HAMMOND, Ind.- The Ashland University Eagles capped off the 2023 season with a 23-20 victory over McKendree in the fourth annual America’s Crossroads Bowl. The Crossroads Bowl is one of three NCAA Division II bowl games sponsored nationally in partnership with the South Shore Convention & Visitors Authority and the City of Hammond.
 
The Eagles are the first team from the Great Midwest to take home hardware from the Crossroads Bowl.
 
Ashland’s Michael Shimek led the Eagles defense with four sacks on the day. Shimek’s  effort earned him Defensive Player of the Game and set a new program single-game record.
 
 
Jent Joseph went on to earn Offensive Player of the Game after posting a game-high 57 reception yards, including one touchdown in Ashland’s opening drive.
 
Quarterback Trevor Bycznski went 20-31 on the day, totaling 283 yards and three touchdowns.
 
Ashland University concludes the 2023 season with a 9-3 record and will look to rebuild in the offseason.