Nov. 26, 2008

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Senior punter/kicker Tim Masthay has been named first-team Academic All-America as sponsored by ESPN The Magazine and elected by the College Sports Information Directors of America.

Masthay has a 3.81 grade-point average with a major in business economics. It is Masthay’s second-consecutive year on the squad as he was a second-team Academic All-America selection last year. It is also his second national honor of the year, as in September he was chosen to the Good Works Team for community service by the American Football Coaches Association.

On the field, Masthay ranks third in the nation in punting with 45.5 yards per punt. He is Kentucky’s kickoff man and he ranks second in the Southeastern Conference with 20 touchbacks. He also serves as the team’s holder on placekicks.

This marks the fourth-straight year that Kentucky has had a first-team Academic All-American, with UK and Penn State being the only teams that have accomplished that feat from 2005-08. In addition to Masthay, UK’s recent first-team Academic All-Americans include tight end Jacob Tamme (2007), offensive lineman Hayden Lane (2006 and 2005) and kicker Taylor Begley (2005).

Masthay’s all-around academic, athletic and service accomplishments have made him a candidate for several other national honors, including the NCAA Top VIII Award, Draddy Award, Danny Wuerffel Trophy, Bobby Bowden Award, Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award and John Wooden Citizenship Cup.

Cat Walk Set for 4:15 p.m.: Fans wishing to participate in the “Cat Walk” – cheering the team when the Wildcats enter the stadium – should gather near Gate 10 of Neyland Stadium on Saturday at 4:15 p.m.

Kentucky (6-5 overall, 2-5 Southeastern Conference) plays Tennessee (4-7, 2-5) on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in a game that will be televised on ESPN2.