Quarterback Blaine Hawkins is among the Central College athletes receiving weekly honors again. For the second straight week, Hawkins was named the American Rivers male athlete of the week. It’s the fourth time he’s received the distinction and the ninth time he’s been tabbed as the league’s offensive player of the week.
Defensive lineman Blade Durbala was cited as the conference defensive player of the week. Also, outside hitter Krissa Larson and middle hitter Hallie Uhlig swept the volleyball offensive and defensive player of the week awards, respectively.
Meanwhile, wide receiver Tanner Schminke was named to the D3football.com Team of the Week.
Hawkins shattered his three-week-old school record of 424 yards by halftime of Saturday’s 55-21 rout of Coe College at Cedar Rapids and finished with 503 yards, just 2 yards shy of the league record. He completed 32 of 43 throws with no interceptions and six touchdowns before leaving with 5 minutes left in the third quarter. Hawkins extended his interception-free streak to 207 straight passes. He also ran for a 1-yard score. He’s recorded 19 TD passes in the past three games.
The 2019 American Rivers offensive player of the year, Hawkins is the NCAA Division III season leader in touchdown passes (27), passing efficiency (225.2) and points responsible for (28.0 per game). He ranks third in passing yardage (1,971) and third in completion percentage (.746).
Durbala recorded three tackles and 1.5 quarterback sacks. He notched a strip sack and fumble recovery in the third quarter before leaving the game. A D3football.com All-America selection last spring, Durbala has 13 tackles for the year with 5.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, one pass breakup, one blocked kick and two quarterback hurries. It’s the second time he’s received the league honor.
Schminke hauled in a career-high 12 catches for 255 yards and three touchdowns, 4 yards off of Randy Busscher’s 1974 mark set against Ferris State (Mich
Ranked No. 10 in Division III, Central is 6-0 overall and 4-0 in conference action. Larson helped the Dutch volleyball team win two of three matches last week, averaging 19.5 kills with a .384 hitting percentage. She had 22 kills in a crucial 3-2 victory over the University of Dubuque Saturday. It’s the second time she has received the conference award.
Uhlig had 12 blocks for the week, including six in a four-set loss to Loras College Friday night. It’s her second league honor. The Dutch are 11-8 overall and 2-2 in league play.