Blaine Bursey of Middleburg, Fla., Draws Recognition from Fred Mitchell Award Committee

2015 Sep 30

WPI junior Blaine Bursey is among 21 place kickers who have been recognized by the Fred Mitchell Award committee for their achievements on the football field and in the community during the month of September. The honorees represent five different college divisions nationally - NCAA FBS (4), NCAA II (6), NCAA III (7), NAIA (3) and NJCAA (1).

It is believed to be the first time an Engineer kicker has received the citation.

Bursey leads the Engineers in scoring with 26 points from 5 of 6 FGs and 11 of 13 PATs. The junior has already been named Liberty League Special Teams Performer of the Week twice. He earned those accolades after making what turned out to be the game-winning 26-yard FG to beat MIT 31-28 on September 4th and connecting on two field goals, registering touchbacks on all five kickoffs and a pair of fourth quarter pooch punts inside the Norwich 20 yard line in a win over the Cadets on September 19th.

The junior also volunteers at Burncoat Prep, tutoring, mentoring and participating in various athletic activities and is involved with football team's mentoring with Team IMPACT.

"The first month of the 2015 college football season was action-packed, including six 50+ yard field goals among this group and games decided by late scores by place-kickers, long snappers, holders and blockers on special teams. We are pleased to recognize place-kickers that were nominated by their schools for extraordinary performance during the month," said Fred Mitchell. The Award's Selection Committee Chairman Chris Kearney added, "These 21 place-kickers are succeeding on the gridiron and their civic and volunteer activities are having a positive impact in their communities. We are delighted to honor this group."

The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the football field and in the community. Details are provided at www.fredmitchellaward.com.

About Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nation's first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 40 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe.