Southern Connecticut State University place-kicker Szymon Gawlick (Newton, Mass.) was named to the 2021 Fred Mitchell Award Watch List. The Owls' kicker was previously named to the Northeast 10 Conference Second Team after leading the Owls in points this season. 

"I am extremely grateful to be nominated for the Fred Mitchell Award given this is my first season ever playing college football," Gawlick said. "I'd like to recognize the front guys who throughout the season held a clean sheet for keeping the defense from blocking any field goal attempts, as well as express my gratitude to my snapper and my holder, as they have been the key to my success. Lastly, I am proud to represent my team, my coaches, and my University with this recognition."

Gawlick transferred to Southern Connecticut from Johnson & Wales, where he was a member of the university's soccer team. This past season was Gawlick's first playing football, at any level. Gawlick earned NE10 Second Team honors after leading the conference in field goals, with 10. In the process, he became just the fourth Owls' kicker in program history to kick 10 field goals in a season, and finished tied for second in single-season tallies. Gawlick was 20-for-23 on extra-point attempts and finished the year tied for 10^th in total points with 50. He posted a season-high 10 points in a win against Saint Anselm, highlighted by the game-winning field goal with time expired in a 34-31 victory. 

The Fred Mitchell Award recognizes 10 place-kickers for their excellence on the football field and for continued community service during their off-season. The recipient of the Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in mid-December based on performance on the football field and in the community.