At least a little bit of the credit for Goran Lingmerth’s NCAA record goes to a Sports Information Director.
In 1986, Northern Arizona’s kicker set an NCAA single-game record by booting eight field goals in a 24-0 win over Idaho. The performance ranks 31st on the Big Sky Conference’s list of “50 Greatest Men’s Moments.’’
Northern Arizona had the game well in hand, up 21-0 when Wylie Smith, Northern Arizona’s Sports Information Director, at the time, called down to the sideline. Smith informed the coaching staff that Lingmerth could set an NCAA record with one more field goal.
“I give Wylie Smith 90 percent of the credit for having the record of 8-for-8 field goals.’’ Lingmerth told Northern Arizona University in 2012. “He called down with half a minute left and made Larry Kentera call a timeout with three seconds left to kick the record-breaking field goal. He was sitting up in the press box. We were beating Idaho 21-0 and did not really need to kick another field goal. He made sure Larry called the timeout. So I have a special place in my heart for Wylie.’’
To date, no kicker in NCAA football has made more field goals in a game than Lingmerth. An NFL kicker didn’t accomplish the feat until Rob Bironas of the Tennessee Titans Titans made eight in a 2007 game against the Houston Texans.
Sports Illustrated tabbed the Swedish-born Lingmerth as its player of the week after the performance. He made field goals of 39, 18, 20, 33, 46, 22 and 35 yards without a miss.
Lingmerth still holds the single-game NCAA record for field goals made, and holds the FCS record for points scored by a kicker with 24.
Ten years after the game, Lingmerth was inducted into the Northern Arizona Athletics Hall of Fame.
“It was the ultimate icing on the cake,’’ he told the school. “It is something that lives on with you forever and signifies a great college career. It was a team effort, but it brings back all of the memories of the team that we had and what we accomplished.’’
Lingmerth, who lives in Florida, has spent many years working in the golfing industry for PING. His nephew, David Lingmerth, is currently a member of the PGA Tour. David Lingmerth finished 46th on the PGA Money List in 2013, tying for second place at the prestigious Players Championship.
“It is incredible,’’ Lingmerth said of his nephew. “With the experience I had playing college and getting the chance to play a little pro ball myself, I have been able to give him some advice and encouragement.”
