November 16, 2015

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Bluffton University senior defensive end Ryan Aelker (New Bavaria/Holgate) helped the Beavers claim a 35-14 win at rival Defiance College on Saturday and has been named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Football Player of the Week on defense for the second time this season. He was also honored following his performance in Bluffton's 38-26 win over Baldwin-Wallace on September 12.

The senior totaled six tackles, two forced fumbles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack as the Beavers earned "The Hammer" for a sixth consecutive time. He is part of the third straight senior class to go 4-0 in the Bluffton-Defiance rivalry series.

Aelker finished the season with a school-record 15.5 sacks and 24.0 tackles for loss. He leads the nation in both of those categories. Bluffton wrapped up the season 6-4 overall for the second straight year and 5-3 in conference action.

-BEAVERS-