Nov. 5, 2004

LAS VEGAS - For the first time in his career, UNLV senior Gary Cook is one of 10 semifinalists for the Ray Guy Award, which is annually given to the nation's top punter.

The Greater Augusta (Ga.) Sports Council announced Friday that Cook and nine others had emerged from the original Watch List of 36.

Cook currently ranks 17th in the nation with an average of 43.6 yards per attempt, including a career-long 76-yarder vs. Nevada, Reno. The native of Truckee, Calif., has placed an impressive 33 percent of his kicks inside the opponents' 20-yard-line this fall.

The two-time Mountain West Conference Special Teams Player of the Week honoree has punted more times (262) for more yards (10,701) than anyone in UNLV and Mountain West Conference history and boasts 44 kicks that traveled 50 yards or longer during his four years as a starter.

Later this month, a national voting committee will select the three finalists, who will travel to Orlando, Fla., for the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 9.

Further, the Ray Guy Award winner will be invited to Augusta, Ga., for a two-day celebration, including the Greater Augusta Sports Awards Gala, the Ray Guy Kicking & Punting Academy and community appearances.

Cook joins Rebel wide receiver Earvin Johnson in earning a spot as a semifinalist for a major college football honor this fall. Johnson is one of 11 remaining candidates for the Fred Biletnikoff Award.