Hartley a Groza Semifinalist

NORMAN, Okla. -- Oklahoma kicker Garrett Hartley has been named a semifinalist for the 2006 Lou Groza Award by the Palm Beach County Sports Institute and Sports Commission.

The honor is presented annually to the nation's top placekicker.

Twenty players have advanced to the semifinal round. The winner will be announced Dec. 7 during the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show.

Hartley, a junior from Southlake, Texas, has been brilliant through the first eight games. He has made 14-of-15 field goals and all 29 of his point after touchdown kicks. His lone miss came at Oregon when, after kicking a career-high four field goals, his final attempt of the game was blocked.

Hartley ranks No. 4 in nationally in field goals made per game at 1.75 and No. 14 in scoring with 8.88 points per game. His field goals made percentage of .933 ranks first among kickers with more than 10 makes.

A group of head coaches, sports writers and sportscasters, conference representatives, professional kickers and previous Groza Award finalists vote on the honor.

The three finalists for the Lou Groza Award will be announced on Monday, Nov. 20 and will be honored at the 15th Annual Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award Banquet on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the Palm Beach Gardens Marriott.

The award is named for NFL Hall-of-Fame kicker Lou Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships with Cleveland and was named NFL Player of the Year in 1954.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

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