FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (December 16, 2019) – After a breakout season, Northern Arizona junior placekicker
Luis Aguilar was announced as the recipient of the 2019 Fred Mitchell Award on Monday. The award is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate placekicker in the FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA not only for their performance on the field but for their community service efforts.
Aguilar is the second straight kicker from the Big Sky Conference to receive the award. In 2018, Eastern Washington's Roldan Alcobendas was the recipient. The award, which dates back to 2009, is named for Fred Mitchell, an All-American place-kicker from Wittenberg University and a sports columnist for the Chicago Tribune.
"
Luis Aguilar stood out among an impressive list of exceptional college kickers and we are proud to recognize him as our 2019 winner," Mitchell said. "As the first underclassman to win the award since Tom Lynch in 2010, Aguilar portends to continue as one of the nation's top college kickers and a conscientious, community-minded individual."
After connecting on just four field goals entering the 2019 season, the Nogales, Ariz. native seized the Lumberjacks' kicking duties and excelled. He drilled 22-of-25 attempts this season and ranks third among all FCS kickers with a field goal percentage of 88.8.
Aguilar was nearly perfect – 20-of-21 – on attempts under 50 yards and he was successful from 57 and 54 yards out this season. His career-best 57-yarder against Northern Colorado on Oct. 5 was the longest in the FCS this season.
"It is a huge honor to receive the Fred Mitchell Award," Aguilar said. "It has been such an emotional year all around and I couldn't think of a better time to share this accomplishment with my friends and family. I'm very humbled and I just want to credit my teammates and coaches for always having my back on and off the field."
He was a perfect 52-of-52 on extra point attempts and Aguilar also led the country with 61 kickoffs that resulted in touchbacks.
Along with ranking third in field goal percentage, Aguilar was also third in the FCS and tops in the conference with 1.83 field goals made per game. He was ninth nationally in scoring – and second amongst kickers – with 9.8 points per game.
Aguilar, a 2019 All-Big Sky First Team selection, earned two Big Sky Special Teams Player of the Week awards as well this season.
Aguilar is also a regular volunteer in the community having spent time this offseason dedicating his time and efforts to help assist the Flagstaff community following the Museum Fire in August filling sandbags to be utilized in flood and fire prevention efforts. He also assisted the Salvation Army in their annual "Back to School Buddy" program where he partnered with a local child to help him pick out clothes and supplies for the upcoming school year.
