University of Northern Iowa Athletics

Schmadeke Named 2014 Fred Mitchell Award Finalist
12/9/2014 1:00:00 AM | Football
CHICAGO, Ill. – Junior placekicker Michael Schmadeke has been named one of 10 finalists for the 2014 Fred Mitchell Award, it was announced today by the award selection committee.
Schmadeke is one of five FCS, four Division II and one NAIA placekickers who have been named to the final list. The Fred Mitchell Award is given to a place-kicker that excels on the football field and in the community.
Schmadeke finished the regular season leading all placekickers (FBS and FCS) in points. He led the team through all 14 games in scoring, finishing the season with a school record 132 points.
The Waterloo, Iowa native went 27-of-29 from field goal range, setting a new FCS record for field goals made in a season. The All-MVFC first-team selection also led the conference in scoring (kick) and field goals made, finishing with a 93.1 field goal percentage.
The FCS record wasn't the only record that Schmadeke downed this season. During the Panthers' 50-7 rout of the Tenneessee Tech Golden Eagles, the junior broke the school record for points in a game by a kicker with his 20, also tying the school record in field goals made with five.
Schmadeke received several honors and awards throughout the season, including being named the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week three times. He was also honored with national player of the week from several different sport organizations four different times during the season. He ended the season by being named to the College Sports Madness All-America third-team.
Schmadeke stays active off the field and in the community as an avid volunteer for the Special Olympics and the Country View Care Center. He is also a part of the UNI Dance Marathon, which raises money and awareness for the Children's Miracle Network hospitals.
The placekicker chosen for the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced on Dec. 18 and will be honored on Feb. 16, 2015 at the National Football Foundation Chicago Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall in suburban Chicago.