Oct. 16, 2006
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Senior kicker Matt Lasher (Copley, Ohio) was named Mid-American Conference East Division Special Teams Player of the Week on Monday, Oct. 16 for his efforts in the Bobcats' 20-17 win against Illinois. It is the second time this season that Lasher has won the MAC weekly honor.
Lasher sealed the Bobcats' victory with a 32-yard field goal with just five seconds remaining. It was his second field goal of the game in as many tries. Lasher also was successful on both of his extra-point tries. The game-winning field goal was the first of Lasher's collegiate career.
Lasher also played a key role as the Bobcats' punter. He averaged 39.4 yards on eight punts, pinning the Illini inside the 20-yard line four times. His last two punts were downed at the two-yard line and six-yard line. In addition, Lasher kicked off five times for an average of 55.8 yards.
Lasher ranks sixth in the MAC with a punting average of 40.77 yards. The Bobcats are 16th in the nation in net punting, averaging 38.21 per kick.
Ohio has had seven players win one of the MAC's weekly awards through the first seven games of 2006. Lasher and freshman punt returner Chris Garrett (Bristow, Va.) have each one the East Division Special Teams Player of the Week on two occasions.
The Bobcats return home for their annual homecoming game on Saturday, Oct. 21 against Buffalo. Kickoff at Peden Stadium is set for 2 p.m. For ticket information, call the Ohio Athletics Ticket Office at 1-800-575-CATS.
