More recognition for Illini punter from Wauconda

Posted November 11, 2010 10:00 pm

Daily Herald News Services

Illinois senior punter Anthony Santella, a four-year starter from Wauconda, is one of 10 semifinalists for the 2010 Ray Guy Award, the Augusta Sports Council announced Friday.

The award is presented annually to the nation's top punter. Santella is one of two Big Ten punters to make the semifinal cut along with Iowa's Ryan Donahue.

Santella has become one of the nation's best punters in his senior campaign, averaging 46.2 yards per punt, which ranks eighth in the country. He also is averaging a net of 39.5 yards per punt, 12th-best in the nation. Santella also has recorded a career-best 16 punts over 50 yards and 12 inside the 20-yard line in 2010.

The last Illini punter to be named a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award list was Steve Weatherford in 2004.

A national body of Football Bowl Subdivision sports information directors, coaches, media representatives and previous Ray Guy Award winners will select the three finalists, who will be announced on Nov. 22. Voters will then cast a second round of ballots to decide the winner.

2010 Ray Guy Award semifinalists

Bryan Anger (Jr.) , California

Drew Butler (Jr.), Georgia

Ryan Donahue (Sr.), Iowa

Reid Forrest (Sr.), Washington State

Chas Henry (Sr.), Florida

Dan Hutchins (Sr.), Pittsburgh

Kyle Martens (Jr.), Rice

Anthony Santella (Sr.), Illinois

Quinn Sharp (So.), Oklahoma State

Dawson Zimmerman (Jr.), Clemson

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