RIPON, Wisconsin – Kicker Erik Flores of the Ripon College football program has been named to the preseason watch list for the Fred Mitchell Award as announced by the organization on Friday.
 
The Fred Mitchell Award honors the top non-Football Bowl Subdivision placekicker in the country. It takes community excellence into consideration in addition to on-field performance. Flores (Yuma, Ariz./Gila Ridge HS) is one of 34 placekickers recognized prior to the season. Seven Division III kickers were selected in addition to 13 from the FCS level, nine from Division II, four from NAIA and one from NJCAA.
 
The senior was an All-Midwest Conference first team performer in 2022 after helping Ripon win a share of its first MWC title since 2001. Flores connected on 9 of 11 field goals and had a long of 41. He also connected on 42 of 44 point-after attempts. His successful field goal with 1:28 remaining in the season opener helped the Red Hawks defeat St. Norbert, 13-10, for the first time since 2008.
 
Ripon opens the 2023 season at St. Norbert in non-conference action on Saturday, September 2 at 1 p.m. The home opener for the Red Hawks is Saturday, September 16 at 1 p.m. against Illinois College.
 
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