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Ethan Ratke Honored on Fred Mitchell Award Watch List
8/29/2018 11:00:00 AM | Football
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison redshirt sophomore kicker Ethan Ratke was honored on the Fred Mitchell Award preseason watch list this week. The trophy is presented annually to the top placekicker among the FCS, NCAA Divisions II and III, the NAIA and the NJCAA.
Ratke was one of 34 kickers represented on the watch list, including one of 13 from the Football Championship Subdivision. Additionally, he was one of just four sophomores recognized.
Last season, Ratke tied for the Colonial Athletic Association lead with 73 points after converting 14-of-18 field goals and 31 off 33 point after attempts in his 11 games played. He was tied for second in the CAA in both field goals and PAT kicks made. His made field goals total was tied for fourth in JMU single-season history. He also averaged 60.5 yards per kick over 56 kickoffs.
Ratke matched the program record with three field goals in JMU's FCS quarterfinal victory against Weber State, which was capped off by a career-long and game-winning 46 yarder as time expired. He also produced three games with two field goals. Following the year, he was named a Second Team All-State selection by the Virginia Sports Information Directors.
The award is named for Fred Mitchell, a record-setting kicker from Wittenberg University who is an author, philanthropist and former sports columnist from the Chicago Tribune. The winner will be chosen based on excellence on the football field, as well as in the community.
The recipient will be announced in February at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall.
Ratke was one of 34 kickers represented on the watch list, including one of 13 from the Football Championship Subdivision. Additionally, he was one of just four sophomores recognized.
Last season, Ratke tied for the Colonial Athletic Association lead with 73 points after converting 14-of-18 field goals and 31 off 33 point after attempts in his 11 games played. He was tied for second in the CAA in both field goals and PAT kicks made. His made field goals total was tied for fourth in JMU single-season history. He also averaged 60.5 yards per kick over 56 kickoffs.
Ratke matched the program record with three field goals in JMU's FCS quarterfinal victory against Weber State, which was capped off by a career-long and game-winning 46 yarder as time expired. He also produced three games with two field goals. Following the year, he was named a Second Team All-State selection by the Virginia Sports Information Directors.
The award is named for Fred Mitchell, a record-setting kicker from Wittenberg University who is an author, philanthropist and former sports columnist from the Chicago Tribune. The winner will be chosen based on excellence on the football field, as well as in the community.
The recipient will be announced in February at the National Football Foundation Chicago Metro Chapter Awards Ceremony at Halas Hall.
Players Mentioned
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