University of Memphis Athletics
Tiger Kicker Matt Reagan Earns Children's Literature Award
May 15, 2009 | Football
May 15, 2009
MEMPHIS, TENN. - Proving Tiger student-athletes excel on the field and in the classroom, senior kicker Matt Reagan earned the Children's Literature Award presented by the University of Memphis English Department.
Reagan, who has led Memphis in scoring the last three seasons, was considered for the award despite not being an English major, because of his exceptional work in English 3401 (Children's Literature). Three to four students annually are chosen out of hundreds of potential candidates for the honor and represent the top one percent of the students taking the class. The selection criteria include: grade achieved in English 3401, quality and consistency of written work, interest in children's literature and originality/creativity in scholarship.
" Matt's work was so outstanding that we made an exception and nominated him despite not majoring in English," explained instructor Tammy Jones. "Matt is a really gifted student who not only has the ability to understand and synthesize ideas, but he also has that spark of originality that is the hallmark of real scholarship. Moreover, he's disciplined in his work. He always reads, writes critically and completely, thinks deeply, and never misses class. Whether that's the result of his personal character or his athletic training, I couldn't say, but he's an extremely good student."
"I am proud to have Matt represent the University of Memphis as an athlete, a student and an exceptional human being," added Dr. Lori Cohoon.
Reagan was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-District first team this season and also earned recognition through the geography department when he was presented the Paul H. Sisco Outstanding Senior Award in Geography at the U of M's Honors Assembly in April. He has a 3.83 cumulative grade point average, having earned a 4.0 this past spring. He is expected to earn his bachelor's degree in geography in December.
A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Reagan will open the 2009 season ranked fifth all-time in school history in scoring by Tiger kickers with 196 points. He is ranked fourth all-time in PATs made (91) and attempted (96), and is listed fifth in field goals made with 35. He registered a career-best 44-yard field goal last season against Marshall. Reagan has played in 32 career games for the Tigers, and has earned Conference USA Player of the Week honors twice. One of his weekly honors came in 2007 when he booted the game-winning 32-yard field goal in a three overtime contest with SMU. In that game, Reagan matched a career high with 13 points, seven on which were on PATs.
