Mike Clendenen

Mike Clendenen was a dominant, barefoot placekicker for the Houston Cougars from 1981 to 1984. He was the first place kicking specialist to ever be put on athletic scholarship in the UH football program. Michael Dean Clendenen auditioned for the kicking job at La Porte High School wearing high-top Chuck Taylors, even though the team was already two games into the season. La Porte High already had a decent kicker, but none with the natural talent that Mike had from years of organized soccer and basketball. Just as the head coach walked onto the field for the tryout, Clendenen knocked through a 55-yarder. "I'll see you out here Monday," the coach said.