Aug. 13, 2005

PITTSBURGH-A relative unknown as a junior-college transfer a year ago, Pitt placekicker Josh Cummings went on to play a huge role in Pitt's drive to a Bowl Championship Series game by kicking three game-winning field goals.

A year removed from his arrival at Pittsburgh, Cummings (Newhall, Calif./Hart/College of the Canyons) now holds status as one of the nation's top kickers.

Indicative of that status was his inclusion on the Lou Groza Award "Watch List." Cummings is one of 30 preliminary candidates for this year's award which honors the nation's top placekicker.

The Lou Groza Award winner is selected by a panel of 300 experts, including Division I-A head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and all previous Groza Award finalists. This year's winner will be announced on Thursday, December 8, 2005, during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show in Orlando, Florida.

Cummings was a 2004 first-team All-Big East selection after becoming Pitt's most prolific kick scorer in 28 years. He compiled a team-high 89 points, the most since Carson Long had 99 during the 1976 national championship season. Cummings' 18 field goals tied Pitt's single-season record established by Long in '76.

On the year Cummings made 18 of his 27 field-goal attempts, while also converting 35-of-37 extra points. Perhaps his biggest kick was a 32-yard field goal with one second left that lifted Pitt past Notre Dame, 41-38. Cummings also provided two winning field goals in overtime last year.

In addition to his inclusion on the Lou Groza Award Watch List, Cummings was named the nation's No. 3 placekicker by The Sporting News and was a preseason All-Big East selection by virtually every publication.

Pitt football remains one of the best sports buys in the region. Season-ticket prices for the majority of seats range from $85 to $144. Seats in the amenity-filled club section are $240 (with commensurate Panther Club contribution). For more ticket information, call (800) 643-PITT.

2005 Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award

Preseason Watch List

LAST NAME	FIRST NAME	SCHOOL	YEAR
Ainsworth	Jesse	Arizona State University	Jr.
Vaughn	John	Auburn University	Jr.
Medlock	Justin	University of California, Los Angeles	Jr.
Crosby	Mason	University of Colorado	Jr.
Nuzie	Matt	University of Connecticut	Jr.
Wellock	Andrew	Eastern Michigan University	Jr.
Bell	Travis	Georgia Tech	So.
Schlicher	Kyle	University of Iowa	Jr.
Comiskey	Sean	University of Louisiana Lafayette	Sr.
Horwedel	Danny	Louisiana Tech University	So.
Carmody	Arthur	University of Louisville	So.
Gostkowski	Stephen	University of Memphis	Sr.
Peattie	Jon	University of Miami	Jr.
Rivas	Garrett	University of Michigan	Jr.
Smith	Colby	Middle Tennessee State University	Jr.
Barth	Connor	University of North Carolina	So.
Bazaldua	Nick	University of North Texas	Sr.
Fitzpatrick	D.J.	University of Notre Dame	Sr.
Serna	Alexis	Oregon State University	So.
Cummings	Josh	University of Pittsburgh	Sr.
Jones	Ben	Purdue University	Sr.
Brown	Josh	University of South Carolina	Sr.
McCaleb	Darren	University of Southern Mississippi	Jr.
Wilhoit	James	University of Tennessee	Jr.
Pino	David	University of Texas	Sr.
Pegram	Todd	Texas A&M University	Sr.
Schneider	Reagan	University of Texas at El Paso	Jr.
Hughes	Connor	University of Virginia	Sr.
Pace	Brandon	Virginia Tech	Jr.
Yaussi	Deric	University of Wyoming	Sr.

Pitt's Josh Cummings a Lou Groza Award Candidate

Preseason Watch List

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Josh Cummings

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Pitt's Josh Cummings a Lou Groza Award Candidate

Preseason Watch List

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