Since 1992, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission has been conducting the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award, which is given each year to the nation’s top collegiate kicker. This year marked the 33rd time that this national award has been presented. The winner of the 2024 award is Kenneth Almendares of the University of Louisiana, which was announced on the evening of Thursday, Dec. 12.
Over the years, many of the winners of this national award went on to careers in the National Football League. That list of future NFL kickers who won the Groza Award while in college includes: Martin Gramatica (Kansas State University; NFL’s Buccaneers, Colts, Cowboys and Saints) in 1997; Sebastian Janikowski (Florida State University; NFL’s Raiders and Seahawks) in 1998 and 1999; Nate Kaeding (University of Iowa; NFL’s Chargers) in 2002; Mike Nugent (Ohio State University; NFL’s Buccaneers, Cardinals, Bengals, Cowboys, Bears, Raiders and Patriots) in 2004; Graham Gano (Florida State University; NFL’s Redskins, Panthers and Giants) in 2008; Roberto Aguayo (Florida State University; NFL’s Buccaneers) in 2013; and Rodrigo Blankenship (University of Georgia; NFL’s Colts and Cardinals) in 2019, among others.
In addition to recognizing the top collegiate kicker in the nation, the Palm Beach County Sports Commission also recognizes the high school football player of the year, high school kicker of the year, high school coach of the year and high school team of the year. Many of those Palm Beach County winners have been affiliated with high schools in the western communities. Those winners include:
High School Player of the Year — 2021, Markel King (Palm Beach Central); 2018, Akeem Dent (Palm Beach Central); and 2015, Ahmmon Richards (Wellington).
High School Place-Kicker of the Year — 2021, Hayden Gray (Seminole Ridge); 2019, Morgan Suarez (Wellington); 2016, Logan Robinson (Wellington); 2014, Alex Ng (Wellington); 2013, Paul Schumacher (The King’s Academy); 2012, Cameron Golob (Palm Beach Central); and 2008, Patrick O’Donnell (Palm Beach Central).
High School Coach of the Year — 2022, Kevin Thompson (Palm Beach Central); 2014, Tom Abel (Wellington); 2011, Willie Bueno (Royal Palm Beach); 2010, Matt Dickmann (Seminole Ridge); 2006, Eric Patterson (Royal Palm Beach); and 2004, Pete Walker (The King’s Academy).
High School Team of the Year — 2014, Wellington High School, and 2021, Palm Beach Central High School.
According to George Linley, the executive director of the Palm Beach County Sports Commission, the image of Palm Beach County is enhanced by the annual presentation of the Lou Groza Collegiate Place-Kicker Award.
“The award generates tremendous marketing and media value for the Palm Beaches,” Linley said. “The award is mentioned during nationally televised college football and NFL games. Additionally, it’s featured in local and national media around the country. Our marketing team has researched the earned media value of this coverage, which is more than $2.2 million and reached an audience of more than 130 million people.”
Another special award presented this year was the Lois Kwasman MVP Award, named after a former Palm Beach County Sports Commission board member who provided great contributions to the organization.
The Lois Kwasman MVP Award was created to recognize board members who go above and beyond the call of duty. This year, the Lois Kwasman MVP Award was presented to Bill Davis, who has been the chair of the Lou Groza program for 32 out of the 33 years.
