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

Oct. 21, 2024 - North Central College linebacker BJ Adamchik and kicker Sean Ryniec have been named the College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Football Student-Athletes of the Week on defense and special teams, respectively, for the week of Oct. 19.

The accolades are the second for each in their collegiate career and come on the heels of Saturday's 69-0 Homecoming victory over North Park University at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium. The Cardinals scored on their final 10 offensive possessions and allowed North Park to gain just 84 total yards, the third-fewest by a North Central opponent.

Adamchik led the Cardinals' defensive effort with six solo tackles, including a career-high three tackles for loss, as North Park was limited to six first downs and did not run any plays in North Central territory. Previously honored as a CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week following a 56-12 victory at Wabash College on Sept. 10, 2022, Adamchik ranks second among the Cardinals' defenders with 29 total tackles this season, has already established a career high with six tackles for loss in 2024, and is six tackles shy of entering North Central's all-time career top 10.

Ryniec successfully converted 9 of 9 extra-point kicks and connected on field goals of 40 and 22 yards to contribute 15 points to the Cardnals' efforts Saturday, establishing a career high and posting the third-highest single-game total in North Central's history. Ryniec has made 47 of 47 extra-point attempts this season along with four of six field goals, leading the CCIW and ranking 28th among all NCAA Division III players in points scored (59) this season. The sophomore also received the distinction last season following a 59-6 victory over Elmhurst University.

North Central has claimed four total CCIW Student-Athlete of the Week awards this season. Running back Joe Sacco and quarterback Luke Lehnen were recognized on offense after a 48-21 win at Aurora University and a 55-27 triumph over Wheaton College, respectively.

North Central (6-0, 5-0 CCIW) travels to face Augustana College (3-3, 2-3) Saturday. Kickoff at Lindberg Stadium is set for 1:00 p.m. Click HERE for the full 2024 schedule and live coverage options.

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