RiverCity's Kutz Named UIF Man of the Year
August 1, 2007 - United Indoor Football Association (UIF) News Release
Omaha, NE - United Indoor Football is proud to announce that Derek Kutz, RiverCity Rage kicker, has been honored with the association's Man of the Year award. Kutz, a native of Perryville, Missouri, joins last year's co-winners Anthony "Champ" Kelly of the Lexington Horsemen and John Semchenko of the Sioux Falls Storm, as the recipients of the award.
Kutz hosted a golf tournament this year entitled "Touchdown 4 A Cure - Kickin' for the Kids of St. Jude" and subsequently raised $10,164 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Kutz's philanthropy is not new. In 2004, while attending Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), he founded "Touchdown 4 A Cure." Since 2004, the foundation has raised over $100,000.
According to Aaron McCreight, Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Media Relations for the Rage, Kutz is a very humble nominee for the award. "I saw him on the bus one day with a three-ring binder and asked him if he was doing homework," McCreight said. "He said âjust working on my golf tournament.'"
In addition to his fundraising success, Kutz has a powerful leg, which helped the Rage propel into the UIF playoffs in the team's first season in the league. He made 25 field goals (including two game-winners) and 49 extra points for 124 points, good enough for second on the team and fourth among kickers in the UIF.
McCreight is elated that Kutz was chosen for the award.
"Derek is not only a great member of our team, but also an asset to the St. Louis community." McCreight said. "For one person to go above and beyond like Derek has is a testament to his great character."
According to UIF Communications Director Dave Holly, Kutz is a great example of how United Indoor Football reaches out to the communities where they're located.
"Derek embodies the goodwill of United Indoor Football. We had 11 distinguished candidates for this award. Each of them has done outstanding work in their team's community. In Derek's case, his fundraising became personal after a family friend was diagnosed with cancer at a young age. He (Kutz) realized that community service is more than just making an appearance," Holly said.
The other nominees for the award are below.
Billings Outlaws: Chris Dixon
Bloomington Extreme: Quince Holman
Colorado Ice: Josiah Richmond
Evansville BlueCats: John Winchester
Lexington Horsemen: Kenya Williams
Ohio Valley Greyhounds: Willie Austin
Omaha Beef: Jamar Day
Rock River Raptors: Maurice Simpkins
Sioux City Bandits: Spetlar Tonga
Sioux Falls Storm: Andre Fields
United Indoor Football is the premier indoor football league of North America and is committed to serving its teams and fans. Please contact the UIF league office with any comments, concerns or suggestions.
• Discuss this story on the United Indoor Football Association message board...
United Indoor Football Association Stories from August 1, 2007
- BlueCats For Sale - Evansville BlueCats
- United Bowl III to be carried live on B2 Networks - UIF
- United Bowl Edition of Kurtiss Riggs Show This Evening - UIF
- RiverCity's Kutz Named UIF Man of the Year - UIF
- UIF United Bowl III To Be Broadcast Live ON B2 Networks - UIF
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
