RUSTON, La. (Aug. 22, 2018) – Louisiana Tech senior Will Parker has been named a preseason candidate for the 2018 Peter Mortell Holder of the Year Award, it was announced by the HOTY Foundation via social media this week.

Parker, who is currently pursuing his master's degree in business administration, is entering his second season handling the holding duties for the Bulldogs. Last season, Parker held for kicker Jonathan Barnes, who was 25-of-33 on field goals and 43-of-46 on PATs.

The Mortell Holder of the Year Award is presented annually to the nation's top field goal holder. The committee will select the winner using several main criteria, including quality of cadence, fluidity of hands (catch to hold), position of laces, and post-hold celebrations.

A former Minnesota holder and undrafted Green Bay Packer punter, Mortell created the award in 2015 to promote the importance of his position nationally. He was the inaugural recipient of the award at the 2015 ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show. Michigan's Garrett Moores was the 2016 recipient, while Oklahoma's Connor McGinnis was the 2017 recipient. For more information, visit: www.hotyfoundation.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS

The Bulldogs play five home games this year, including the home opener on Sept. 8 against Southern when the University will celebrate the first 50 years of Joe Aillet Stadium. Tech is one of only four programs in the country to win a bowl game in each of the last four years, joining Utah, Wisconsin and Georgia.

SEASON TICKETS

Season tickets and mini-plans for Bulldog football are still currently on sale and can be purchased by calling 318-257-3631 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. or by logging onto LATechSports.com/tickets.
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