Benedictine Grad Alex Steigerwald Kicking Himself Into NCAA Record Books for Toledo

While countless area Ohio State fans were probably thrilled shutting out the Toledo Rockets today at Cleveland Browns Stadium, it was probably very disappointing for Benedictine alumnus Alex Steigerwald. Steigerwald, the kicker for the Rockets, is hitting field goals at a record pace. The senior kicker from Mayfield Heights has connected on 84.7% of his attempted field goals (39 of 46) which is best the best percentage in the history of the Mid-American Conference and closing in on second best all time in NCAA history as he collects the minimum number to qualify (55) to be included their career tabulations. The all-time leader he is chasing the in annals of NCAA football is John Lee who starred for UCLA in the early 80's holding the record with 87.8 attempted kicks (79 of 92).

Steigerwald's golden toe was in fine form last week in the Rockets win over Colorado a week ago. Steigerwald drilled career long 50 yarder in the win and went 2-3 missing on his other long range attempt of 50 yards in the Rockets third consecutive win over a Big 12 foe. In his first two seasons playing for Toledo he was nearly automatic with a mark of 20-21.

If this local talent keeps up his pace of getting balls through the uprights, odds are that he will be a serious contender for the Lou Groza Award that honors another legendary Cleveland area placekicker. It is a shame that Steigerwald didn't have a chance to thrill his hometown fans by drilling a kick on the field of the professional team he grew up rooting for this afternoon.