INDIANAPOLIS- The Great Midwest Athletes of the week for November 13th, 2023 are based on student-athlete performance from November 6th, 2023- November 12th, 2023.
Football
Defense: Jackson Myers / Ashland University/ Sr. / Linebacker / Miamisburg, Ohio
Jackson Myers led the Ashland Eagles to their seventh straight victory in a 56-23 win over Kentucky Wesleyan. Myers posted a strong defensive performance with six total tackles, including five solo tackles. He also added three sacks and three tackles for loss on the day.
Offense: Michael Herzog / Hillsdale College / Sr. / Tailback / Windsor, Ontario
Hillsdale’s Michael Herzog had a record-breaking performance for the Charges in a 35-17 win over Ohio Dominican. He rushed for 175 yards on 20 carries, averaging 8.75 yards per carry. He shattered the conference single game rushing touchdown record with five on the day. His five touchdowns put the senior tailback at 21 this season, breaking the single season rushing touchdown record as well as points scored (126). Herszog currently ranks in the Top 10 of Division II in carries, rushing yards, rushing touchdowns, and all-purpose yards.
Special Teams: Deonte Higgins / Northwood University/ Jr. / Wide Receiver / Detroit, Mich.
Deonte Higgins of Northwood University returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in Northwood’s 31-24 win over Walsh. Higgins’ returns covered 95 yards, averaging 66.0 yards per return.
Men’s Basketball
Kobe Mitchell / Walsh University / So. / Guard / Cadiz, Ohio
Kobe Mitchell led the Cavaliers to an 86-75 win in their season opener. Mitchell posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds. He shot 6-10 from the floor and 5-9 from three.
Women’s Basketball
Jayla Strickland / Northwood University / Sr. / Center / Big Rapids, Mich.
The senior from Northwood averaged 21.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals through two games. Strickland was 16-22 from the floor at 72.7 percent. From the charity stripe, she was 10-13. Strickland scored a career-high 24 points in Northwood’s win over Saginaw Valley while going 11-13 from the floor. She then went on to record 18 points in an overtime win at Lake Superior State.
Men’s Swimming & Diving
Camilo Marrugo / University of Findlay/ Jr. / Soledad, Calif.
Camilo Marrugo helped the Oilers defeat No. 18 Lewis in a dual meet. Marrugo won two individual events, including the 50 free (21.20) and the 50 butterfly (22.20). He was a member of relay teams that finished runner-up in the 200 medley relay (1:30.97) and 400 freestyle relay (3:06.60)
Women’s Swimming & Diving
Katie Susi / University of Findlay / So. / Amherst, Ohio
Findlay’s Katie Susi earned the Swimmer of the Week honors after taking home the gold in two individual events. Susi won the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:22.88 as well as the 200 individual medley (2:10.51). She was also a member of relay teams that finished first in the 200 medley relay (1:46.29).
Volleyball North Division
Defense: Ali Wiese / Hillsdale College/ Jr. / Libero / Mattawan, Mich.
Wiese led the Chargers in digs in all three matches over the weekend, as Hillsdale earned a share of the North Division Regular Season Title. She averaged 6.09 digs per set, including 22 in a sweep of Malone and 25 against Tiffin. Wiese added eight aces at .73 per set. She currently leads the conference in digs per set (5.03) and second in aces per set (0.55)
Offense: Lauren Foerster / University of Findlay/ So. / Outside Hitter / Salem, Wisc.
Foerster led Findlay to a 1-1 week including a win over Hillsdale. She led the Oilers with 26 kills at 2.89 per set. On the week, Foerster posted a .358 hitting percentage.
Volleyball South Division
Defense: Asia Ferrando / Thomas More University / Jr. / Libero / Masone, Italy
Thomas More’s Asia Ferrando led the Saints to a 2-1 week with wins over Ursuline and Lake Erie. Ferrando totaled 57 digs a7 9.5 per set.
Offense: Jenna Peters / Ohio Dominican University / So. / Outside Hitter / Vermilion, Ohio
Jenna Peters helped the Panthers to a 3-0 week, including a win at Walsh. Peters registered 40 kills at 3.64 per set. She finished the week with a .286 hitting percentage while collecting 43 points. The Vermilion, Ohio native also added 12 digs and four blocks on the week.
Wrestling
Jakob Hurley / Tiffin University / Fr. / 165 lbs. / Columbus, Ohio
In the 165 lbs. weight class, Hurley took first place at the Del Rosa Intercollegiate Open. Hurley posted three straight wins to open competition to go 5-0 on the weekend. He won against opponents from Utica (1:58), Seton Hill (3:52), and Ithaca (1:51). He then went on to beat individuals from Indianapolis (6-4) and Ohio (4-2).