Football: Conrad Ukropina is booming punts

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Does any college need a good punter who’s never received a grade other than A on his report card?

Loyola’s Conrad Ukropina is on his way to breaking the school punting record. He’s averaging 46 yards a punt. His nickname should be Boomer.

He has a 4.3 grade-point average and also has sent 33 of 35 kickoffs into the end zone for touchbacks.

“He’s unbelievable as a punter and kickoff guy,” Coach Mike Christensen said.

About the only disappointment for Ukropina is field goals. He’s one for eight. Loyola has been struggling to improve its blocking. Five of his kicks have been blocked.

“We’ve been kicking field goals every single day, trying to get in as much practice as possible,” Ukropina said.

The school punting record is held by Paul Stonehouse. He punted at Stanford for four years. Ukropina would be a key pickup for any college program. Here’s video from last season.