s and 13 of
15 PAT’s….scored 13 points from 2 of 2 FG’s and 7 of 7 PAT’s in season opener
win over Southern Virginia….Morehead State Student-Athlete Advisory
Committee….Freshman Move-In Day volunteer….Earth Week Clean-Up volunteer
JASON FOWLER
Ouachita Baptist University
(Arkansas) – Division II
Senior from Mesquite, TX….tied
for 1st on the 11th ranked Tigers in scoring with 36
points from 6 of 6 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….scored 9 of the team’s 27 points in
win at Southeastern Oklahoma….has made 31 of 51 FG’s in career and 145 of 148
PAT’s….volunteered at various soccer camps in the Dallas area…performs
community service projects for the school’s bi-annual Tiger Serve Day
TANNER FRITSCHLE
Indiana State University - FCS
Sophomore from Washington,
IN….2nd on the Sycamores in scoring with 38 points from 8 of 9 FG’s
and 14 of 14 PAT’s….made career-long 45-yard FG in the season opener at Indiana
University….made a FG to end the first half in the team’s first four
games….averaging 64 yards on 23 kickoffs….volunteers for Special Olympics,
Susan G. Komen Foundation, Terre Haute Catholic Charities, Recess with the
Sycamores and The Wabash Riverside Development Cleanup
JACOB GAHART
Ripon College (Wisconsin) –
Division III
Senior from Elkhorn, WI…. 3rd on the Red Hawks in scoring with 22 points
from 2 of 5 FG’s, 16 of 16 PAT’s…33 career FG’s breaks the school record of 25,
with the rest of the 2012 season to play… averaging 59 yards on 22 kickoffs….career
development department volunteer at Ripon College….mentor to students at Ripon
Middle School….assisted with research to establish an improved test for
freshmen during Summer orientation
JAMES GISH
Southwestern Assemblies of God
University (Texas) – NAIA
Junior from Waxahachie,
TX….leads the team in scoring with 31 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 10 of 10
PAT’s…made season-long 41-yard FG to secure the 27-17 win at Howard Payne
University….scored all 12 of the team’s points in a 13-12 loss to then-#18
Bethany College….volunteers with football and soccer camps that allow
low-income children to attend sports camps
TAYLOR GROFF
East Stroudsburg University
(Pennsylvania) – Division II
Junior from Manheim, PA….scored
32 points from 5 of 9 FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….scored 9 points including
51-yard FG in September 29 game against Clarion….holds school record for career
FG % and 12 career FG’s of 40+ yards ranks 2nd in school
history….ranks 5th in ESU history with 169 kicking points….averaging
62 yards on 26 kickoffs….volunteer for children’s programs at local
church….participates in school’s Breakfast with the Warriors during preseason
camp…volunteers at Kohl’s Kicking Camps and Special Teams Solutions Camps
BRIAN HARVEY
University of Maine – FCS
Senior from Wayland, MA….leads
the Black Bears in scoring with 22 points from 4 of 8 FG’s and 10 of 11 PAT’s….
scored 9 points in 51-7 win over Bryant on September 15….scored 8 points
against Albany on September 22….Maine Troop Greeters volunteer….volunteers to
assist the senior citizens in hometown….volunteers at several kicking camps
AARON JAMIESON
University of Central Missouri
– Division II
Senior from Cassville, MO….2nd
on the Mules in scoring with 27 points from 2 of 4 FG’s and 21 of 22 PAT’s…. scored
7 points in 31-21 win over #3 Northwest Missouri on September 8….scored 8
points in 38-17 win over Truman State on September 20….became the school’s
all-time leading scorer for a kicker on September 20….Literacy Team volunteer
where student-athletes read to local elementary school students….Veteran’s Home
volunteer in Warrensburg….Fellowship of Christian Athletes…leads worship
services…collaborated with his father at his high school alma mater to start
The Character Project where students participate in regular community service
JOSH KAY
Linfield College (Oregon) –
Division III
Senior from Salem, OR….leads
the team in scoring with 33 points from 5 of 9 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s….scored
15 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 3 of 3 PAT’s including game-winning 39-yard FG
in 33-30 win over #10 Cal Lutheran on September 15….selected September 18 as
the Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week for Special Teams….4 FG’s
in win over Cal Lutheran were from 35-45 yards….averaging 64 yards on 27
kickoffs… football camp volunteer for the "See Ya Later"
Foundation…works with the Foundation’s director on developing and managing a
Kids Golf Camp for the spring of 2012 with the goal of reaching 150 local youth
…competed in golf at Linfield where he helped the school capture the 2011
Northwest Conference championship…competed at the 2011 NCAA Division III
Championships….volunteer coach at South Salem High School summer football
camp….served as mentor and role model to young athletes in youth development
program at Courthouse Athletic Club including assuming a leadership role while
teaching specialized performance training
ADAM KELLER
North Dakota State University
– FCS
Sophomore from Lewisberry,
PA….leads the #1 ranked Bison in scoring with 45 points from 8 of 11 FG’s and
21 of 21 PAT’s….tied school record with 4 FG’s in 33-21 win at #14 Northern
Iowa on September 29….first year as full-time starting kicker….scored 12 points
in 52-0 win over Robert Morris on September 1 including 9 PAT’s which nearly
tied the school record of 10 PAT’s in a game….averaging 62 yards on 30
kickoffs….volunteer coach for Tri-City seventh grade soccer team…Rosewood
Nursing Home volunteer
JOSEPH MALLOCK
Williams College
(Massachusetts) – Division III
Junior from West Orange, NJ….leads
the team in scoring with 17 points from 4 of 4 FG’s and 5 of 5 PAT’s….has made
9 consecutive FG’s….scored 10 points in 41-7 win over Colby College on
September 22….named NESCAC Special Teams Player of the Week in two consecutive
weeks following wins over Colby and Trinity….volunteered with teammates for
Habitat for Humanity, cleaning up debris in local trailer park after Hurricane
Irene and served food at the Berkshire Food Project….note taker on campus for
students who are unable to take their own notes….contributing writer for the
Williams Record covering the men’s golf team….volunteer caddie instructor at
golf club in hometown
JIMMIE MATTSON
St. John’s University
(Minnesota) – Division III
Senior from Eau
Claire, WI….leads the Johnnies in scoring with 28 points from 2 of 6 FG’s and
22 of 22 PAT’s….scored 7 points including 28-yard FG with 2 minutes left in the
game in 31-28 win over Wisconsin-Eau Claire on September 8….scored 10 points
including 49-yard FG in 52-7 win over Northwestern College on September 1....averaging
64 yards on 25 kickoffs….volunteered with the Eau Claire
Area Youth Football camp for three summers….has volunteered with the Eau Claire
Salvation Army each of the last four seasons….read and helped at Eau Claire
Elementary School as a classroom volunteer during breaks and summers each of
the past four years….volunteered with the non-profit Eau Claire Crush football
team during summer 2012 including helping in the community and donating all
fundraising proceeds to local charities….volunteered with Volunteers in Service
to Others (VISTO) on campus organization including swimming with disabled
adults and those with special needs
ANTONIO MAYO
Fayetteville State
University (North Carolina) – Division II
Sophomore from
Jacksonville, NC….leads the Broncos in scoring with 24 points from 4 of 5 FG’s
and 12 of 12 PAT’s…scored 7 points against Elizabeth City State on September 22
including career-long 42-yard FG….made career-long 45-yrad FG the following
week against Chowan….averaging 51 yards on 20 kickoffs….Student-Athlete
Advisory Committee….participated in the announcement of the SAAC essay contest
with local elementary schools about anti-bullying in schools
JAMES MCFADDEN
Widener University
(Pennsylvania) – Division III
Senior from
Warminster, PA….leads the team in scoring with 39 points from 1 of 1 FG’s and
36 of 38 PAT’s….ranks 4th in the Middle Atlantic Conference with 39
points….12 of 12 PAT’s against Wilkes on September 22 set the Conference record
and nearly tied the NCAA record of 13 PAT’s….made the game-winning 33-yard FG
in OT to help rally past Lebanon Valley 40-37 on September 29….Conference
Special Teams Player of the Week each of the past two weeks….averaging 62 yards
on 48 kickoffs….participates in football team community events including drunk
driving awareness, Sun Hill clean-up near campus, Relay for Life and Special
Olympics
THOMAS OBARSKI
Concordia University
(Minnesota) – Division II
Sophomore from Burnsville,
MN….leads the Golden Bears in scoring with 31 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 13 of
14 PAT’s…. scored 10 points in 34-24 win over Minnesota Crookston on September
8 to earn NSIC Special Teams Player of the Week honors….ranks 6th in
NSIC scoring and tied for 3rd in the Conference in FG’s made….10 of
10 in career on FG’s up to 40 yards….averaging 59 yards on 21 kickoffs….drug
education mentor/teacher to middle school children….high school camp
volunteer….Feed My Starving Children volunteer….church student leader….Bible
Study leader….served on overseas missions trip….helped raise over $6,000 for
the tsunami relief fund in Japan…supported and raised funds for Project Rescue
GREG O’DONNELL
Colorado State
University-Pueblo – Division II
Freshman from Colorado
Springs, CO….has scored 34 points from 6 of 9 FG’s and 16 of 18 PAT’s…..tied
for 8th in Division II with 6 FG’s….received Rocky Mountain Athletic
Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honors twice in September….made the
first 3 FG’s of his collegiate career in the season’s first game against
nationally-ranked West Texas A&M…..made 3 FG’s in 30-0 win over Adams State
on September 22 including his current career-high 49-yard FG….visits sick
children with football teammates at Pueblo St. Mary’s Corwin Medical Center
NATE RAY
University of
Wisconsin-Oshkosh – Division III
Sophomore from Verona,
WI….leads team in scoring with 36 points from 7 of 7 FG’s and 15 of 17
PAT’s….scored 10 points in 16-7 win over UW-La Crosse on September 15….tied
school record by making 4 FG’s in a game in 19-7 win over UW-River Falls on
September 29….Boys & Girls Club of Oshkosh volunteer….Wisconsin Special
Olympics volunteer….Oshkosh YMCA volunteer
TYLER SIEVERTSEN
University of
Northern Iowa – FCS
Junior from Cedar
Rapids, IA….2nd on the Panthers in scoring with 30 points from 4 of
5 FG’s and 18 of 18 PAT’s ….scored 10 points against the University of Iowa on
September 15 including career-long 49-yard FG….scored 9 points in 59-0 win over
Central State on September 8…..active leader in career FG % in FCS….averaging
63 yards on 24 kickoffs….Just Read program volunteer to connect UNI
student-athletes with elementary school students….Special Olympics
volunteer….Kickers in the Midwest mentor…high school football camp
volunteer….Salvation Army bell ringer
WESLEY SKIFFINGTON
Stony Brook
University (New York) - FCS
Senior from
Brandon, FL….2nd on the team in scoring with 35 points from 6 of 6
FG’s and 17 of 17 PAT’s….scored 11 points in 23-3 win over Army on September
29….scored 8 points in 32-31 win over Colgate on September 22….most prolific
kicker in school history….all-time leading scorer in school history….Friends of
Jaclyn Program volunteer….Sunrise Fund volunteer at Stony Brook University
Medical Center
PAT SMITH
Western Illinois
University - FCS
Junior from
Quincy, IL….leads the Leathernecks in scoring with 26 points from 7 of 7 FG’s
and 5 of 5 PAT’s….matched career-high with 3 FG’s in 23-15 win over Butler in
season-opener…..made career-long 46-yard FG in 27-17 win over Indianapolis on
September 8….ranks 6th in FCS with 1.75 FG’s per game….100% FG %
ranks 1st in FCS and no kickers in FCS have made all FG’s with more
attempts….averaging 60 yards on 16 kickoffs….Relay for Life volunteer….Special
Olympics volunteer…Rocky’s Reach volunteer helping elementary school children
during recess and reading…Jump Rope for Heart volunteer
STEFAN TERLECKYJ
Wayne State University
(Michigan) – Division II
Junior from
Warren, MI….2nd on the team in scoring with 20 points from 3 of 6
FG’s and 11 of 11 PAT’s….school's all-time leader in PATs made (125) and
attempted (127) in just his third season ... among all-time leaders in school
history in FG’s made with 26 ... scored 9 points in 35-31 win over Lake Erie on
September 15….averaging 57 yards on 19 kickoffs…helped sell merchandise for
breast cancer awareness at the WSU women's basketball game ... collected small
toiletry items to make basic needs bags for the Covenant House Michigan as part
of the Wayne Cares program ... participated in United Way's Martin Luther King
Day of Service by assisting the Motor City Blight Busters with a renovation
project in metropolitan Detroit
DAN TRYON
Wesley College
(Delaware) – Division III
Senior from
Wilmington, DE….3rd on the Wolverines in scoring with 15 points from
2 of 2 FG’s, 9 of 11 PAT’s….made 31-yard FG as time expired to beat #25
Louisiana College 25-22 on September 22….named NCAA.com Special Teams of the
Week on September 28….scored 5 points in 17-7 win over #6 Salisbury on
September 8….Team Captain and MVP of the 2012 lacrosse team….Special Olympics
volunteer….Jumpstart’s Read for the Record program
BRADEN WIEKING
University of Sioux Falls
(South Dakota) – Division II
Senior from Sioux Falls, SD….2nd
on the Cougars in scoring with 43 points from 8 of 9 FG’s and 19 of 20
PAT’s…entered 2012 season with 309 points ranking 2nd in school
history among kickers and 7th overall… scored 11 points in41-22 win
over Southwest Minnesota on September 29….averaging 63 yards on 36
kickoffs….team’s nomination for Allstate Good Hands Team….Sioux Falls
Fellowship of Christian Athletes volunteer and Group Huddle Leader on campus….Habitat
for Humanity volunteer….Vacation Bible Study volunteer
ANDY WILDER
Northern Arizona University –
FCS
Junior from Scottsdale, AZ….2nd
on the team in scoring with 33 points from 6 of 8 FG’s and 15 of 15 PAT’s….made
game-winning 33-yard FG against UNLV to upset the FBS Rebels 17-14….game-winner
was the first FG of his college career….made 2 FG’s against both Fort Lewis and
Montana….Welcome Back Jacks event volunteer helping students move into
on-campus housing in the fall….represented football team in Flagstaff Fourth of
July parade
SEAN WILLIAMS
Wittenberg University (Ohio) –
Division III
Senior from Plainfield, IN…2nd
on the 20th ranked Tigers in scoring with 25 points from 3 of 5 FG’s
and 16 of 17 PAT’s….182 career kicking points is 4th in school history
surpassing Fred Mitchell in the first game of the 2012 season….holds school
records for consecutive FG’s (19) and PAT’s made (50)….has made 98 of 102 PAT’s
in his career for school best 98% among kickers with at least 40 attempts….averaging
57 yards on 23 kickoffs….youth football camp volunteer in hometown and at
Wittenberg….volunteered at Habitat for Humanity Re-Store in
Springfield….Springfield Regional Medical Center volunteer….Rocking Horse
Community Health Center internal
About the Fred Mitchell Award
The annual Fred Mitchell
Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award, www.fredmitchellaward.com) is
provided to the nation’s top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS,
Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the
record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer,
author, philanthropist and Chicago
Tribune sports columnist. The
recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be chosen based on excellence on the
football field and in the community. The
Award’s Watch List is released each August, top performers are recognized
monthly during the college football season, and the winner (who is not required
to be on the Watch List) is announced in mid-December. The school of the Award winner receives
scholarship funds and the Fred Mitchell Award trophy will be presented on
February 18, 2013 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter
Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall (details for this event are at www.nffchicagoawards.eventbrite.com).
A blue-ribbon Selection
Committee (listed at www.fredmitchellaward.com)
evaluates place-kickers that are nominated by their schools. Members of the Pro and/or College Football
Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee include Tom Beck, Kevin Butler, Paul
Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers. Former football players and others that are
active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Carl
Allegretti, Sean Gothier, Teddy Greenstein, Michael Husted, Dan Jiggetts, Rick
Kolaczewski, Connie Kowal, Greg Loberg, Tom Lynch, Carol Monroe, Jeff
Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Jeff Schebler, Caroline Schrenker, Jay
Sebben, Bob Thomas, Wolfe Tone, Todd Wilkins, Gary Zauner and Rob Zvonar. There are 10 former college or NFL
place-kickers on the Selection Committee, including Schebler (the inaugural
Fred Mitchell Award recipient in 2009 and the highest-scoring place-kicker in
NCAA history at any level) and Lynch (two-time recipient of the Award and the
kicker on the 2011 NAIA National Champion Saint Xavier University Cougars).
Stay Tuned for More of
Coach Zauner's Blog!
