CHICAGO --- Tusculum College's Gareth Rowlands
has been named one of the 10 national finalists for the 2010 Fred
Mitchell Award, which recognizes college football's placekicker of
the year for NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division
II, Division III and NAIA.
Other national finalists include: C.J. Bahr (Slippery Rock), Gregg
Berkshire (Ashland), C.J. Gradoville (Morningside), Shaw Leo (West
Chester), Tom Lynch (Saint Xavier), Adrian Mora (Georgia Southern),
Matt Myers (Northern Arizona), Andrew Samson (Pennsylvania) and
Iain Vance (Georgia State).
The winner will be announced Dec. 15 and will be honored Feb. 21, 2011 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall.
Rowlands, a 6-1, 215-pound senior from Benllech, Wales, garnered Daktronics All-Super Region 2 First Team accolades last week, moving up from last year's All-Region Second Team.
The two-time All-SAC First Team pick enjoyed one of the finest seasons ever by a league kicker. He established school and league single-season records with his 111 points and 21 field goals made. Rowlands leads the nation in field goals made per game (1.91) and is sixth in scoring (10.09 ppg). His 111 points are the most this season by a NCAA II kicker. He went 21-for-26 in field goals, including a string of 10 in a row towards the end of the season, which is a new school record. His streak of 53 consecutive made extra points is also a new school record.
Rowlands' 270 points are the most in school history by a kicker and second amongst all Pioneers. His 45 career field goals made are a new Tusculum record and tied for 25th most in NCAA II history. Rowlands is also a two-time ESPN Academic All-District selection.
A blue-ribbon Selection Committee evaluates place-kickers that are nominated by their schools. There are eight members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee including Tom Beck, Kevin Butler, Lou Holtz, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers. Several former football players that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Carl Allegretti, Sean Gothier, Dan Jiggetts, Rick Kolaczewski, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Jeff Schebler, Jay Sebben, Bob Thomas, Todd Wilkins, Gary Zauner and Rob Zvonar. There are nine former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee.
- TC -
2010 Fred Mitchell Award National Finalists
C.J. Bahr, Slippery Rock (NCAA II)
Gregg Berkshire, Ashland (NCAA II)
C.J. Gradoville, Morningside (NAIA)
Shawn Leo, West Chester (NCAA II)
Tom Lynch, Saint Xavier (Ill.) (NAIA)
Adrian Mora, Georgia Southern (FCS)
Matt Myers, Northern Arizona (FCS)
Gareth Rowlands, Tusculum (NCAA II)
Andrew Samson, Pennsylvania (FCS)
Iain Vance, Georgia State (FCS)
