SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana football senior kicker/punter Jake Pecina was recognized on Wednesday afternoon as he was named to the Fred Mitchell Award Midseason Watch List, committee officials announced.
 
The Fred Mitchell Award recognized 41 placekickers for their excellence on the football field through the first half of the season. The award honors outstanding placekickers from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Division II, Division III, NAIA, and junior college football programs.
 
Pecina—a native of Forney, Texas—has been a force for the Vikings special teams so far this season. His 15 punts have accumulated 702 yards through seven games in 2026, leading into an average of 46.8 yards per punt. The senior has also pinned two of those attempts inside the 20-yard line and has collected five 50+-yard punts on the year, including a season-long of 64 yards.
 
With a 10-for-13 showing in field goals, Pecina is 76.9% on the year—an average that currently places him 25^th nationally—with a season-long make of 43 yards. Meanwhile, his 53 kickoffs have accumulated 3,069 yards for an average of 57.9 yards.
 
Pecina also ranks 10^th in the nation in total points scored (66) and 17^th in average scoring (9.4).
 
While the Midseason Watch List recognizes excellence on the football field, community service remains an essential component of the Fred Mitchell Award. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Selection Committee will evaluate each kicker's community and civic service participation alongside their on-field accomplishments.
 
The award recognizes not only field goal accuracy, distance, and performances in critical moments, but also the positive impact student-athletes make beyond the football field. The recipient of the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award will be announced in December based on accomplishments on the football field and contributions to the community.