FREELAND, Mich. -- Following a lopsided road victory the Trine University football team has received a pair of Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Athlete of the Week recognitions. Senior Josh Davis (Sterling Heights, Mich. / Sterling Heights) took home the special teams award and junior Kyle Naif (Riverview, Mich. / Riverview) came away with the defensive award.
It is the first time that either athlete has been named athlete of the week during their careers. The pair become the second and third Thunder football student-athletes to be recognized this season.
Naif was a major part of a strong defensive effort in the contest. He tied for a team high seven total tackles in the contest, including a pair of solo marks. His largest contribution of the day was a 68-yard fumble return ending in a touchdown. The scoop and score came in a crucial time with the Comets threatening to score inside of the red zone for the first time in the contest. Instead the Thunder took a 14-0 lead.
Davis turned in the finishing blow for the Thunder in the contest. Following Olivet cutting the deficit to seven with a score of 21-14 at the beginning of the fourth quarter, Davis received the ensuing kickoff and returned it 92 yards for the touchdown. The Thunder never looked back and added another touchdown later on to finish with the 35-14 victory.
This week is a bye for the team, they will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 23 when they host Kalamazoo College for a 1 p.m. contest.