BlueBombers.com Staff

WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have released import kicker Alexis Serna and added import kicker Louie Sakoda to the practice roster today.

“At this time we felt we had to make a decision and move forward in regards to our place-kicking situation. It is one of the most valuable positions on a football field and we simply needed more consistent production at that spot. Alexis is a great person and has been a valuable part of this organization. We thank him for his services to the Winnipeg Football Club”, said Blue Bombers Vice-President and General Manager of Football Operations Joe Mack.

Serna joined the Blue Bombers in 2008 and handled both the place-kicking and punting duties in his first year. In total, Serna has made 81 of 113 field goals (71.7%) in his three seasons in blue and gold.  He also has a 42.1 yard average on 145 punts.

Sakoda signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders in October of last season and finished the year as the Riders’ punter in the last three games and playoffs. He averaged 44.5 yards on 13 punts last season and punted six times for an average of 48.1 yards in the Grey Cup.

Sakoda spent four seasons at Utah where he connected on 57 of 66 career field goals for an 86% average. He was the only unanimous Consensus All-American in Utah history and was a first-team All-American punter in 2007 and place-kicker in 2008.  He was a two-time Lou Groza Award semifinalist as the top place-kicker in college football.

Sakoda signed with the San Diego Chargers in 2009 after going undrafted in the NFL Draft. He was released before the season started.