Zoeller named AFCA NAIA All-American

Senior kicker Kenny Zoeller added another honor to his growing list of awards after a brilliant 2012 season. On Wednesday he was named a 2012 American Football Coaches Association NAIA All-American. The recognition is the most prestigious honor in the football career of the Spring, Texas, native.

"Kenny is a unique individual. He's never satisfied," special teams coordinator Corby Osten said. "He's really competitive. He not only wants to be better than the rest of the kickers in the conference, he is always competing with himself. That attitude has certainly contributed to his success."

With improved mental focus, according to Osten, Zoeller enjoyed a big senior year. He made 15 of 20 field goal attempts and 27 of 28 extra point attempts on his way to compiling 72 total points. His 15 field goals were the third most in the NAIA and his 72 points were 11th most among all kickers nationally.

For his efforts, Zoeller was named the first team all-GPAC kicker and a third team All-American by Beyond Sports Network. He also played in the National Bowl Game, an all-star game for collegiate seniors across the nation, on Dec. 9 and went 3-for-3 on extra points.

In his collegiate career, Zoeller connected on 29 of 47 field goal attempts and 61 of 63 extra point attempts. He compiled 148 points in his Concordia career while serving as the kicker the past three seasons. His 24-yard field goal in the final minutes of the Bulldogs’ Oct. 13 game this season lifted them to a 17-16 upset of No. 11 Northwestern.

Zoeller joins Doane offensive lineman Dillon Carmichael, Northwestern defensive lineman Jordan Carlson, Nebraska Wesleyan linebacker Brett Kaczor, Morningside defensive back Jared Goforth and Dakota Wesleyan punter Derek Carlson as All-Americans from the GPAC.

Teammate Derek Blessing received first team All-America honors as a punt returner from Beyond Sports Network.