INDIANAPOLIS- The Great Midwest Athletes of the week for September 8th, 2024 are based on student-athlete performance from August 28th, 2025- September 7th, 2025.
 
Men’s Cross Country
Nate Slater / Ashland University / Sr. / Ontario, Ohio
In the Wright State Baumer Invitational, Nate Slater led the charge for the Eagles on Friday, Sept. 5.  Slater was among five scorers for the team coming in 13th place with a time of 14:54., aiding the men’s team in a fifth place overall finish.
 
Women’s Cross Country
Allison Kuzma / Hillsdale College / So. / Zeeland, MI
As the Chargers kicked off their season at a home meet, Allision Kuzma won the 5k race with a time of 18:20.3.  She beat the next closest competitor by more than 50-seconds.
 
Football
Defense: Michael Shimek / Ashland University / Sr. / Defensive End / North Canton, OH
For the season opener, the Eagles beat the Crimson Hawks, beginning their season 1-0. 
Leading defensively was Michael Shimek with four takeaways, five sacks and minus-15 rushing yards.  He also found himself half-a-sack away from his own school record of four, aiding in being the first Eagle all-time to have at least 3 ½ sacks in a game – twice.
 
Offense:  Bryan Hunt / University of Findlay / Sr. / Wide Receiver / Oak Park, Ill.
As the Oilers took down the Greyhounds, Bryan Hunt was a part of a successful play as fellow quarterback Chase Harrison tossed him the ball to the right corner of the endzone, allowing Hunt to make the catch giving the Oilers a 21-17 halftime lead who previously faced a ten-point deficit. Hunt finished the game with four receptions for 48 yards and one touchdown. This was the first win for the Oilers against a ranked opponent since 2009.
 
Special Teams: Ethan Hobrook / Tiffin University / Jr. / Wide Receiver / Avon, OH
The Dragons took down the Warriors in an intense final score of 34-7.  Helping lead the charge was Ethan Holbrook, who capped a 16-play, 85-yard, 11:12 drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass from fellow teammate Alex Johnson who gave the Dragons a 7-0 lead. Holbrook finished the day with 169 all-purpose yards, including an 80-yard punt return for a touchdown.
 
Men’s Soccer
Offensive:
Tom Woodward / Ashland University / Fr. / Forward / Manchester, England
In a draw match between the Eagles and Marauders, Tom Woodward gained his first collegiate goal as he broke the Marauders 1-0 lead during the 53rd minute during a 1-on-1 with Millersville. goalkeeper Kieran Finegan. Woodward registered four points on the week including two goals and one assist.
 
Defensive:
Eben Dewhurst / Cedarville University / Jr. / Goalkeeper / Springfield, OH
During the Yellowjackets 1-0 road victory over the Bearcats, Eben Dewhurst found himself making three saves.  This aided in the Yellowjackets recording their second straight shutout of the season.
 
Women’s Soccer
Offensive:
Ava Ayers / University of Findlay / Sr. / Forward / Northwood, OH
As the Oilers opened their season with a 5-0 win against Seton Hill, Ava Ayers put the Oilers on the board during the 11th minute of the game as she finished a setup from senior teammates Payton Miller and Raegan Smith.  Later in the second half, she built off that momentum as she completed a hat trick with two more goals. 
 
Defensive:
Ava Kettler / Northwood University / Jr. / Defense / Oxford, Mich.
Ava Kettler found her second career goal during a 1-0 victory over the Cardinals.  It was with a left-footed stroke from outside the 18-yard box, curling up and over the keeper into the top right corner.
 
Volleyball
North Division
Makenna Belcher / University of Findlay / Gr. / Outside Hitter / Marengo, OH
During the Oilers final day of the Tampa Volleyball Classic, Makenna Belcher recorded 11 kills with a .333 in hitting percentage. During the overall weekend she recorded 43 kills, leading her team.
 
South Division
Jenna Peters / Ohio Dominican University / Sr. / Outside Hitter / Vermillion, OH
As the Panthers beat the Saints in five sets, Jenna Peters led the offense with 17 kills and two blocks.  She also finds herself second in conference kills and eighth in kills per set.
 
East Division
Ravin Morgan / Ashland University / Jr. / Middle Hitter / Wooster, OH
As the Eagles begin season with a 3-0 campaign, Ravin Morgan helped lead the charge during the weekend as she recorded nine kills, a .643 hitting percentage and eight block assists.