The start of the 2018 football season began much how it finished for senior kicker Nathan Hierlihy (Redondo Beach, CA) with a spot on the Fred Mitchell Award Watch List. Last season, Hierlihy was a finalist for this prestigious award that honors football talent and community commitment by place-kickers.
Hierlihy is among the 34 contenders who are in the running for the 10th-annual honor. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on athletic achievement and community involvement. Hierlihy is one of nine NCAA Division III kickers under consideration.
So far this year, he has notched two field goals and six PATs during the Bulldogs' 2-0 start to the campaign.
Last season, Hierlihy made 15 field goals, including three that reached 50 yards or more. His school-record boot of 55 yards came in the Bulldogs' opening win over Trinity University (TX). He also converted 33 PATs en route to a team-leading, 78-point effort on the season.
He became a three-time All-Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) honoree in one season with a First-Team nod as a kicker and Second-Team awards for punting and special teams. He was twice named the SCIAC Football Athlete of the Week in 2017, including when he scored 15 of the Bulldogs' 21 points during their Smudge Pot victory over Cal Lutheran University.
In terms of community service, Hierlihy joined his teammates at Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times® during May Term break and provided physical labor to help maintain and improve the facility. The Bulldogs combined for 756 hours for more than $20,000 worth of labor.
He also organized and participated in a reading and mentor program with children in low-income communities.
For the complete Fred Mitchell Award Watch List, please visit the organization's website.