It was announced on Friday that junior kicker Nathan Hierlihy (Redondo Beach, CA) of the University of Redlands football team was named to the October Watch List for the Fred Mitchell Award, which celebrates on-field success and off-field community service by collegiate placekickers. He is one of 41 honorees under consideration in the current watch list and represents NCAA Division III with 14 other standouts.
Hierlihy landed on the "Kickoff" list on August 15 and continues to put up solid numbers as the Bulldogs' starting placekicker.
In seven games through October 28, Hierlihy has converted 10 out of 15 field goals, including two from 50-plus-yards and three in the 40-49-yard range. In addition, he has converted 26 of 27 PATs for a total of 56 points to lead the team.
In the team's season-opener against Trinity University (TX), he broke the school record with a 55-yard boot and also nailed a 50-yarder in the 32-7 win.
In the final two wins of October, Hierlihy was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals and went 9-for-9 on PATs.
Away from the football field, Hierlihy dedicates much of his free time to community service. During May Term break, he joined his teammates at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times® by providing physical labor to help maintain and improve the facility. He and the Bulldogs combined for 756 total hours for $20,389 worth of work. The team looks forward to serving this organization again in 2018.
Hierlihy also organized and participated in a reading and mentor program with children in low-income communities.
Later this December, he looks forward to serving as a Salvation Army bell-ringer and volunteer for Meals on Wheels for the fourth-consecutive season.
In addition, he participates in several Christian organizations on campus, including Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Intervarsity, and Young Life.
Hierlihy also became involved with U of R's Outdoor Programs and Intramurals.
The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the football field and in the community. For more information and to view the October Watch List, please visit www.fredmitchellaward.com.
Hierlihy and the Bulldog football team heads to Cal Lutheran University on Saturday, November 11, for the annual Smudge Pot game at 12:20 p.m. (new time).