October 10, 2012

BLUFFTON, Ohio - A pair of Bluffton University football players were recently named the NCAA Division III Players of the Week by OhioCollegeFootball.com, the first time such an honor has gone out to the Beavers. Senior Ben Kaufman (Ottawa-Glandorf), who was also the Heartland Conference Defensive Player of the Week, and Austin Sweeney (Adrian, Mich./Whitmer) were both recognized for their efforts at Rose-Hulman on Saturday.

Kaufman led the way for the Beavers with 16 tackles, including 10 solo stops. He also forced a fumble in Bluffton's 37-34 win at RHIT in three overtimes. It marked the first-ever three-overtime contest for the Beavers and it was the second straight Bluffton win over the Engineers who had won the first seven meetings between the schools.

Austin Sweeney quickly turned into the hero on Saturday when he made the game-winning 21-yard field goal in the third extra session. The win moved Bluffton's record to 4-2 (3-1 HCAC).

For the second time in three weeks, the Bluffton University football team was named the Team of the Week by OhioCollegeFootball.com following an exciting win over the weekend. The Beavers shared the honor with Youngstown State two weeks ago after taking down Mount St. Joseph for the first time since 2001.

In addition, Bluffton's Homecoming matchup with Hanover College has been dubbed a Game of the Week by OhioCollegeFootball.com. It is one of only two Division III games to be selected for this weekend.

-BEAVERS-