TicketsSept. 19, 2008
CINCINNATI - University of Cincinnati punter Kevin Huber (Cincinnati, Ohio/McNicholas) was named the College of Applied Sciences Scholar-Athlete of the Month for September, Dean Richard Newrock of the College of Applied Science and Director of Athletics Mike Thomas, announced Friday.
Through two games in 2008, Huber ranks seventh nationally in punting with an average of 46.9 yards per punt. The senior, who was a consensus All-America selection in 2007, was also named the 2007 BIG EAST Special Teams Player of the Year. He averaged 46.9 yards per punt last year and was a finalist for the Ray Guy Award.
"The challenge is always to get your work done," Huber said. "Managing time is critical for every student-athlete. Practices and classes both require dedication and time. I make it a practice to register early so I can schedule classes around practice using evening and early morning courses when available. Getting all the homework done is tough but I've learned to seek advice when conflicts arise.
"Football taught me a lot - particularly about responsibility and to focus on getting done what needs to be done and this carries right over to the classroom. Being selected as a UC Scholar-Athlete of the Month means a lot because we work hard in class but don't get the recognition. This shows the effort we put into our classes and it's an honor to have it."
Huber was also named a preseason all-American by Sports Illustrated, ESPN.com, Phil Steele's College Football, The Sporting News, and Lindy's Football Annual.
Huber is a finance major in the College of Business with a 3.33 overall GPA.
Each month of the academic year, the College of Applied Science, or CAS, will recognize a UC scholar-athlete who has demonstrated success both in the classroom and in an athletic arena. To be eligible for the award a scholar-athlete will have completed 2 years of education at UC, have a defined major, a cumulative grade point average (or GPA) of 3.25 or better, be in good standing, and have achieved athletic success.
"CAS is pleased to recognize scholar-athletes from across the university. Their dedication, competitive fire and ability to balance the demands of classroom, athletics and life parallel our own students," Dean Newrock said. "Our students balance work and class schedules on a daily basis and are rewarded with top jobs upon graduation.
"On behalf of the College of Applied Science, I am honored to announce that CAS recognizes Kevin Huber as the September UC Scholar-Athlete of the Month. Being named a consensus all-American and leading the nation in punting last year while maintaining an excellent GPA, Kevin has truly earned our admiration."
"With a GPA of 3.33 and his excellence on the field, Kevin Huber continues to prove that scholarship and athletics do go `hand-in-hand.' His dedication to excellence on the field and in class is a model for all of our student-athletes," Thomas said. "It is an honor to have one of our collegiate partners, CAS, stepping forward to recognize our scholar-athletes."
Each UC Scholar-Athlete of the Month will be awarded a plaque during the Athletics Recognition Banquet in the spring. Additionally, a tribute to the scholar-athlete will be made by the college during a home game of each active sport that month.
Cincinnati returns to action on Saturday, Sept. 20 in Nippert Stadium against longtime rival Miami University. The 113th "Battle For The Bell" will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. and be televised online by ESPN360.com. For tickets and information, call 1-877-CATS-TIX or log on to www.CATSTIX.com.