Lou Groza Watchlist - Nick

[BazMom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2005

Contact: Justine K. Mitchell, Public Relations Manager, (561) 233-3189, jmitchell@palmbeachsports.com

Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

Announces 2005 Preseason Watch List

WEST PALM BEACH, FL – One of last year’s top three finalist and kickers from some of the top-ranked teams in the country highlight the 2005 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Preseason Watch List.

The Preseason Watch List is comprised of the top 30 preliminary candidates for the 14th annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl. The top three finalists are recognized during the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Banquet and Silent Auction on Tuesday, December 6, 2005, at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott and the winner is announced on Thursday, December 8, 2005 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Award Show in Orlando, Florida.

Among kickers named to the Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List is a Lou Groza Award finalist from last year, Andrew Wellock of Eastern Michigan University.

Also making the list are the place-kickers from some of the top rated teams this season. They include Jesse Ainsworth, Arizona State University; John Vaughn, Auburn University; Kyle Schilcher, University of Iowa; Arthur Carmody, University of Louisville; Stephen Gostkowski, University of Memphis; Garrett Rivas, University of Michigan; Josh Cummings, University of Pittsburgh; Ben Jones, Purdue University ; James Wilhoit, University of Tennessee; and Brandon Pace, Virginia Tech.

A brief biography of each player on the Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List can be found at www.lougrozaaward.com beginning August 31, 2005.

Kickers on the Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List were chosen based on statistics from the 2004 season and 2005 preseason expectations. However, all Division I-A kickers are eligible for consideration for the award.

A panel of over 300 experts vote on the award, including Division I-A head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and all previous Groza Award finalists.

The 20 semi-finalists for the Lou Groza Award are announced on Monday, October 31, 2005, followed with the naming of the three finalists two weeks later on Monday, November 14, 2005.

The award, now in its 14th year, is named for National Football League (NFL) Hall-of-Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Nicknamed “The Toe,” Groza was one of the first people to truly make kicking an art form, and he helped usher in to football the idea that a player could be used exclusively for kicking.

The Lou Groza Award is also sponsored by BankAtlantic, The Breakers, Continental Airlines, ESPN Radio 760, ESPN Regional Television, Florida Coca-Cola Bottling, JBS Destination Solutions, Palm Beach Kennel Club, The Palm Beach Post, Parallax Productions, Rooney’s Public House and WPEC News Channel 12.

For more information regarding the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com or contact Dusty Ann Williams at the Palm Beach County Sports Institute at (561) 233-3122.

2005 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Preseason Watch List

LAST NAME FIRST NAME UNIVERSITY YEAR

Ainsworth Jesse Arizona State University Junior

Vaughn John Auburn University Junior

Medlock Justin University of California, Los Angeles Junior

Crosby Mason University of Colorado Junior

Nuzie Matt University of Connecticut Junior

Wellock Andrew Eastern Michigan University Junior

Bell Travis Georgia Tech Sophomore

Schlicher Kyle The University of Iowa Junior

Comiskey Sean University of Louisiana Lafayette Senior

Horwedel Danny Louisiana Tech University Sophomore

Carmody Arthur University of Louisville Sophomore

Gostkowski Stephen The University of Memphis Senior

Peattie Jon University of Miami Junior

Rivas Garrett University of Michigan Junior

Smith Colby Middle Tennessee State University Junior

Barth Connor The University of North Carolina Sophomore

Bazaldua Nick University of North Texas Senior

Fitzpatrick D.J. University of Notre Dame Senior

Serna Alexis Oregon State University Sophomore

Cummings Josh University of Pittsburgh Senior

Jones Ben Purdue University Senior

Brown Josh University of South Carolina Senior

McCaleb Darren The University of Southern Mississippi Junior

Wilhoit James The University of Tennessee Junior

Pino David University of Texas Senior

Pegram Todd Texas A&M University Senior

Schneider Reagan University of Texas at El Paso Junior

Hughes Connor University of Virginia Senior

Pace Brandon Virginia Tech Junior

Yaussi Deric University of Wyoming Senior

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[MootPoint]

Good going for Baz

[MeanGreenBuzz]

Its good to see our players NOT getting left off award lists they deserve to be on finally. If only the Joak Walker Committee would... I'll let you finish that with your appropriate phrase.

[ntmeangreen11]

Fantastic, He's the best kicker in the belt,hopefully he'll win,he's an amazing kicker(plus I have his autograph! )

[Eagle-96]

Congrats to Nick on making the watch list. He is money from within 40 and I think he will have a fine season. Unfortunatley for us, he may be the only player to score vs LSU.

Edited August 12, 2005 by Eagle-96

[posiesnivy]

Bazmom, We haven't met but from one parent to another, congratulations to your son and I hope he has wonderful, successful year. Congratulations to all the players who have made the other watchlists as well.

[Mad Hatter]

My 3 year old daughter likes to say "Way to go Bazzy"

[BazMom]

Thanks to the props to Nick. Obviously I am just a little proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UNTLifer]

I remember when Nick arrived and had a rough first year. We were all worried about the kicking game. Now, I hate to see him go. He is about as automatic as they come, and I am shocked if he misses.

[DeepGreen]

Thanks to the props to Nick.  Obviously I am just a little proud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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O.K., since I've had to endure sitting next to you and Mr. Baz for going on three years now, what are the chances of having a football autographed by your son? Yes, I'll furnish the football.

[BazMom]

That is a no-brainer - just bring the ball. He would be honored.

[BazMom]

And Deep Green, my apologies for you having to sit next to us but get ready, this will be the loudest year yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DeepGreen]

That is a no-brainer - just bring the ball.  He would be honored.

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Like they say, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em". Be loud, be proud. I wouldn't have it any other way. See you this fall.

[UNTLifer]

And Deep Green, my apologies for you having to sit next to us but get ready, this will be the loudest year yet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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I hope you all remain season ticket holders after Nick graduates. We need all the loud and good fans we can get.

[eeally]

Baz is awesome. He will be the differance in a few games this year. Have a great season Nick.

[ntmeangreen11]

Also, doesn't he have like the highest GPA of all sun belt football players?

[MeanEd]

hey Deep Green,

I like your " be loud, be proud" How about

BE LOUD, BE GREEN, BE PROUD

[NT80]

hey Deep Green,

I like your " be loud, be proud" How about

BE LOUD, BE GREEN, BE PROUD

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I'd switch it around to: Be Loud, Be Proud, Be GREEN

[FirefightnRick]

Way to go Nick!

Rick

[BazMom]

Yes we will definitely be at games next year and years after. Nick is looking forward to going next year since everybody else in his class has another year to play. And yes, he has a 4.0

[twodollarpistols]

Hey BazMom. Congrats to you and Nick! Can't wait to see you and the family again this season. Take care.