Missouri Western punter Scott Groner has been named second team preseason All-American by Collegiate Development Football League, which was released Wednesday, July 30, 2014. Groner was a third team Pre-Season All-America selection by USA College Football and a first team selection by Beyond Sports Network.
Last season, Scott Groner (P, 6-4, 200, Sr., Tecoma, Victoria (Australia)) had an outstanding season averaging an MIAA best 42.6 yards per kick. He ranked 11th in the nation with that average. Groner punted 50 times for 2,132 with a long of 61 yards on September 21, 2013 at Nebraska-Kearney. He had nine kicks of 50 or more yards to go along with 13 kicks inside the 20. It was the first time in his career that he has been named to the first team All-MIAA. He was an honorable mention selection in 2011. Groner was also named to the Daktronics Super Region Three second team, first team Don Hansen All-Region and honorable mention Don Hansen All-American.
The Griffons finished the season with an 8-3 overall record and 7-3 MIAA record. It was the eighth time in the past nine seasons and 11th time in Head Coach Jerry Partridge’s tenure that the Griffons have won eight or more games. This Griffon open up the 2014 season on Thursday, September 4 against the University of Central Missouri. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm in Spratt Stadium.
This 2014 Preseason All-America Football Team is presented by the Collegiate Development Football League (CDFL). It was selected by the, “D2 vs. NAIA Challenge” Bowl committee and the 2015 “Team America” coaching staff. It is based upon player nominations and evaluations made by college coaches, college sports information directors, regional scouts and media personnel. The CDFL is honored to showcase the 2014 preseason All-American players and to sponsor the annual “D2 vs. NAIA Challenge. ” to be held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina on Saturday, December 20, 2014, The selected players are on the watch list for invitation to this game.
In addition, these players will be evaluated for selection to the roster of “Team America” that will be representing the USA in scheduled International Bowl Games in 2015. “Team America” is the only privately funded USA National team representing free agents and promoting American football on an international level. The 2015 schedule includes contests in New York vs. Canada, Grand Cayman Island, Myrtle Beach vs. Europe, and New Orleans vs. Mexico. In 2014, over 300 players will participate in the CDFL’s “National Scouting Showcase ” (NSS) consisting of four games designed to present opportunity to top senior talent on the FCS, D2, D3 and NAIA levels.
— MWSU Sports Information —