Fayetteville, N.C. - The USA South has released its weekly awards for September 25th, and N.C. Wesleyan is pleased to announce that five Battling Bishops have garnered honors in the sports of football, men's soccer, and volleyball.
Football Defensive Player of the Week
Eddie Graham, N.C. Wesleyan - The Indianapolis, Indiana sophomore defensive back tied a USA South record for the longest scoring play in a game with a 99-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 35-25 victory over USA South rival Maryville. With just over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Williams prevented the Scots from taking the lead by setting a new N.C. Wesleyan mark for the longest interception return in program history. He also added two solo tackles and a pass breakup in the win.
Football Defensive Rookie of the Week
Tariq Thomas, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman defensive back from Longwood, North Carolina totaled five tackles, two of which were for a loss, in the Bishops' 35-25 win over Maryville on Saturday. Thomas collected four solo tackles and one assisted take down as well as a pass breakup in the victory.
Men's Soccer Defensive Player of the Week
Jordan Williams, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman goalkeeper from Manassas, Virginia posted one shutout and did not allow a goal as the Bishops posted a 2-0 record last week versus USA South competition. In 166 minutes, Williams stopped all seven shots he faced. In a 7-0 win over Huntingdon, Williams made three saves while in a 3-0 victory over Brevard, he collected four stops.
Men's Soccer Rookie of the Week
Ignacio Lerech, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman forward from Tucuman, Argentina tallied two goals in the Bishops' pair of league wins. In a 7-0 win over Huntingdon, Lerech scored the third goal of the match in the 35th minute. In a 3-0 victory over Brevard, Lerech added an insurance score in the 59th minute.
Volleyball Rookie of the Week
Callie Cline, N.C. Wesleyan - The freshman outside hitter from Stanfield, North Carolina averaged 2.40 kills and 6.10 digs per set as the Battling Bishops posted a 1-2 record last week versus USA South competition. In a 3-0 loss to William Peace, Cline tallied five kills, 12 digs and one assist. In a 3-1 victory over Ferrum, Cline notched a double-double with 13 kills and 29 digs to go along with five assists, two service aces and one block. Finally, in a 3-0 loss to Salem, Cline totaled six kills, 20 digs, two assists and one block. This is Cline's second consecutive Rookie of the Week award.
Congratulations to all five Bishops on these noteworthy accomplishments!