Wheaton, Ill.- Junior place kicker and punter Sam Cote has been named to the 2013 Fred Mitchell Award Watch List, which honors the nation's top collegiate placekicker. Cote is just the second Thunder kicker to be named to the Mitchell Award Watch List since the award's inception in 2009 and is one of just 11 kickers from Division III institutions on this season's watch list.

The annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Placecicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award) is provided to the nation's top collegiate place-kicker among more than 750 FCS, Division II, III, NAIA and NJCAA football teams. The Award is named for Fred Mitchell, the record-setting place-kicker, Wittenberg University Athletic Hall of Famer, author, philanthropist and Chicago Tribune sports columnist. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award is chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.

Cote led the Thunder in scoring in 2012 with 74 points, converting on eight of 13 field goal attempts and 50 of 52 extra-point attempts. Additionally, Cote led the CCIW in punting, averaging 42 yards per punt with five punts of 50+ yards and eight punts inside the 20-yard line. Along with serving with the Wheaton Football Ministry Partnership, Cote has also served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Compassion International.

Click here to view the complete 2013 Fred Mitchell Award Watch List.