Nov. 12, 2012

BLUFFTON, Ohio - Bluffton University junior Austin Sweeney (Adrian, Mich./Whitmer) was recently named the Heartland Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his play on Saturday. Kicker Austin Sweeney was recognized by the conference following Bluffton's exciting 27-24 double-overtime win over rival Defiance College.

Sweeney converted both of his field goal attempts and three PAT's for nine total points. He drilled a season-long 40-yarder on Bluffton's first possession following a Defiance fumble. His 22-yard chip shot proved to be the game-winner when senior Tyler Hensley (Batavia) picked off Defiance to end overtime period number two.

It marked the fourth time in his career that Sweeney has earned Player of the Week honors, including twice this season. In addition, Sweeney was the OhioCollegeFootball.com Player of the Week after converting the game winner in Bluffton's first ever three-overtime win at Rose-Hulman in October.

The hard-fought win over the Yellow Jackets on Senior Day pushed Bluffton's record to 6-4 (5-3 HCAC) and marked the first time the Beavers have finished with a winning record since 2000..

-BEAVERS-