DAYTON -- Kyle Butz, a senior wide receiver/punt returner for the University of Dayton, was named the winner of the 63rd presentation of the Lt. Andy Zulli Memorial Trophy at halftime of Saturday's Dayton-Butler football game.

The award goes to the Flyer senior who best exemplifies the qualities of Zulli, a former UD football player who was killed in a military vehicle accident while serving in the Army in Germany shortly after his graduation in 1954.  Zulli was not a star football player at Dayton, but his qualities of sportsmanship, scholarship and leadership were so exceptional that this award was created in his memory shortly after his death.

The award is considered the most prestigious in the University of Dayton football program.

Butz is the Flyer specials teams captain this season.  He currently leads the Pioneer Football League in punt returns (16.2), and would be seventh in FCS, but is one play shy of qualifying.  He led the PFL in punt returns and was ninth nationally (11.9) last year.

 Butz's value is not just the yardage he gains on returns, but what he prevents by getting to bouncing punts before they roll past.

 He is third on the team with 19 catches, and averages 15.8 yards per catch this season.  A two-year starter, he has missed one game in three seasons as a regular.

An outstanding student, Butz is a three-time member of the PFL Academic Honor Roll.  He is a Sport Management major.

Kyle is from Cincinnati, and a graduate of Moeller High School.

 The late Vic Cassano, Sr. began the award in 1956.  His family has continued the support of the award, and also makes a $1,000 annual contribution to the Harry C. Baujan Scholarship Fund at UD in memory of Andy Zulli.