Chris Lum named a finalist for the Walter Payton Award
12/1/2011 8:25:00 PM | Football
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After putting together one of the finest statistical seasons in Lehigh and Patriot League history, senior quarterback Chris Lum has been recognized on a national level Thursday as he was named one of top three vote-getters for the Walter Payton Award, given to the outstanding player in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Lum and the two other finalists, Eastern Washington quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell and Indiana State running back Shakir Bell, have been invited to the Football Championship Subdivision Awards Banquet, Friday, January 6 in Frisco, Texas, where the 25th Walter Payton Award, the most prestigious award in the FCS will be handed out. The Walter Payton Award is presented by the Sports Network and sponsored by Fathead.com.
A driving force behind Lehigh's 10-1 Patriot League Championship season, Lum was named Patriot League Offensive Player of the Year last week and earned first team All-Patriot League honors for the second consecutive year. He has surpassed or challenged every significant Lehigh single-season passing mark in 2011. In 11 games, Lum completed 67 percent of his passes for 3,739 yards and 31 touchdowns. Lum has set school records for yards and completions (297), established by Glenn Kempa in 1991 and has also tied Kempa's single-season touchdown mark.Lum has tied a Patriot League record with eight games passing for 300 yards or better, including seven consecutive 300-plus yard games to open the season. He eclipsed the 400 yard passing mark in two games this season, throwing for 401 and a school record-tying six touchdown passes in Lehigh's overtime loss to New Hampshire, and threw for a career-high 413 yards in Lehigh's 34-12 win at Fordham in October.
"It's a great feeling of getting this recognition on a national level,” Lum told the Sports Network. “I've always been one to try to stay grounded and be focused week to week and make sure I'm still a good example for the rest of the team. It's definitely not a one-man show. I have an amazing supporting cast and because of their hard efforts and my hard efforts we're having this success."
For most of the season, Lum led the nation in total offense. He finished the regular season third in total offense, averaging 348.64 yards per game. Lum also ranks eighth nationally in passing efficiency with a rating of 154.26.
More important than his statistical accomplishments, all Chris Lum has done over the last two seasons, is win. During that time Lum has a 20-3 record as Lehigh's starting quarterback and has led the Mountain Hawks to back-to-back Patriot League titles, and consecutive appearances in the second round of the FCS Playoffs.
Originally named to the watch list for the Walter Payton Award in early October, Lum is the first Lehigh player to be named a finalist for the award in its 25-year history. Lum will look to become the third Walter Payton Award winner from the Patriot League, joining Colgate running backs Kenny Gamble (1987) and Jamaal Branch (2003). “Chris has certainly earned his success,” said Lehigh head coach Andy Coen. “He has worked incredibly hard to make himself an All-American caliber quarterback. He possesses all the traits great quarterbacks have. He is constantly learning and getting better. He improves week to week. He is a great leader, a great competitor and a great teammate and has been the catalyst for our success this season.”
The FCS Awards banquet will be held on the eve of the National Championship game. The Walter Payton Award, voted on by a panel of media members and sports information directors at the conclusion of the regular season, will be presented along with the Buck Buchanan Award (top defensive player), the Eddie Robinson Award (top coach) and the Jerry Rice Award (top freshman).
Lum and the rest of the Mountain Hawks are gearing up for their second round FCS playoff game Saturday at Towson. Although the Walter Payton Award is based on regular season performance, Lum is the only one of the three finalists to lead his team to the FCS playoffs. Saturday's game kicks off just after 3:30 p.m. and can be viewed on ESPN3 or on a pay-per-view basis through ESPN Gameplan. Audio coverage will be available on ESPN Radio 1230 and 1320 as well as Lehighsports.com beginning at 2:30 p.m.
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