Oct. 19, 2014

Sullens Bio | MVFC Release | Football Home

ST. LOUIS - Missouri State punter Chris Sullens (Jr., Camdenton, Mo.) has been named the Special Teams Player of the Week by the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the league announced Sunday (Oct. 19).

Sullens was presented with the award after his efforts in the Bears' 31-12 homecoming win over South Dakota on Saturday at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield.

He was the difference maker in MSU's week 7 victory, helping the Bears dominate the field position battle throughout the day. Six of Sullens' seven punts were downed inside the Coyotes' 20-yard line, giving USD an average field position of their own 19 for the game. Sullens finished with a 40.4 punting average on the afternoon, including a career-long 74-yard boot in the second quarter -- the fourth-longest kick in MSU history and second-longest in the Valley this season.

The historic 74-yard punt was just one yard shy of tying the Missouri State record, achieved three times, most recently by Jordan Chiles in 2009.

It marks the second time this season and third time in his career Sullens has earned the league special teams honor. He previously earned the conference award on Sept. 14 for his performance in the club's home opener against South Dakota and also received MVFC laurels on Nov. 13, 2013.

Joining Sullens in this week's class of Valley award recipients are Western Illinois receiver Lance Lenoir (Offensive Player of the Week), North Dakota State defensive end Kyle Emanuel (Defensive Player of the Week) and Youngstown quarterback Hunter Wells (Newcomer of the Week).

Missouri State (4-3) will begin a two-week conference road swing this Saturday when it travels to unbeaten Illinois State (6-0) for a 6 p.m., kickoff. The Bears' next home game is slated for November 8 against long-time rival Southern Illinois at 2 p.m.

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