Starting with the 2009 college football season, the annual Fred Mitchell Outstanding Place-Kicker Award (also known as the Fred Mitchell Award) will be provided to the nation's top collegiate place-kicker among the approximately 150 Division II and 240 Division III 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 will be chosen based on excellence on the football field and in the community.

Stripling was the 2008 St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Special Teams Player of the Year. He was selected as the first team All-SLIAC kicker and the second team All-SLIAC punter. Stripling was named the SLIAC Special Teams Player of the Week three times.

During the 2008 season, Stripling set 15 individual game and season records. He led SLIAC kickers in scoring with 70 points. Stripling made 43-of-49 extra points and 9-of-15 field goals. He averaged 60.2 yards per kickoff on 72 kickoffs and punted 33 times for 36.2 yard average.

A blue-ribbon Selection Committee will evaluate place-kickers that are nominated by Division II and III schools.

There are nine members of the Pro and/or College Football Hall of Fame on the Selection Committee including Tom Beck, George Blanda, Kevin Butler, Lou Holtz, Paul Hornung, Marv Levy, Steve McMichael, Don Pierson and Gale Sayers.

Several former football players that are active in their communities are also on the Selection Committee including Carl Allegretti, Sean Gothier, Jeff Michalczyk, Mark Murphy, Rob Perry, Bob Thomas, Todd Wilkins and Rob Zvonar. There are eight former college or NFL place-kickers on the Selection Committee.

For more information on the award go to: http://www.fredmitchellaward.com