After being named to the Mountain West Conference’s first team as a punter on Tuesday, Scott Harding thanked a trifecta of supporters — his coaches, teammates and, of course, the medical staff.

"It was mainly Dr. (Elizabeth) Ignacio and Dr. (Gale) Prentiss," Harding said of the Warriors’ orthopedic surgeon and general practitioner, respectively. "I put (Ignacio) through a lot of stress this year."

Harding (as a punt returner), left tackle Ben Clarke, center Kody Afusia, right tackle Sean Shigematsu, defensive end Beau Yap, safety Taz Stevenson and kicker Tyler Hadden received honorable mention. (First-team list in Scoreboard » C6)

Of Harding’s FBS-leading 88 punts, only 15 percent were returned, for an average of 1.6 yards. Thirty-four of Harding’s punts were downed inside the 20, including 17 inside the 10. Harding, who can punt with either foot off a rollout technique, averaged 41.3 yards per punt.

Most remarkable, Harding’s right foot was in a walking boot in practices leading to each of the Warriors’ final two games. He was suffering from plantar fasciitis in his right foot. Harding still played as a punter, punt returner and slotback in those games.

"I knew how important it was to play for the team," Harding said. "I’m a leader on the team. I didn’t want to let the boys down by not showing up. I wanted to push through it and do my job for the team."

Harding’s medical plan was activated before the season opener when he suffered a torn hip flexor on his right side.

"I was pretty nervous about that," Harding said. "It was on my dominant leg. With the help of the medical staff … they gave me really good advice."

He recovered from the hip injury, then suffered a dislocated right shoulder at midseason.

After that, he suffered bruised ribs that required him to wear a rib protector the rest of the season.

Then the plantar fasciitis.

"I’ve been beaten up all year," Harding said. "Nothing too big. Every game I picked up something. Our staff was awesome."

Harding praised Chris Demarest, who coordinates special teams. Harding joined the Warriors as a receiver in July 2011 after six seasons as a professional Australian rules football player. It was Demarest who summoned Harding to punt after Alex Dunnachie was suspended for the first three games in 2012.

"The punting side of my game is something that kind of developed and kind of happened because of Coach Demo and his concepts and the whole package he put together for me," Harding said.

In three years, Harding worked with long-snappers Luke Ingram, Kawika Borden and Brian Hittner. "I never had any botched snaps or snaps that caused any issues," Harding said.

Joey Iosefa, Marcus Langkilde and 5-foot-7 Jason Muraoka each served as an upback the past three years.

"Muraoka was really good this year," Harding said. "He took on some big guys running at him from some depth. He took a few hits for me and protected me."

Harding, who is on track to earn a degree next December, will train as a slotback for UH’s pro day this spring.

"It’ll be my last chance to show something," Harding said. "If something comes out of it, great. It’s been a great, fun journey anyway."

He said he eventually would like to open a football academy in Australia and create a pipeline to American colleges.

"Obviously, Hawaii would be my No. 1 preference," Harding said. "I want to look after the school that looked after me."