Nov. 2, 2012
Fred Mitchell Award Release
Bronx, N.Y. -
Fordham University senior kicker Patrick Murray was recognized by the Fred Mitchell Award for his accomplishments on and off the field in the month of October it was announced on Wednesday. He is one of 31 collegiate placekickers to be recognized by the organization for the month.
Murray leads the NCAA FCS in field goal kicking, averaging 2.25 FG/game and he also lead the Rams in scoring with 76 points. He has connected on 18 of 21 FG's and 22 of 22 PATs in 2012. He also ranks tenth in the FCS in scoring with 9.5 points per game and has already tied the school's single season record with 18 FG.
Murray got the month of October off to a good start at Georgetown on October 6 as he scored 12 points in 38-31 win with three field goals and three extra points. The following week he accounted for ten more points at the University of Cincinnati, including booting a school-record 55-yard FG. Last week, he scored 12 points at Holy Cross in a 36-32 win, kicking three field goals and adding three PATs.
Murray has been named CFPA National Placekicker of the Week four times this season including twice in October and Patriot League Special Teams Player of the Week five times this fall, including three times in October.
"October was a terrific month for place-kickers. There were notable records set and game-winning field goals. Heading into the last month of the regular season, we are delighted to recognize these place-kickers that were nominated by their schools for extraordinary performance," said Fred Mitchell. The Award's Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney added, "These place-kickers had a wonderful month on the football field. Their community service accomplishments are also impressive. We are pleased to salute this group of fine student-athletes."
The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award) 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 in 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 each February at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall.
