Ken Crots, Football (1967-69)

Ken Crots, who was the definition of a kicking specialist, lettered in 1967-1969 and still holds many of UT's Kicking records. As a sophomore at the start of Toledo's football dynasty, Crots hit an NCAA record-setting 35 of 35 PATs and followed the next two seasons with 29 of 29 and 49 of 53 for a career total of 113 of 117. Up until 1975, Crots had held the NCAA career record for consecutive with 77. His mark had broken the previous streak of 52 held by a University of Florida kicker. His consistent kicking style led to several Rocket records, including most PATs in a season (49) and in a single-game (eight) against Davidson in 1969. He also ranks highly in career stats with 20 field goals and 173 points. Crots was a hero in several important games with 173 points. His extra point was the difference in a 14-13 victory over Kent State that earned the Rockets a share of their first MAC football title in UT history. Furthermore, in a historical battle with Bowling Green, Crots kicked the single most important field goal of his career. With only two seconds remaining in the game, the Ottawa Lake, Mich., native drilled a 35-yarder to win the game by two points and keep the Rockets' win streak alive. In 1969, Crots earned All-MAC post season honors and was awarded the "Nicholson Trophy" as the Rocket player that contributed the most toward the success of the team. Little did he know the ripple that started that year with a 10-0 season and a Tangerine Bowl win would turn into a title wave 35 games into the future. Honored as one of the top senior kickers in the nation, Crots was invite to play in the Hula Bowl on Jan. 10, 1970, and was later drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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