Groza finalists all have link to S. Florida

By Jamey Eisenberg
Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Colorado kicker Mason Crosby and Clemson kicker Jad Dean probably will never forget their last trip to South Florida.

Crosby and Dean, two of the three finalists for the Lou Groza Award along with Oregon State kicker Alexis Serna, each had memorable games against the University of Miami the past two years.

Now they get to return for the Lou Groza Award dinner Dec. 6 at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott. The Lou Groza Award, which honors the nation's top place-kicker, is presented annually by the Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Crosby and the Buffaloes lost against the Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl 23-3 in September, but Crosby kicked a 58-yard field goal, his season long. His career best is 60 yards, and this year the junior has made 19 of 24 field goals.

Dean was key in Clemson's 24-17 overtime victory against Miami in 2004. In the fourth quarter, he had a 6-yard run for a first down on a fake field goal, as the Tigers tied the score at 17.

He also had a career-best, 48-yard field goal against the Hurricanes, which was Clemson's 20,000th point in school history. Dean, a junior, has made 20 of 26 field goals this year with a long of 47.

Unlike the other two finalists, Serna has not played in South Florida, but the sophomore might know what to expect when he arrives. Two of Serna's teammates, running back Yvenson Bernard and safety Sabby Piscitelli, played at Boca Raton High School.

For the season, Serna has made 23 of 28 field goals with a long of 47. His career-best is 55 yards.

Last year's Lou Groza Award winner, Mike Nugent from Ohio State, was selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

Ohio State coach Jim Tressel will be the keynote speaker at the dinner. Also being honored will be the Palm Beach County high school player of the year, kicker of the year and coach of the year.

Finalists for player of the year are Preston Parker (Atlantic), Brandon Heath (Palm Beach Lakes) and Emanuel Cook (Palm Beach Gardens). Finalists for kicker of the year are Matt Bosher (Jupiter), Bobby Chaplin (Benjamin) and John Stec (Atlantic). Finalists for the Sam Budnyk Coach of the Year award are Jack Daniels (Dwyer), Kevin Fluery (Palm Beach Gardens) and Willie Snead (Glades Central).

For information about the award dinner, contact (561) 233-3122.

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