FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302

CCIW Press Release

Sept. 19, 2011 - North Central College defensive end Valente Garza and defensive back Caleb Bednarz have been selected as the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Football Players of the Week on Defense and Special Teams, respectively, for the week of Sept. 17.

Garza and Bednarz became the first Cardinals to receive CCIW Player of the Week Awards this season after being recognized for their contributions to Saturday's 86-14 victory over Olivet College.

Garza made a total of four tackles against the Comets, including two quarterback sacks, and forced a fumble as North Central limited Olivet to 169 total yards and forced five turnovers. A First Team All-CCIW and Third Team All-America selection in 2010, Garza is now tied for second in school history in career sacks (22.5).

Bednarz returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown in the third period, completing the second-longest punt return in school history, and also returned an interception 26 yards for a score. Bednarz is the only player to return a punt for a touchdown thus far this season and is the first freshman to receive a Player of the Week Award from the CCIW in 2011.

The Cardinals are idle until Saturday, Oct. 1, when they open CCIW play at Carthage College. Kickoff at Art Keller Field is scheduled for 1 p.m.