MACOMB, Ill. - Western Illinois junior kicker Pat Smith (Quincy/Notre Dame) was named Special Teams 'Player of the Week' by the Missouri Valley Football Conference following week one of the 2012 season. Smith picked up his second career award by the league office (November 20, 2010).
Smith was also an Honorable Mention Performer selection by the College Football Performance Awards.
He handled every kicking duty all game long for the first time in his career during the opening win over Butler. Smith converted all three field goals (29, 19, 29 yards), went 2-for-2 on extra points, averaged 43.7 yards on three punts, and put three of his six kickoffs into the endzone.
The junior currently leads the MVFC in field goals, scoring (11 points) and ranks third in punt average after the opening weekend.
His field goal total actually matched his season total from last year (3), and the 29-yarder was his longest completion since the 2010 Division I playoff win at Coastal Carolina (38 yards). With 11 career field goals made, Smith moved into a five-way tie for seventh place on the Western all-time record book. His 44 career extra points moved him into a tie for ninth place in Leatherneck history.
The Leathernecks (1-0) play host to Indianapolis this Saturday (Sept. 8). Kickoff at Hanson Field is scheduled for 3 p.m. For ticket information call (309) 298-1190 or purchase online at GoLeathernecks.com.
Smith was also an Honorable Mention Performer selection by the College Football Performance Awards.
He handled every kicking duty all game long for the first time in his career during the opening win over Butler. Smith converted all three field goals (29, 19, 29 yards), went 2-for-2 on extra points, averaged 43.7 yards on three punts, and put three of his six kickoffs into the endzone.
The junior currently leads the MVFC in field goals, scoring (11 points) and ranks third in punt average after the opening weekend.
His field goal total actually matched his season total from last year (3), and the 29-yarder was his longest completion since the 2010 Division I playoff win at Coastal Carolina (38 yards). With 11 career field goals made, Smith moved into a five-way tie for seventh place on the Western all-time record book. His 44 career extra points moved him into a tie for ninth place in Leatherneck history.
The Leathernecks (1-0) play host to Indianapolis this Saturday (Sept. 8). Kickoff at Hanson Field is scheduled for 3 p.m. For ticket information call (309) 298-1190 or purchase online at GoLeathernecks.com.
