Nov. 9, 2009

University of South Carolina placekicker Spencer Lanning is one of 20 semifinalists named for the 2009 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, presented by the FedEx Orange Bowl, it was announced by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission today.

Lanning, a 5-11, 188-pound junior from Rock Hill, S.C., is 15-for-17 in field goal attempts this season, his first as the Gamecocks’ place-kicker. He was unsuccessful on his first attempt of the season at NC State, then has hit 15 of his last 16 attempts, with his only miss coming from 50 yards out against Alabama. Lanning also handles the Gamecocks’ punting chores and is on the Ray Guy Award watch list, which goes to the nation’s top punter.

Semi-finalists for the 18th annual Groza award will be voted on by all Division 1 Head Coaches and SID’s, along with national, regional and local football writers and others who will select the three (3) finalists. These finalists will be honored at the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Awards Banquet on December 8 in West Palm Beach, Fla. The winner will be announced live on the nationally televised Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards Show on the evening of December 10, 2009.

The award is named in honor of one of the all-time great kickers in football history, Lou Groza. Groza played 21 seasons for the Cleveland Browns setting numerous franchise records, including most games played, most points scored, and an amazing 107 consecutive games in which he scored a point. The 1,608 career points he scored is still a Browns’ franchise record, and he ranks third all-time in league. Groza was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. Past Groza finalists include current NFL kickers, Nate Kaeding, Sebastian Janikowski, Mike Nugent, Martin Gramatica, Jason Elam and Mason Crosby.

For more information regarding the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award and to follow the season progress, please go to www.lougrozaaward.com. Additional information can be obtained by contacting Kris Pursell, Event Manager at the Palm Beach County Sports Commission at (561) 233-3124 or kpursell@palmbeachsports.com.