Athletic Awards

Our student–athletes excel on and off the field. Check this page for weekly updates on player of the week honors and other recognition for Thunder teams and individuals.

2012-13 Awards

5/21 - Fuller Named Capital One Academic All-America® Team

TOWSON, Md. - Trine University sophomore softball pitcher Bree Fuller (Hubbardston, Mich./Fulton) became just the third student-athlete in school history to be named a Capital One Academic All-America®. Fuller was named to the Division III Softball Third Team, as selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

The Capital One Division III Academic All-America® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division III national governance structures, to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2012-13 and Division III Academic All-America® teams program.

An exercise science major, Fuller currently holds a 3.88 grade point average and was one of just three sophomores named to the first-, second-, or third-teams. The right-hander stepped up in her second season for the Thunder with a 15-1 record, including getting the victory in the MIAA Tournament championship game and a win over Mount Union in the NCAA Angola Softball Regional. Fuller was also named to the All-MIAA First Team at the conclusion of the season.

In the circle, Fuller led the Trine pitching staff with 136 strikeouts in 104 innings. Fuller also finished the season tied for the team lead with five shutouts, which ranks 59th in the nation, over 17 starts including a no-hitter on March 5, 2013 against Beloit (IL). Batters hit just .174 off Fuller who finished the year with an Earned Run Average of 1.48 while also recording a save. Fuller currently ranks seventh in Division III allowing just 4.38 hits per seven innings, 15th with 9.2 strikeouts per seven innings and 32nd in ERA.

Fuller becomes the first non-football player to earn Capital One Academic All-America® honors. Former football players Jeremy Howard (2009) and Tyler Terry (2010) were previously named to the second teams.

A full list of the Capital One Academic All-America® Division III Softball Team can be found here: link

To be eligible for Academic All-America® consideration, a student-athlete must be a varsity starter or key reserve, maintain a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.30 on a scale of 4.00, have reached sophomore athletic and academic standings at his/her current institution and be nominated by his/her sports information director.

Since the program’s inception in 1952, CoSIDA has bestowed Academic All-America honors on more than 18,000 student-athletes in Divisions I, II, III and NAIA, covering all NCAA championship sports.

For more information about the Academic All-America® Teams program, please visit www.cosida.com.

5/16 - Searles, Gasco Named Trine's First NFCA All-American’s

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After breaking school and conference records and leading the nation in several offensive categories in 2013, the Trine University softball team had a first in program history as the sibling duo of Carly Searles and Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) became Trine’s first All-American’s in the 28-year history of the program.

Announced by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA), Thursday from the Florian Gardens Event Center in Eau Claire, Wis., site of the NCAA Division III National Championship, Searles was named an NFCA First Team All-American while Gasco earned a Second Team NFCA All-American nod. The duo also made Trine the first team since Hope in 2005 to have multiple players selected as All-American’s in the same season. According to the list of NFCA All-American on their website, since the selections began in 1986, Searles and Gasco become the first pair of siblings to earn All-American honors in the same season while at the same institution.

Searles becomes the first player from the MIAA since 2009 to earn First Team All-American honors and the 15th selection in conference history. The sophomore outfielder currently ranks second in Division III with 1.54 runs per game and 10 triples. Searles also currently sits third in triples per game (.24), fifth in stolen bases per game (.98), 32nd in on base percentage (.534) and 45th in batting average (.464). In just her second season, Searles has already broken a 25-year old school record with 21 career triples. Searles also set single-season school records this year with 63 runs, 40 stolen bases, and a .464 batting average.

During the 2013 MIAA conference season, Searles became just the third Trine player to win the batting title, and the second consecutive following her sister in 2012. Searles came just .012 away from setting a new batting average record while breaking the all-time MIAA record with 31 hits and seven triples.

Gasco earns her first All-American honor after being named to the NFCA All-Central Region First Team for three straight seasons. The senior pitcher and designated player leads the nation with 19 home runs and .44 home runs per game. Gasco also ranks second with 1.47 RBIs per game and a 1.083 slugging percentage. Offensively, Gasco also sits eighth with seven triples, 18th with .16 triples per game, 19th with 1.28 runs per game, 43rd with an on base percentage of .525 and 76th with a .444 batting average.

The two-time MIAA Most Valuable Pitcher also ranks 18th in the nation with 18 wins, 24th allowing just 5.04 hits per game, 43rd with a 1.61 earned run average, 59th with five shutouts, 70th with 6.7 strikeouts per game and 94th with 121 total strikeouts.

In her four seasons at Trine, Gasco rewrote almost every pitching record and nearly half the batting records. Gasco set 14 career records, seven pitching and seven batting, while also breaking or tying 10 single-season records, five pitching and five batting. She also became the first Trine pitcher to throw multiple no-hitters, including two in 2013, one of which came in conference play at home against Saint Mary’s (IN) on April 26.

To be eligible for an NFCA All-American award, the players must have been selected to an NFCA All-Region First Team. In all, 120 student-athletes were eligible to be named an NFCA All-American, but only 15 student-athletes were honored on each of the three teams - First, Second and Third Team NFCA All-American.

5/12 - Six Softball Players Named NFCA All-Central Region

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - After another outstanding record-breaking season, the Trine University softball team received recognition from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) as all six of their nominations were named to the All-Central Region team. Trine’s six selections were more than the rest of the MIAA conference combined (five).

After putting up record-breaking offensive numbers this season, the Thunder had four of their six honorees named to the All-Central Region First Team including MIAA Most Valuable Pitcher senior Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) and her sister, sophomore outfielder Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey), along with senior first baseman Lauren Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover) and sophomore designated player Amy Newell (Three Rivers, Mich./Three Rivers).

MIAA Most Valuable Position Player senior catcher Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) was named to the second team for the second straight season and sophomore third baseman Rachel Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover), sister of Lauren, was named to the third team.

The Thunder were one of just four schools to have four players named first team all-region and one of just six schools to have all six of their nominations earn first, second, or third team honors.

It marks the third straight year and fourth time in the past five seasons that the Thunder have had multiple All-Region selections. Only one other school, John Carroll with four, had more than two players named All-Central Region.

For the third straight year, Gasco was named an NFCA First Team honoree. After being named a third team at-large selection in 2010, Gasco finished her career becoming the first Thunder player to be named a three-time NFCA All-Region First Team selection. Trine’s previous other first team selections were Kara Graham in 2009 and Mackenzie Peffley in 2001, when Trine was a member of the NAIA.

Lauren Harris was named an all-region selection for the second time in her career as she was named to the third team in 2011. Searles was also named to the third team a season ago.

The four first team selections by the Thunder marks the first time since Hope in 2005 than an MIAA school has had four players honored as All-Central Region First Team selections. It’s also the first time in a decade, Alma in 2003, that an MIAA school placed all six of their nominations on the all-region team and is just the fifth time since the NFCA began the program in 1987 (1996, Alma and Hope; 1995, Hope)

The 2013 NFCA All-Region teams featured 159 different schools placing at least one student-athlete on an NFCA All-Region team, as announced today by the Association.

A complete list of All-Region honors can be found by clicking here.

5/8 - Bourdo Named MIAA Most Valuable Track Athlete

Bourdo, Stutzman, Frey and Bagwell Named All-MIAA

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced that Trine University track runner Tyler Bourdo (Plainwell, Mich./Delton-Kellogg) has been named the Men’s Most Valuable Track Athlete. Bourdo was also named to the All-MIAA Track and Field team along with Dustin Stutzman (Topeka, Ind./Westview), Lincoln Frey (Pettisville, Ohio/Pettisville) and Dakota Bagwell (Kokomo, Ind./Western).

Bourdo, a sophomore, becomes the second Trine University men’s track athlete to be named MVP, following Russell Dill who earned it in 2008. Bourdo won the 400m in an MIAA record time of 47.97 and was second in the 200m. Bourdo also teamed with Dan Linder, Luke Fimreite and Nate Konzen to win the 4x400m relay with a time of 3:18.90. Bourdo has now been named to the All-MIAA team for the second straight season.

Bagwell, a sophomore, won the hammer throw at both the MIAA Jamboree and MIA Field Day. At the field day, Bagwell won with a distance of 45.74m.

Frey, a junior, won the pole vault at the MIAA Field Day clearing a height of 4.22m.

Stutzman, a senior and now a two-time All-MIAA honoree, placed second in the shot put with a 15.99m and was third in the hammer throw with a distance of 45.74m.

5/7 - Stakely Named All-MIAA First Team in Baseball

Stafford Named All-MIAA Second Team

ROYAL, OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced that Trine University pitcher Phil Stakely (Ostrander, Ohio/Buckeye Valley) has been named to the All-MIAA First Team and outfielder Carter Stafford (Waterloo, Ind./DeKalb) has been named to the All-MIAA Second Team.

Stakely, a senior, finished second in the conference with an earned run average of 1.82 over 39 2/3 innings pitched. The left-hander led the conference picking off five base runners and allowing just a .158 opponents’ batting average while being tied for second in the MIAA with five conference wins. Stakely pitched two complete games, including a no-hitter over Albion on March 30.

Stafford was one of just three freshmen selected as an All-MIAA honoree. Stafford finished the conference season second with three home runs. He was also third with 44 total bases, fourth in slugging percentage at .537, seventh with 22 runs, and 15th with a .341 batting average.

This is the fourth straight season the Thunder have had at least one player on both the All-MIAA First and Second teams. It is also the sixth straight season Trine has had multiple players named All-MIAA.

5/7 - Trine’s Belote and Gasco Sweep MIAA MVP Honors

Nine players Named All-MIAA

ROYAL, OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has announced that Trine University softball senior catcher Sarah Belote (Bronson, Mich./Bronson) has been named the Most Valuable Position Player and senior right-hander Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) its Most Valuable Pitcher. It is the second straight season the Thunder have swept both MVP honors.

Trine becomes just the third team in MIAA history to have five players named to the All-MIAA First Team, the maximum allowed, the others came in 1999 with Alma and 1989 with Calvin. Joining Belote and Gasco as first team honorees are a trio of sophomores in Bree Fuller (Hubbardston, Mich./Fulton), Rachel Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover) and Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey).

Trine also had four players named to the All-MIAA Second Team. They include senior Lauren Harris (Uniontown, Ohio/Hoover), junior Haleigh Daniels (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton), sophomore Amy Newell (Three Rivers, Mich./Three Rivers) and freshman Kaitlyn Clark (Mount Juliet, Tenn./Wilson Central).

Belote finished the conference season setting an MIAA record with nine home runs while also sitting first in total bases (57), second in batting average (.521), runs scored (25), and RBIs (34. Belote was also second with a 1.188 slugging percentage, tied for third with a .589 on base percentage, was fifth in hits (25) and tied for sixth in walks (7). On April 6 at Olivet, Belote set NCAA Division III records with 14 RBIs and 19 total bases along with tying a record with four home runs in the game. It is the second straight season Belote has been named to the All-MIAA First Team. She was named to the second team in 2011.

Gasco, who was the first player ever to be named the Most Valuable Position Player and Pitcher in MIAA history last season, becomes just the fourth player in MIAA history to repeat as MVP, with the last coming in Leigh Ann LaFave from Alma in 2004-2005. Gasco led the conference with a near perfect 0.15 earned run average after allowing just one earned run over 45 2/3 innings of work, nearly setting an MIAA record in the process. Gasco led the conference with batters hitting just .124 off her, allowing just 19 hit, with a 9-0 record and finished second in the conference with 59 strikeouts. Gasco threw three shutouts including a no-hitter April 26 against Saint Mary’s. Gasco also threw a non-conference no-hitter April 3 against Defiance (OH). Gasco is the lone player this season to have been selected as an All-MIAA First Team member all four years.

Gasco was not only was outstanding on the mound, but at the plate as well. Gasco finished third in the conference with a .500 batting average while also being third with 26 runs and 53 total bases. Gasco tied for the league lead with 11 walks and was second in the league in triples behind her sister Carly Searles, with three, and tied for fourth with six homers. Gasco finished MIAA play second with a .603 on base percentage, third with a 1.104 slugging percentage, was tied for fifth with 22 RBIs and was sixth with 24 hits.

Fuller, a right-handed pitcher, finished the MIAA season fifth with 51 strikeouts in just 36 innings. Fuller was 6-0 in conference play with a 1.75 ERA allowing just 22 hits, as opponents hit just .173 off her, the second best in the MIAA. On the year, Fuller went 14-1 with a 1.38 ERA while leading the team with 119 strikeouts and five complete game shutouts including a no-hitter March 5 against Beloit (IL).

Rachel Harris, a third baseman who transferred from Division II Fairmount State (WV), tied Belote with a new MIAA record of nine home runs. Harris finished second in the conference with 27 hits and 54 total bases, third with 25 RBIs and was sixth with a .477 batting average. Harris also led the MIAA with a 1.227 slugging percentage, was tied for the league lead with 11 walks, tied for third with a .589 on base percentage, fourth with six doubles and eighth in the league with 20 runs scored.

Searles set several single-season MIAA records this year including 31 hits and her seven triples shattered the previous league record of four.  Searles also led the conference with a .633 batting average, nearly setting a new MIAA record as well. Searles led the conference with 32 runs scored, was second with 15 stolen bases and was fifth with 50 total bases. In addition, Searles led the MIAA with a .683 on base percentage, was third with nine walks, fourth with a 1.020 slugging percentage and tied for eighth with 17 RBIs. Searles was named to the All-MIAA Second Team as season ago.

On the All-MIAA second team for the second time in her career, the first was 2011, is first baseman Lauren Harris, sister of Rachel Harris. Lauren Harris was second in the conference with 27 hits, sixth with a .531 on base percentage, seventh with a .474 batting average and 41 total bases and tied for ninth with 19 runs scored. Harris was also tied for fourth with six doubles, tied for sixth with seven walks, tied for eighth with 17 RBIs and was 10th with a .719 slugging percentage.

Daniels, the shortstop for the Thunder, led the MIAA with nine doubles, just one shy of tying a conference record. Daniels was also tied for ninth with 19 runs, while hitting .392 with 13 RBIs and 20 hits in league play.

Newell, a transfer from Division I Toledo, sat out the first 18 games while recovering from an ACL injury. Newell returned just in time for conference play as she set a new single-season MIAA record with 37 RBIs. Newell also finished tied for third with 25 hits and was fourth with 24 runs scored, six home runs and 51 total bases. Newell, the reigning  National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division III Player of the Week, finished league play tied for fourth with six doubles and was sixth with a .864 slugging percentage while hitting .424 in 59 at bats.

Clark, one of just two freshmen named All-MIAA, made the switch to the outfield for the Thunder after having been an infielder during high school. Earlier in the season, Clark was also named the NFCA  National Division III Player of the Week and finished the conference season tied for fifth with 22 RBIs and seventh with 21 runs while hitting .328 in 59 at bats. Clark also led the conference with three sacrifice flies.

5/6 - Garrett Named MIAA WLAX Defensive Player of the Year

Garrett and Canepa Named All-MIAA First Team

ROYAL, OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has named Trine University women’s lacrosse sophomore goalie Grace Garrett (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) its first ever Defensive Player of the Year. Garrett, along with senior Emily Canepa (West Chester, Ohio/Lakota West) were named to the All-MIAA First Team after the conference’s first season of play.

Garrett logged every minute of action in goal for the 5-6 Thunder, as she finished the season with 104 saves, averaging 9.45 a game which ranked 55th in Division III at the end of the regular season. Garrett’s .466 save percentage was good enough for 64th in the nation. She also finished the regular season third on the team with 35 groundballs and 14 caused turnovers. In MIAA play, Garrett’s 10.17 saves per game tied for the lead. Garrett was also third in the league with a .452 save percentage amongst multi-game starters and her 12.00 goals against average were fourth.

Canepa led Trine in nearly every major statistical category including 33 goals and six assists on the season. She also led the Thunder with 50 groundballs, 31 draw controls and 32 caused turnovers. Canepa’s 2.91 caused turnovers per game were good enough to finish the regular season sixth in the nation and 4.55 groundballs per game was 17th. Canepa was second in the conference 14 caused turnovers, fourth with five free position goals and tied for 10th with 15 total goals.

5/6 - Brzezinski Named Men’s Lacrosse All-MIAA First Team

Madsen and Backer Named Second Team

ROYAL, OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) has named Trine University men’s lacrosse junior Rob Brzezinski (Livonia, Mich./Detroit Catholic Central) First Team All-MIAA in the first season of action for the MIAA. Senior Dalton Madsen (Westminster, Colo./Northglenn) and freshman Jordan Backer (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) were also named to the All-MIAA Second Team.

Brzezinski, a faceoff specialist, had an outstanding season in the faceoff circle, going 198-for-276 (.717). Brzezinski also led the Thunder with 134 groundballs. For the conference season, Brzezinski was fourth in the MIAA with 7.50 groundballs per game and led the MIAA with a .745 (79-for-106) faceoff win percentage.

Madsen, an attackman, tied for the team lead with 13 goals in conference play which tied for eighth in the MIAA with 2.17 goals per game. Madsen also tied for the league lead with six man-up goals and added five assists.  Madsen finished the season with a team leading 34 goals and was second with 19 assists and third with 71 groundballs.

Backer started all 16 games at defense during his first season for the Thunder. Backer was second on the team with 14 caused turnovers on the season and tied for fourth with 49 groundballs. In conference play, Backer finished the year with 14 groundballs and four caused turnovers.

5/3 - Fuller Named Capital One Academic All-District

ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University softball pitcher, sophomore Bree Fuller (Hubbardston, Mich./Fulton) has been named to the 2013 Capital One Academic All-District ® Softball Team. Fuller becomes the first player in program history to be honored as an Academic All-District selection.

An exercise science major, Fuller currently holds a 3.88 grade point average. The righthander has stepped up in her second season for the No. 2 ranked Thunder with a 14-1 record, including getting the win in the MIAA Tournament championship game. In the circle, Fuller currently leads the Trine pitching staff with 119 strikeouts in 91 1/3 innings. Fuller is also tied for the team lead with five shutouts, which ranks 50th in Division III. Batters are hitting just .155 off Fuller who has an ERA of 1.38 while also recording a save.

Fuller was one of two MIAA players selected to an All-District team, and the only MIAA representative amongst the 12 selected from District 7 which consists of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. She was also one of three sophomores honored. Trine’s last Capital One Academic All-District ® selection came in 2011 as wrestler Elias Larson was named an At-Large Second Team honoree.

The 2013 Capital One Academic All-District ® Softball Teams, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America, recognizes the nation’s top student-athletes for their combined performances athletically and in the classroom. Capital One has been the entitlement rights holder to CoSIDA’s Academic All-America teams programs since 2011.

The Academic All-District ® teams include eight geographic districts across the United States and Canada. This is the second year of the expanded Academic All-America program as CoSIDA moved from recognizing a University Division (Division I) and a College Division (all non Division I) and has doubled the number of scholar-athletes honored. The expanded teams include NCAA Division I, NCAA Division II and NCAA Division III participants, while the College Division team combines NAIA, Canadian and two-year schools.

The Capital One Division II and III Academic All-America ® program is being financially supported by the NCAA Division II and III national governance structures, to assist CoSIDA with handling the awards fulfillment aspects for the 2012-13 DII and DIII Academic All-America® teams program.

First-team Academic All-District ® honorees advance to the Capital One Academic All-America ®Team ballot, where first-, second- and third-team All-America honorees will be selected later this month.

5/3 - Knust and Huhnke Named First Team All-MIAA Tennis

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - For the first time in school history, the Trine University tennis teams have landed a player on both the men’s and women’s All-MIAA First Team. Freshman Caleb Knust (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) made it the fifth straight season for a Trine men’s player to be represented and junior Jessica Huhnke (Newburgh, Ind./Castle) was named for the second straight season.

Knust stormed onto the season for the Thunder in his first season going undefeated (6-0) in MIAA singles action at the number one spot. Knust took down eventual MIAA MVP in Hope’s Bobby Cawood 6-4, 5-7, 6-2 during their regular season dual match. Knust dropped just one match throughout the year to a Division III opponent in singles play and fell just once in a dual-meet during the spring, which was to a Division I opponent to finish the fall and spring seasons with a 17-4 record in singles play. Knust also went 9-10 in doubles action for the year including a 4-2 record in conference play.

Huhnke, who earns first team honors for the second straight year, becomes the first Trine women’s tennis player to be named multi All-MIAA selection. Huhnke finished the conference season with a 6-2 record at the No. 1 singles position for the Thunder and an overall record of 16-6, with three of her losses coming to non-Division III opponents. Huhnke also went 4-4 in conference doubles action at the No. 1 spot and finished the year with a 12-10 record.

5/1 - Newell Named NFCA DIII National Player of the Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Trine University sophomore Amy Newell turned in a strong performance in four games this week, breaking the MIAA single-season record for RBIs after her nine hits brought in 15 runs. The MIAA record was 31 while Newell has broken that with 37 RBIs on the season thus far.

Newell has only appeared in half of the games for Trine this season (18 total) after a torn ACL kept her from starting the season on time.

In 15 at-bats on the week, Newell recorded nine hits, nine runs, one double, one walk and four home runs to go along with the 15 RBIs. Her batting average for the week finished off at .600.  One of her four home runs was a grand slam against Albion.

Newell’s performance this week helped Trine (33-3) climb to the No. 2 spot in the latest NFCA Division III Top 25 poll and finish their season with an undefeated 16-0 record in MIAA conference play.

4/30 - Rightnowar Named MIAA Baseball Pitcher of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine lefthander Jake Rightnowar its Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 29.

Rightnowar, a senior from Oregon, Ohio (Toledo Christian HS), fired a three-hitter and did not walk a batter in going the distance as he shut out Olivet, 5-0, at Jannen Field. He threw only 71 pitches in the contest, inducing 11 ground-ball outs as he pitched his second career shutout. Rightnowar is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.

4/29 O’Keefe Named MIAA Men’s Lacrosse Player of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine long stick midfielder Colin O’Keefe its Defensive Player of the Week in men’s lacrosse for matches played through April 27.

O’Keefe, a freshman from Gurnee, Ill. (Warren Township HS), scooped up 11 ground balls and caused five turnovers in leading Trine to a 23-8 win over Hope. O’Keefe is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season.

4/29 - Reenders Named MIAA Field Athlete of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine senior Danielle Reenders (Grand Haven, Mich./Grand Haven) has been named the MIAA Women’s Field Athlete of the Week in track and field through April 27.

Reenders was joined by Hope’s Joel Rietsema (men) and Calvin’s Nicole Michmerhuizen (women) who were named MIAA Track Athletes of the Week, while Calvin’s Aaron Meckes was the other MIAA Field Athlete of the Week.

Reenders placed third in the javelin at the Hillsdale Gina Relays with a throw of 122 feet, 11 inches. She is being honored as Field Athlete of the Week for the first time in her career. She is the third Trine track and field athlete to be honored this season joining Dustin Stutzman and Tyler Bourdo.

4/22 - Canepa, Garrett Named Women’s Lacrosse MIAA POW 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine teammates Emily Canepa and Grace Garrett its Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week in women’s lacrosse for matches played through April 20.

Canepa, a senior attacker from West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West HS), scored 10 goals, scooped up 11 ground balls and caused seven turnovers for the week as the Thunder split a pair of MIAA contests. She scored seven goals and added nine ground balls, four draw controls and six caused turnovers in a 14-13 victory over Albion. She also scored all three Trine goals in a 16-3 loss to Adrian. Canepa is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season.

Garrett, a sophomore goalkeeper from Carmel, Ind. (Carmel HS), made 14 saves and added seven ground balls in two MIAA contests for the Thunder. She made 10 saves, had four ground balls and caused three turnovers in a loss to Adrian, and made four saves and had three ground balls in a win over Albion. Garrett is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season.

4/22 - Siblings Win MIAA Softball Players of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University siblings Carly Searles and Andi Gasco (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) its Position Player of the Week and Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 20.

Searles, a sophomore outfielder, hit .621 (18-for-29), scored 15 runs and had 10 RBIs for the week as the Thunder posted an 8-0 record in MIAA play, boosting their league mark to 12-0. She went 4-for-4 with two triples, two stolen bases, four runs scored and four RBIs in a 13-4 victory over Calvin. Searles, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career, stole eight bases and added three doubles and three triples for the week.

Gasco, a senior righthander, struck out 29 batters and allowed only one earned run in 26-2/3 innings in posting a 5-0 record for the week. She struck out 11 and came within one out of a no-hitter in a 7-0 MIAA victory over Hope, and also threw a five-hitter in winning a 2-1 pitchers’ duel against Alma that propelled the Thunder into first place in the MIAA. She also hit .480 (12-for-25) at the plate with four home runs, three triples and nine RBIs for the week. Gasco is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and sixth time in her career.

4/15 - Bourdo Named MIAA Track Athlete of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine’s Tyler Bourdo has been named its men’s MIAA Track Athlete of the Week through April 13.

Bourdo, a sophomore from Plainwell, Mich. (Delton-Kellogg HS), won the 400-meter dash in :48.77 and anchored the Thunder’s winning entry in the 4x400-meter relay at the MIAA Jamboree at Olivet on Saturday. He is being honored as Athlete of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.

4/8 - Belote, Gasco Named MIAA POW in Softball

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine catcher Sarah Belote its Position Player of the Week and Trine righthander Andi Gasco its Pitcher of the Week for games played through April 7.

Belote, a senior from Bronson, Mich. (Bronson HS), hit .643 (9-for-14) with six home runs and 20 RBIs in leading Trine to four straight MIAA victories. She went 6-for-6 at the plate and set an NCAA Division III single-game record with 14 RBIs in a 34-0 victory over Olivet. She also became just the third player in Division III softball history to hit four home runs in a game, and added a double and single for 19 total bases, breaking another D-III mark. Belote is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in her career.

Gasco, a senior from Levering, Mich. (Petoskey HS), allowed just two hits and struck out 21 in 14 innings in posting a 3-0 record for the week. She pitched her second career no-hitter in an 11-0 victory over Defiance, Ohio. She then followed with a one-hitter, striking out eight in an 18-0 MIAA win over Kalamazoo and allowed one hit and struck out 10 in four innings in a 34-0 win over Olivet. Gasco also hit .818 (9-for-11) at the plate in the doubleheader sweeps of Kalamazoo and Olivet with two home runs, 11 RBIs, 15 runs scored, three doubles and a triple. She is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and fifth time in her career.

4/8 - Stutzman Named MIAA Field Athlete of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has announced that Trine University senior Dustin Stutzman has been named its Field Athletes of the Week through April 7.

Along with Stutzman, Calvin’s Dan Kerr (men) and Nicole Michmerhuizen (women) have been named the MIAA’s Track Athletes of the Week, while Olivet’s Cassie Ciaravino (women) was been selected as the other Field Athlete of the Week.

Stutzman, a senior from Topeka, Ind. (Westview HS), won the shot put at the Anderson Raven Invitational with a throw of 52 feet, 7-1/4 inches. He also finished fifth in the hammer throw with a distance of 145 feet, 1 inch. He is being honored as Field Athlete of the Week for the first time in his career.

4/4 - Stakely Named NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week

Lefty Also Named to D3Baseball.com Team of the Week

DALLAS - A solid week against nationally-ranked opponents by Jonathan Mason of Bridgewater College and the first no-hitter in conference play in Trine University history for Phil Stakely have earned them the fifth NCAA Division III National Hitter and Pitcher of the Week honors respectively for March 25-31, 2013, as voted on by a panel of D-III members of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

Stakely, a senior southpaw from Ostrander, Ohio, earned Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Pitcher of the Week honors when he became the first Trine pitcher to throw a no-hitter in a conference game as the Thunder shut out Albion 10-0 in the second game of a doubleheader on Mar. 30.  He faced only 22 batters, one above the minimum, in the seven-inning contest, striking out three, walking one and hitting one in pitching the 27th MIAA no-hitter since 1958, and the first complete game no-no since 2009.  Of his 74 pitches, 51 were strikes.  It was Stakely’s first time to receive MIAA weekly honors.

Staekly was also named to the D3Baseball.com team of the week and was one of three starters to be selected. The full list can be found here.

Stakely becomes the first player from the MIAA to earn the national award this season and becomes the first Trine player to be named the National Player of the Week.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Player of the Year Award, Regional Player of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication and writing contests.

4/1 - Madsen Named MIAA Men’s Lacrosse POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine attackman Dalton Madsen its Players of the Week in men’s lacrosse for matches played through March 30.

Madsen, a senior from Westminster, Colo. (Northglenn HS), scored eight goals and added five assists for 13 points in leading the Thunder to two nonconference victories. He had four goals and an assist in a 15-5 win over Baldwin Wallace, Ohio, then added four goals and four assists in a 20-6 victory over Wilmington, Ohio. Madsen, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season, also picked up 11 groundballs and caused two turnovers for the week.

4/1 - Stakely Named MIAA Baseball Pitcher of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine lefthander Phil Stakely its Pitcher of the Week for games played through March 30.

Stakely, a senior from Ostrander, Ohio (Buckeye Valley HS), became the first Trine pitcher to throw a no-hitter in an MIAA game as the Thunder shut out Albion, 10-0. Stakely faced only 22 batters, one above the minimum, striking out three and walking one in pitching the 27th MIAA no-hitter since 1958, and the first complete game no-no since 2009. Stakely also came on in relief in Trine’s 9-4 victory over Calvin, throwing two shutout innings while allowing just one hit. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.

4/1 - Garrett Named MIAA Women’s Lacrosse POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine goalkeeper Grace Garrett its Defensive Player of the Week in women’s lacrosse for games played through March 30.

Garrett, a sophomore from Carmel, Ind. (Carmel HS), made 23 saves as the Thunder split a pair of nonconference contests. She had 14 saves in a 17-6 loss to DePauw, Ind., and turned away nine shots in a 20-11 victory over Wilmington, Ohio. Garrett is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season.

3/28 - Jackson Earns Two More All-American Honors

ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University men’s basketball player Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) has garnered two more All-American honors this week, bringing his total All-American awards to three for the 2013 postseason.

Earlier in the week, the senior guard was named to the 2013 DIII News All-American Fourth Team after averaging 21.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game on the year. Jackson was one of only 25 players selected to one of the five DIII News All-American teams and the only player from the MIAA.

Then, on Thursday March 28, it was announced that Jackson was named to the 2013 D3hoops.com All-American Honorable Mention team. Jackson was one of just two players named a D3hoops.com All-American that were also selected to the All-Region Great Lakes team. Jackson was again the only MIAA representative among the five teams announced. A full list of the honorees can be found here.

Jackson, the schools fifth all-time leading scorer with 1,781 career points, ends his four years at Trine as one of the most decorate players in school history. Earlier this year Jackson garnering All-American honors by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and was selected to play in the NABC 2013 Reese’s Division III College All-Star game. Jackson was also named to the NABC Great Lakes All-District First team and the D3hoops.com Great Lakes All-Region First Team.

In addition to the regional and national honors, Jackson became the first Thunder player to earn MIAA MVP honors since Trine joined the conference in 2004. He was also selected to the All-MIAA First Team for the third straight year.

3/21 - Jackson Named All-American and DIII All-Star

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - After being named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) First Team All-District earlier this week, it was announced today, March 21, that Trine University men’s basketball senior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) was named to the 2013 NABC Coaches’ Division III All-America Third Team. The NACA All-American teams were selected and voted on by member coaches of the NABC in NCAA Division III. The complete All-American list can be found here.

It was also announced on Tuesday, March 19 that Jackson was selected to be a member of the West squad in the NABC 2013 Reese’s Division III College All-Star game, which will be played as part of the 2013 NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Championship. The Reese’s Division III College All-Star game will be played on Saturday, March 23, at 3:30 p.m., prior to the NCAA Division III semifinals at the Salem Civic Center in Salem, Va. The teams are composed of two senior student-athletes from each of the eight regions in Division III nominated by coaches and selected by a panel of coaches representing each region in Division III. Two more senior student-athletes were selected by online voting on D3hoops.com. The complete West and East rosters can be found here.You can watch the game here.

Jackson was the lone representative from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) named an All-American and selected to the All-Star game. As an All-American, Jackson was one of 24 players selected for the first, second or third teams. Jackson is the first Trine player selected as an NABC All-American and is also the first player ever selected to participate in the Reese’s Division III College All-Star game.

In addition to being named an All-American, Jackson has also been named the MIAA Most Valuable Player and was a First Team All-MIAA selection. Jackson was also previously named to the D3hoops.com All-Region First Team. Jackson led the MIAA in scoring this season with 21.0 points per game in league play and finished the conference season eighth in assists.

3/18 - Jackson Named NABC First Team All-District

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The postseason honors continue to roll in for Trine University men’s basketball player Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) as today it was announced by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) that he was named to the NABC Great Lakes All-District First team. The NABC Coaches’ Division III All-District teams recognize the best men’s collegiate basketball student-athletes and coaches in the division, selected by member coaches of the NABC in NCAA Division III. 

The senior guard was one of six players selected to the first team, and the only from the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA). Jackson, a First Team All-MIAA selection and MIAA Most Valuable Player, had also previously been named to the D3hoops.com All-Region First Team. Jackson led the MIAA in scoring this season with 21.0 points per game in league play and finished the conference season eighth in assists.

About the National Association of Basketball Coaches

Located in Kansas City, MO, the NABC was founded in 1927 by Forrest “Phog” Allen, the legendary basketball coach at the University of Kansas.  Allen, a student of James Naismith, the inventor of basketball, organized coaches into this collective group to serve as Guardians of the Game.  The NABC currently has nearly 5,000 members consisting primarily of university and college men’s basketball coaches.  All members of the NABC are expected to uphold the core values of being a Guardian of the Game by bringing attention to the positive aspects of the sport of basketball and the role coaches play in the academic and athletic lives of today’s student-athletes.  The four core values of being a Guardian of the Game are advocacy, leadership, service and education.  Additional information about the NABC, its programs and membership, can be found at www.nabc.org.

3/13 - Clark NFCA National DIII Softball Player Of Week

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - With the championship game on the line in the gold bracket of the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic, Trine freshman left fielder Kaitlyn Clark (Mount Juliet, Tenn./Wilson Central) smacked a game-winning hit to cap off a four-run, bottom of the seventh inning rally for a 5-4 victory against Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

For that success in the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic and in previous games during the week of March 4 through March 10, Kaitlyn Clark has been named the Louisville Slugger/NFCA Division III Player of the Week. She is the first Trine softball player to ever be named the National Player of the Week.

Clark’s impact on Trine’s success started earlier in a week during which Trine posted a 9-1 record with wins against Muskingum, Aurora, Simpson and Beloit prior to the NFCA tournament. During tournament play, Clark and Trine claimed victories over Illinois Wesleyan, Neumann, Mississippi College, 2012 NCAA Division III Champion Pacific Lutheran and Claremont-Mudd-Scripps.

Clark earned MVP of the NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic while hitting 12-for-23 (.522) with five runs, two doubles and three RBIs. She also stole one base and only struck out once while recording a .522 on-base percentage and a .609 slugging percentage. In the field, Clark recorded five putouts. For the reporting week of March 4 through March 10, Clark recorded a total of 14 hits in 35 at-bats, eight runs, two doubles, one home run and seven RBIs.

Up next for Clark and the Thunder is a home contest against fellow NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic participant Hiram and three away contests against Defiance, Bluffton and another NFCA Division III Leadoff Classic participant Ohio Northern.

The NFCA Division III Player of the Week is voted on by a panel of eight NCAA Division III coaches from the eight NCAA regions. Player of the Week selection reflects performances from the previous Monday through Sunday of softball action.

3/13 - Jackson Named D3Hoops.com First Team All-Region

MINNEAPOLIS - Trine University men’s basketball senior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) has been named Trine’s first-ever D3Hoops.com All-Great Lakes Region honoree, earning First Team recognition. Jackson, the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player was also named to the All-MIAA First Team.

Jackson, a guard, becomes Trine’s first basketball player ever named to the D3Hoops.com all-region team since they began the award following the 2005-06 season. Jackson led the MIAA in scoring this season with 21.0 points per game in league play en-route to earning MVP honors. Jackson is the first Thunder player to earn MIAA MVP honors since Trine joined the conference in 2004. He was also selected to the All-MIAA First Team for the third straight year. In addition, Jackson finished the conference season eighth in assists.

Jackson helped lead the Thunder to their first back-to-back winning seasons in over a decade and back-to-back third place finishes in the MIAA and a spot in the MIAA Tournament.

Players were nominated for these awards by the Sports Information Directors at the various schools, who were contacted multiple times as the season wound down to remind them to make their players eligible. There were 729 players nominated nationwide. The ballot was then made available to SIDs, who voted for a predetermined number of players in their region. 

3/11 - Knust and Huhnke Sweep MIAA Tennis PoW Honors

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Trine University tennis team swept the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association men’s and women’s Player of the Week awards for matches played through March 10. Freshman Caleb Knust (Plainfield, Ind./Plainfield) won the award for the guys and junior Jessica Huhnke (Newburgh, Ind./Castle) for the women.

Knust posted a perfect 4-0 record at No. 1 singles for the Thunder during their spring trip, winning all four matches in straight sets. His victories included wins over NCAA Division II opponents Malone, Ohio and Post, Conn. He also had a 2-2 record at No. 1 doubles for the week. Knust is being honored for the first time this season.

Huhnke, a 2012 All-MIAA First Team honoree, posted a 3-1 record at No. 1 singles and a 4-0 mark at No. 1 doubles for the Thunder during their spring trip. Included in her wins was a doubles victory against NCAA Division II opponent Malone. Huhnke is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in her career.

2/26 - Jackson Named MIAA MBB Most Valuable Player

Rogers Named All-MIAA Second Team

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - Trine University men’s basketball player senior Ian Jackson (Indianapolis, Ind./Perry Meridian) has been named Trine’s first-ever Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Most Valuable Player. Jackson led the All-MIAA First Team while fellow senior Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering) earned second team honors.

Jackson, a guard, led the MIAA in scoring this season with 21.0 points per game in league play en-route to earning MVP honors. Jackson is the first Thunder player to earn MIAA MVP honors since Trine joined the conference in 2004. He was also selected to the All-MIAA First Team for the third straight year. In addition, Jackson finished the conference season eighth in assists and ended the regular season ranked 21st in Division III in points per game. This season against Olivet on February 9, Jackson scored a career-high 44 points, which currently ranks tied for seventh most this season in Division III.

For Trine, it marks the first conference MVP in men’s basketball since former Tri-State All-American Chad LaCross earned the honors after the 2000-01 season when the Thunder played in the NAIA as a member of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

Rogers, a forward, is Trine’s first four-time All-MIAA honoree after being named to the first team a season ago and the second team during his freshman and sophomore campaigns. Rogers finished the MIAA season sixth in points averaging 14.6 in 13 games. Rogers also ranked in the top-10 in five other statistical categories including: fifth in field goal percentage, seventh in blocked shots and free throw percentage, eighth in steals and 10th in rebounding.

Jackson and Rogers helped the Thunder to their first back-to-back winning seasons since the 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons. This marks the fourth time that Trine has had at least two players named All-MIAA. The Thunder have also had at least one player named All-MIAA since joining the conference, a run of nine straight seasons.

2/25 - Spragg and Loveberry Named All-MIAA in Women's Basketball

ROAL OAK, Mich. - For the first time in since joining the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the Trine University women’s basketball team had two players named All-MIAA. Senior Sydney Spragg (Reading, Mich./Reading) was named to the first team while fellow senior Megan Loveberry (Quincy, Mich./Quincy) earned second team honors. Under former NBA All-Star and first-year head coach Steve Mix, the Thunder finished the season with their first winning record since joining the NCAA in 2004.

Spragg, the second Trine player ever to earn first team honors and the first since Sarah Howe did so in back-to-back seasons in 2007-08 and 2008-09, had a career season as she finished second in the conference in scoring with 17.7 points per game. Spragg was ranked in the top-10 in the conference in five other statistical categories including: third in steals, fourth in 3-point percentage, fifth in field goal percentage, eighth in free throw percentage and ninth in 3-point field goals made.

Loveberry finished her second season at Trine University after transferring, 17th in the MIAA in scoring, averaging 8.2 points per game. Loveberry scored 20-plus points in her final three regular season MIAA games and was a defensive machine for the Thunder.  Despite being the shortest player on the team, Loveberry finished seventh in the conference in rebounding.  She also finished the season fourth in the MIAA in steals, tied for seventh in assists and ninth in 3-point field goal percentage.

2/18 - Loveberry Named MIAA Women’s Basketball POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine guard Megan Loveberry its Player of the Week in women’s basketball for games played through February 16.

Loveberry, a senior from Quincy, Mich. (Quincy HS), averaged 21.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.5 steals as the Thunder clinched a berth in the MIAA tournament with a pair of victories. She had 22 points, including 4-of-5 on 3-pointers, and added five rebounds and four steals in a crucial 59-52 road victory at Alma. She then had 20 points, including 4-of-6 on 3-pointers, and pulled down seven rebounds in a 72-58 victory over Kalamazoo. Loveberry, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career, shot 63 percent from the field (14 of 22), 73 percent from 3-point range (8 of 11) and 86 percent from the line (6 of 7) for the week. She also took on the responsibility of defending the opponents’ best offensive player in both games.

2/6 - Larson Named d3wrestle.com/WWSport.com Wrestler of the Week

ANGOLA, Ind. - Trine University senior wrestler Eli Larson (Chicago, Ill./Marion Catholic) was named the d3wrestle.com/WWSport.com Wrestler of the Week. Wrestling from the #2 seed, Larson won five matches in a row to win the championship at 157 lbs. at the Pete Wilson Wheaton Invitational. He scored a pair of first period falls and a pair of second period falls to reach the championship bout against All-American Dillon Bera of UW-Parkside, the #1 ranked wrestler in Division II and a 3rd place finisher at the 2012 DII Championships. Larson defeated Bera 5-4 to win the tournament. For his efforts, he was awarded the George Olson Most Outstanding Wrestler award and was also the winner of the Jack Schwartz Award for the most falls in the least amount of time.

Larson is currently the #1 ranked wrestler in Division III at 157 lbs. and sports a record of 13-1 for the season, with the only loss coming to Division I opponents. He is a two time All-American, finishing 3rd in 2011 and 4th in 2012. His career record stands at an impressive 114-20. Trine finishes out their schedule with a home meet this Thursday against Alma, a home meet next Tuesday against Manchester, and the following Saturday with the Mid-States tournament at Alma before heading to the Midwest Regional on March 2nd.

2/4 - Rogers Named MIAA Player of the Week

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University forward Scott Rogers its Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through February 2.

Rogers, a senior from Waterford, Mich. (Kettering HS), averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds in leading the Thunder to a pair of MIAA victories. He scored a career-high 33 points and pulled down 11 boards in an 81-68 win over Alma, then added 17 points and nine rebounds in a 64-46 victory over Adrian. Rogers, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and third time in his career, shot 71 percent from the field (20 of 28) and 91 percent from the free-throw line (10 of 11) for the week while playing nearly all 40 minutes in both games.

1/7 - Jackson Named MIAA POW for Third Time

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine guard Ian Jackson its Co-Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through January 5. Jackson shared the honor this week with Calvin forward Tom Snikkers.

This marks the third time in the past five weeks that Jackson has earned the MIAA Player of the Week honors. The last MIAA player to accomplish that was Michael McClary from Olivet, winning the award during week #10, 12 and 14 of the 2010-11 season.

Jackson, a senior from Indianapolis, Ind. (Perry Meridian HS), averaged 34.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists as the Thunder won their first two MIAA contests. He poured in 37 points and grabbed seven rebounds in a 67-64 victory over Kalamazoo, then came back with 32 points and five assists in an 83-76 victory over Alma. Jackson, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the third time this season and seventh time in his career, shot 54 percent from the field (26 of 48) and 79 percent (15 of 19) from the line for the week.

12/31 - Swisher Named MIAA Women’s Basketball POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University guard Kelcey Swisher its Player of the Week in women’s basketball for games played through December 30. This marks the second straight week that a Trine player has earned the honor.

Swisher, a freshman from Williamsport, Ind. (Seeger Memorial HS), averaged 15 points as Thunder split two games in the SportONE Shootout hosted by Indiana Tech. She came off the bench to score 10 points in a 61-56 loss to Spring Arbor. Then, in her first collegiate start, poured in 20 points and added three steals in a 99-79 win over Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Swisher, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career, made 9 of 14 shots from the field (64 percent), including 4 of 7 (57 percent) from 3-point range, and sank all eight of her free throws for the tournament.

For the first time since joining the MIAA in 2004, this marks the first time that the Trine women’s team has earned back-to-back Players of the Week. It also marks the first time that two different players have received Player of the Week honors in the same season.

12/24 - Spragg Named MIAA Women’s Basketball POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University forward Sydney Spragg its Players of the Week in women’s basketball for games played through Dec. 22. Spragg shared the award with Courtney Kust from Hope.

Spragg, a senior from Reading, Michigan (Reading HS), averaged 14.5 points and 2.5 steals in leading the Thunder to a pair of nonconference victories for the week. She scored 17 points in a 53-42 victory over Manchester University then added 12 points and three steals in a 64-54 win over Edgewood College (WI). Spragg’s defensive pressure helped Trine limit its opponents to 28 percent shooting from the field for the week. She made 8 of 20 field goal attempts (40 percent) and 12 of 17 from the line (71 percent) in the two games. Spragg is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career.

This is the first time a Trine women’s basketball player has earned Player of the Week honors since Sarah Howe also shared the honor in week 11 during the 2007-08 season.

12/17 - Jackson Repeats as MIAA Men's Basketball POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine guard Ian Jackson its Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through Dec. 16.

Jackson, a senior from Indianapolis, Ind. (Perry Meridian HS), earned Player of the Week honors for the second straight week as he poured in 34 points and dished out six assists in leading the Thunder to an 82-65 nonconference victory over Mount Vernon Nazarene. Jackson made 11 of 14 shots from the field (79 percent), including two 3-pointers, and was a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. Jackson is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and sixth time in his career.

12/10 - Jackson Named MIAA Men’s Basketball POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine guard Ian Jackson its Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through Dec. 9.

Jackson, a senior from Indianapolis (Perry Meridian HS), averaged 27.5 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals in leading the Thunder to a pair of nonconference victories. He scored 24 points and added five assists and three steals in leading Trine to a 77-69 victory over Wabash, then scored 31 points in a 70-57 road win over North Park, Ill. Jackson, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and fifth time in his career, shot 47 percent from the field (21 of 45) for the week and leads all MIAA players in scoring at 25.1 points per contest.

Nationally, Jackson ranks 15th in Division III in scoring and 42nd in steals per game.

12/6 - Hilson Named Third Team All-Central Region

KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Trine University men’s soccer player Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-Central Region Third Team.

The senior forward was also named to the All-MIAA First Team after scoring 12 goals and assisting on five others in his final collegiate season. The 29 total points Hilson collected on the year put him third in the conference. Hilson scored 9 goals in MIAA action which tied him for the conference lead.

This marks the third consecutive year the Thunder have had a player named All-Region after Femi Adediji, Andy Ohanesian and Foster Webb were named to the second team last season and Rudy Cantrell earned third team honors in 2010.

12/5 - Hence and Keck Named All-Americans by BSN

LEESBURG, Va. - The post-season honors continue to roll in for the Trine University football team as Beyond Sports Network (BSN) have named senior receiver/return specialist JaVontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord) and junior kicker Tyler Keck (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial) Division III All-Americans.

BSN selects an All America Team for the FCS, D2, D3, and NAIA from a pool of All Conference selections and Conference players of the year along with sports information director for nominees. BSN selects the All America team based on player’s stats, how their respective team fared in conference play, overall team stats, and review games their staff saw in person or through another form of media. 

Hence was the only player from the MIAA to be named to the second team as he earned honors as an Athlete for his performances as a receiver and a returner. Hence adds to his growing list of accolades that include the MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and two All-MIAA First Team honors. Hence ranks tied for 49th in Division III in receptions per game at 6.40, 53rd in reception yards per game at 86.50 and 80th in all-purpose running with 126.20 per game. Hence’s return game helped the Thunder to rank fifth in the nation in punt return average as a team with 16.42 yards per return and 17th in kick return average at 22.67 yards.

Keck earned third team honors after leading the conference in scoring with 6.0 points per game. Keck ranks tied for 38th in the nation averaging nine made field goals a game after connecting on 9-of-10 for the season and converting on 33-of-34 in point after attempts.

For a complete list of the All-Americans visit BSNCollege.com.

12/5 - Four Players Named D3football.com All-North Region

MINNEAPOLIS - Four Trine University football players have earned D3football.com All-North Region honors led by MIAA Offensive Player of the Year JaVontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord). Trine’s four honorees were more than the other six Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association schools combined.

Hence was the only MIAA offensive player to be named to the second team as the senior earned honors as a returner. Hence was named All-MIAA First Team as a return specialist after finishing his final season at Trine returning nine kicks for 281 yards including an 82-yard touchdown and seven punts for 106 yards including a 79-yard score.

Earning third team honors were junior kicker Tyler Keck (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial), sophomore guard Andrew Webster (Fort Wayne, Ind./North Side) and two-time honoree cornerback Myron Puryear (Canton, Mich./Plymouth). All three were also named to the All-MIAA First Team.

Puryear earns All-Region honors for the second consecutive year after being named to the second team a year ago. Puryear finished tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 60 (41 solo, 19 assisted) while picking off a pass and returning a fumble 79 yards for a touchdown.

Keck was named to the All-North Region after connecting on nine straight field goals to start the season, including a season-long of 40 yards. Keck finished the year 9-for-10 on field goals and 33-of-34 on extra point attempts while leading the Thunder in scoring, averaging 6.0 points per game.

Webster anchored the quarterbacks blind side the entire season, starting all 10 games at left guard. Webster was on the field for 544 plays while finishing with 96 knockdowns and allowing just two sacks on the year.

The teams, selected in balloting by North Region sports information directors and D3football.com staff, were chosen from 211 nominations by Division III member schools. A total of 75 players were chosen. The full list can be found online here.

11/27 - Rogers Named MIAA POW in Men’s Basketball

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University senior forward Scott Rogers (Waterford, Mich./Kettering HS) its Player of the Week in men’s basketball for games played through Nov. 25. Rogers shared the award with Olivet’s Garner Small.

Rogers averaged 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocked shots as he led the Thunder to a pair of victories in the MIAA/Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Challenge at Earlham, Indiana. Rogers scored 19 points and added six rebounds and four steals in an 88-61 rout of the host Quakers, then came back with 18 points, five rebounds and seven blocked shots in a 78-61 victory over Manchester. Rogers, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time in his career, shot 76 percent from the field (13-of-17) and 92 percent from the free throw line (11-of-12) for the tournament.

11/12 - Hence Named MIAA Football Offensive MVP

12 Thunder Players Named All-MIAA

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - After finishing the football season second in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the Trine University squad had 12 honorees on the All-MIAA squad including the Offensive Most Valuable Player in senior wide receiver/return specialist JaVontae Hence (Elkhart, Ind./Concord).This marks the third time in four years that a Trine player has earned the Conference Offensive MVP as Hence joins former All-American quarterback Eric Watt who was a two-time winner.

Senior wide receiver Mario Brown (Battle Creek, Mich./Battle Creek Central) was also named the Pete Schmidt Memorial Scholar-Athlete Award winner, which honors Pete Schmidt who was a graduate of Alma College where he competed in football and baseball. After a successful high school coaching record he became head coach at Albion College, leading the Britons to nine championships in 14 seasons (1983-96) and an NCAA Division III national championship in 1994. He died of cancer in 2000. Brown joins former Trine/Tri-State students Jeremy Howard in 2010 and Adam Garvin in 2006 to win the award.

In all, 12 Trine football players earned All-MIAA honors, one behind conference champion Adrian who had 14 total. The nine Trine players to earn first team honors were three more than Albion and four more than Adrian.

Hence was also honored as an All-MIAA First Team selections as a both a wide receiver and return specialist joining senior quarterback Ryan Hargraves (Taylor, Mich./Truman), junior left tackle Taylor Sprague (Lowell, Mich./Lowell), sophomore left guard Andrew Webster (Fort Wayne, Ind./North Side), defensive end Louis Danesi (Santa Fe, Texas/Santa Fe), junior outside linebacker Caleb Nitz (Baroda, Mich./Lakeshore), senior cornerback Myron Puryear (Canton, Mich./Plymouth) and junior kicker Tyler Keck (Elkhart, Ind./Elkhart Memorial).

Named to the All-MIAA Second Team was senior right tackle Kenny Kill (Cromwell, Ind./West Noble) and safeties junior Blaek Combs (Rushville, Ind./Rushville Consolidate) and sophomore Tyler Guzy (Coldwater, Mich./Coldwater).

It marks the third straight season for Hence to be honored as All-MIAA after earning first team honors in 2011 and second team honors in 2010. Hence finished second in the conference in receptions and reception yards per game and fourth in all-purpose yards. Hence led the Thunder with 865 yards on the year and 64 catches with four touchdowns. As a returner, Hence took nine kicks back for 281 yards including an 82-yard touchdown and seven punts for 106 yards including a 79-yard score.

Hargraves helped led the Trine offense to a conference best 31.5 points per game. Through the air, Hargraves led the MIAA in total offense, averaging 227.5 yards per game, pass efficiency at 168.9 and was second in passing yards per game at 192.2 including completing 73.1 percent of his passes in MIAA play.

Sprague and Webster anchored Hargraves blind side the entire season, as both started all 10 games for the Thunder. This marks the fifth straight season that a Trine offensive lineman has earned All-MIAA First Team honors.

Keck connected on nine straight field goals to start the season, including a season-long 40-yard boot. Keck finished second in the conference in scoring, averaging 7.5 points per game, making a conference best seven field goals and was a perfect 24-for-24 on extra points which also led the conference.

On the defensive side of the ball, Puryear earns first team all-conference honors for the second straight season. Puryear was tied for fifth on the team in tackles with 60 (41 solo, 19 assisted) while also making an interception and returning a fumble 79 yards for a touchdown. Puryear also served as a kickoff returner, taking back 15 kicks for 399 yard including a season-long 92-yard score.

Danesi was the conference leader in sacks, recording 6.0 in MIAA action and 8.0 on the season, which ranks tied for second in school history. Danesi was third on the team in tackles with 68 (35 solo, 33 assisted) which included 15.5 tackles for loss, of which 9 came in conference action which ranked second.

Nitz ranked 13th in MIAA action averaging 6.8 tackles per game while finishing the season with 72 total tackles (37 solo, 35 assisted), despite missing a game due to injury. His 72 tackles ranked him 5th among all players in the MIAA on the year. Nitz also finished second on the team with 9.5 tackles for loss.

Kill earned All-MIAA honors for the first time in his career after starting all 10 games for the Thunder at right tackle.

Combs finished second in conference with four interceptions while making five total picks on the season. Combs was also fourth in the conference with 8.6 tackles per game, finishing with 60 total tackles on the season (31 solo, 29 assisted). Combs also recovered a conference leading two fumbles while making 4.5 tackles for loss on the year.

Guzy led the Thunder defense in total tackles for the season with 74 (44 solo, 30 assisted), and ranked tied for 31st in conference action with 5.0 tackles per game. The 74 tackles on the season ranked him 7th among the leaders in the conference at 7.4 per game. Guzy also recovered two fumbles and picked off a pass on the season.

11/6 - Hilson and Murray Named All-MIAA in Men's Soccer

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association announced the men’s soccer All-MIAA team, and for the first time since joining the conference, Trine University has had a player named First Team in consecutive years. Senior Andre Hilson (Bremen, Ind./Bremen) was named All-MIAA First Team while freshman J.J. Murray (Chester, England) was named to the second team.

Prior to last season the Thunder had never had a player named to the first team, but have now had a player honored in back-to-back seasons as three Trine athletes were named All-MIAA First Team in 2011. It also marks the first time the team has had multiple players named All-MIAA in consecutive years.

Hilson earned his first all-conference honors after finishing the conference season fourth with 20 points (9 goals, 2 assists). His 9 goals in conference play tied him with two others for the MIAA lead along with sharing the conference lead with four game-winning goals. On the season, Hilson netted 12 goals, which was second in the conference, while assisting on five others, which ranked eighth. The 29 total points Hilson collected on the year put him third in the MIAA.

Murray was one of only two freshman named to either the first or second team and is the first Trine player to earn All-MIAA honors in their first season. Murray started 18 games on the year, collecting two goals and two assists.

11/5 - Combs Named MIAA Player of the Week in Football

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine strong safety Blaek Combs its Special Teams Player of the Week in football for games played through November 3.

Combs, a junior from Rushville, Ind. (Rushville HS), blocked a punt and recovered a bad snap on another punt attempt for a touchdown in Trine’s 49-21 victory over Olivet. He also made four tackles on defense. Combs is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season and third time in his career.

11/3 - Irwin and Searles Named All-MIAA in Volleyball

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - For the second straight season, the Trine University volleyball team had two players named All-MIAA as senior Betsy Irwin (Athens, Ohio /Alexander) and sophomore Carly Searles (Levering, Mich./Petoskey) were honored by the conference.

Irwin was named to the All-MIAA First Team for the third straight season after being named the conference Freshman of the Year and a second team honoree in her first season. Irwin finished her four-year career as Trine’s all-time leader in kills with 1,468. In her final season with the Thunder, Irwin finished fifth in the conference with 2.83 kills per set in MIAA action. In 30 total games, Irwin led the team with 329 kills for an average of 3.07 per set which ranked fourth in the conference while hitting .266 on the year which was 10th in the MIAA. Irwin also led the team with 102 blocks on the season, just one behind her career best and was second on the team with 31 aces.

Searles earned conference honors for the first time in her career as she was named to the All-MIAA Second Team. Searles has proven to be an all-around threat for the Thunder as she had 20 double-doubles and two triple-doubles on the year. On the season, Searles ranked 10th in the conference with 3.10 digs per set. Searles played in every set on the year as she finished second on the team in assists, 402, and digs, 332; third in kills, 197, and blocks, 42; and fifth in aces, 25.

10/29 - Hence Named MIAA Player of the Week in Football

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine return specialist/wide receiver JaVontae Hence its Players of the Week in football for games played through Oct. 20.

Hence, a senior from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord HS), accounted for 304 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns in Trine’s 45-28 road win over Hope. He returned two kickoffs for 129 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown, and caught nine passes for 175 yards, including an MIAA-record tying 93-yard touchdown catch that broke the game open in the third quarter. Hence is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time this season, both as special teams, and fifth time in his career.

10/10 - Wolcott, Eli and Bennett Named All-MIAA

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named its 2012 All-MIAA Golf Team as the Thunder received three honorees, senior Pat Wolcott (East Lansing, Mich./East Lansing) was named to the first team while juniors Graham Bennett (Charlotte, N.C./Mallard Creek) and Nolan Eli (Genoa, Ohio/Genoa) were named to the second team. The Thunder had the most players named All-MIAA among all conference schools.

Wolcott finished third overall in the conference leaderboard with a total score of 602 for an average of 75.2, just eight strokes behind the top player. Wolcott won the first jamboree of the season at Kalamazoo while also finishing second at the third jamboree at Olivet. Wolcott becomes the first Trine player since Terence Clingaman in 2010 to be named All-MIAA First Team and 10th overall for Trine.

Eli finished the fall season ninth in the conference with a total stroke count of 616 for an average of 77.0, including tying for a conference season-low 69 at the fifth jamboree of the season on Trine’s home course.

Just two strokes behind was Bennett who finished tied for 10th in the conference with a 77.2 stroke average for the eight jamborees with a total stroke count of 618.

This marks the fourth time in school history that at least three Trine golfers have been named All-MIAA, the others came in 2004-2006. Trine has had an All-MIAA player each season since joining the MIAA in 2004.

The Thunder finished fourth for the MIAA Championship and qualified for the three-round spring automatic qualifier tournament.

10/10 - Combs Named to D3Football.com Team of the Week

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - For the second time this week, Trine University football player Blaek Combs (Rushville, Ind./Rushville) earned honors, this time being named to the National D3football.com Team of the Week presented by Scoutware for his performance against Albion College.

Combs, a junior, was  already honored as the conference Defensive Player of the Week after making a career- and game-high 17 tackles, eight solo, and came up with a clutch interception in the game’s final minute to preserve Trine’s 27-22 win over defending conference champion Albion. He is the third Trine player to be named to the National Team of the Week, joining Caleb Nitz and Nick Muir.

The full list of honorees can be found here. Link

10/8 - Hargraves and Combs Named MIAA POW in Football

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine quarterback Ryan Hargraves and strong safety Blaek Combs its Players of the Week in football for games played through Oct. 6.

Hargraves, a senior from Taylor, Michigan (Truman HS), was named the Offensive Player of the Week as he accounted for 249 yards total offense in leading the Thunder to a 27-22 victory over Albion that moved the Thunder into a share of first place in the MIAA. He ran 83 yards for a touchdown on the game’s second play to give the Thunder a lead it would not lose. He also completed 11 of 15 passes for 166 yards. Hargraves is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.

Combs, a junior from Rushville, Indiana (Rushville HS), was named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week after making a career- and game-high 17 tackles and came up with a clutch interception in the game’s final minute to preserve Trine’s 27-22 win over Albion. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and second time in his career.

10/8 - Irwin Named MIAA Player of the Week in Volleyball 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine middle blocker Betsy Irwin its Position Player of the Week in volleyball for matches played through October 7.

Irwin, a senior from Athens, Ohio (Alexander HS), became Trine’s all-time career leader in kills, slamming 22 kills in two matches for the week to boost her career total to 1,396. She had 11 kills, four blocks and two service aces in a five-set loss to Saint Mary’s, then followed with 11 kills, five blocks and two aces in a sweep of Albion. Irwin is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and fourth time in her career.

10/1 - Danesi and Keck Named MIAA Football POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine defensive end Louis Danesi and placekicker Tyler Keck its Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week in football for games played through September 29.

Danesi, a junior from Santa Fe, Texas (Santa Fe HS), earned Player of the Week honors for the second week in a row with seven tackles, including three sacks for 40 yards in losses, in Trine’s 30-20 victory over Kalamazoo. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

Keck, a junior from Elkhart, Indiana (Elkhart Memorial HS), kicked field goals of 27, 30 and 40 yards, and added three extra points in the Thunder’s MIAA-opening win over Kalamazoo. He also averaged 51.4 yards on kickoffs, including one touchback. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career. 

10/1 - Holcom Named MIAA Men’s Soccer POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University forward Curtis Holcom its Offensive Players of the Week in men’s soccer for games played through September 30.

Holcom, a senior from Converse, Indiana (Oak Hill HS), scored twice and assisted on a third goal in leading the Thunder to a 3-0 MIAA victory over Albion. Holcom leads all MIAA players in goals on the season with eight in Trine’s first 10 games this season. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.

9/24 - Danesi and Hence Named MIAA Football POW

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine University’s defensive end Louis Danesi and return specialist/wide receiver JaVontae Hence its Players of the Week in football for games played through September 22.

Danesi, a junior from Santa Fe, Texas (Santa Fe), recorded 10 tackles, including three for 16 yards in losses and two quarterback sacks, as the Thunder posted a 28-13 victory over Taylor, Ind. Six of Danesi’s tackles were solo stops. He is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.

Hence, a senior from Elkhart, Ind. (Concord), had 216 all-purpose yards of offense and two touchdowns in Trine’s 28-13 win over Taylor. Hence caught a 50-yard touchdown pass and returned a punt 79 yards for a score within a span of less than two minutes in the third quarter to ignite the Thunder’s comeback from a 10-0 halftime deficit. Hence, who is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time this season and fourth time in his career, finished with 107 return yards and caught four passes for 109 yards.

9/18 - Muir Named to D3Football.com Team of the Week

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - For the second time this season, a Trine University football player has been named to the National D3football.com Team of the Week presented by Scoutware, as junior punter Nick Muir (Niles, Mich./Edwardsburg) was honored for his game against Concordia (WI).

The Second Team All-MIAA honoree was the only punter selected as he had one of the best punting games in school history as he attempted six punts on the day, netting 291 yards for a school record average of 48.5. Two of those punts pinned the Falcons inside their own 20 yard line. Late in the fourth quarter Muir also boomed a school record 81 yard punt from deep within Trine’s own territory.

The Thunder are the only team in the MIAA conference to have a player named to the Team of the Week this season. In addition, through three weeks of play Trine is one of only nine teams to have a player honored in multiple weeks by D3football.

The full list of honorees can be found here. Link

9/4 - Nitz Named to D3football.com Team of the Week

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Trine University football player Caleb Nitz (Baroda, Mich./Stevensville Lakeshore) has been named to the National D3football.com Team of the Week presented by Scoutware.

Nitz, a junior linebacker, was also named the MIAA Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts during Trine’s 24-14 win over Manchester University. Nitz, one of four linebackers honored, led the Trine defense with 12 tackles, six of them solo stops, and had 1.5 tackles for loss in the Thunder’s victory. Nitz is the first Trine player to be named to the D3fiitball.com Team of the Week since Blaek Combs was recognized on October 10, 2011.

The full list of honorees can be found here. Link

9/3 - Crabtree Named MIAA POW in Volleyball 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine libero Darcy Crabtree its Specialty Player of the Week in volleyball for matches played through September 2.

Crabtree, a junior from Muncie, Ind. (Wes-Del), had 90 digs and six service aces in leading Trine to a 3-1 record at the Ohio Northern Tournament. Crabtree had 40 digs in a five-set victory over Thiel, Pa., and had only three reception errors in 75 attempts for a 96 percent passing percentage in earning All-Tournament honors. The 40 digs against Thiel were the fifth most in school history. Crabtree is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in her career.

9/3 - Nitz and Puryear Named MIAA POW in Football 

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine outside linebacker Caleb Nitz its Defensive Play of the Week and Trine cornerback/kick returner Myron Puryear its Special Teams Player of the Week in football for games played through September 1.

Nitz, a junior from Baroda, Michigan (Stevensville Lakeshore), led the Trine defense with 12 tackles, six of them solo stops, and had 1.5 tackles for loss in the Thunder’s 24-14 victory over Manchester, Ind. Nitz is being honored as Player of the Week for the first time in his career.

Puryear, a senior from Canto, Michigan (Plymouth), broke a 7-7 tie with a 92-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Trine’s victory over Manchester. Puryear also made seven tackles from his secondary position. Puryear is being honored as Player of the Week for the second time in his career.

9/3 - Stewart Named MIAA POW in Men’s Soccer

ROYAL OAK, Mich. - The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association has named Trine goalkeeper Chris Stewart its Defensive Player of the Week in men’s soccer for games played through September 2.

Stewart, a sophomore from Rochester Hills, Michigan (Rochester), posted his first shutout as a collegian as the Thunder shut out Berea, Ky., 4-0. He also had a strong game in net with six saves, keeping his team in the game despite being outshot 17-6, in a 2-1 loss to Transylvania, Ky. Stewart combined to make eight saves in two games while facing 20 total shots.

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