July 7, 2006

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Senior punter David Simonhoff of Southeast Missouri State University has been named a first team preseason All-American by The Sports Network.

Simonhoff, a first team 2005 All-America selection by the American Football Coaches Association, averaged 42.8 yards per punt to lead the Ohio Valley Conference for the second straight season.

In 2004, Simonhoff was a second team All-America pick after averaging 46 yards per punt. He ranked second nationally and established a new Southeast and OVC single season record.

Last season, Simonhoff had 17 punts of 50 yards or further with a long of 80 yards. For his Southeast career, he has seven punts of over 70 yards with a career long of 83 yards.

In all, 81 players from 14 conferences were selected to the All-America teams. Two other players from the OVC were first team selections, tight end Patrick Bugg of Eastern Kentucky and linebacker Clint Sellers of Eastern Illinois.

Southeast will begin preparations for the 2006 season when players report to fall camp on August 6. The first game is on the road at Austin Peay on Wept. 2, 6 p.m. The first home game is Sept. 9 vs. Missouri-Rolla, 6 p.m.