Van Winkle Earns GPAC Weekly Honor Following Clutch Performance

MITCHELL, S.D. – The Dakota Wesleyan University football team's offense came alive in the fourth quarter to erase a 16-point deficit in a 27-23 win over Doane College last weekend at Joe Quintal Field in Mitchell, S.D.

The Tiger playmakers would not have had the opportunity for the dramatic comeback if not for big plays by the DWU defense, including two interceptions in the final three minutes by junior safety Jared Van Winkle.

For his effort, the Tyndall, S.D., native has been named the Great Plains Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week, it was announced Tuesday.

Van Winkle's first interception came on the first play from scrimmage after the Tigers had fought to within two points with 2:59 remaining. Van Winkle picked off the pass from Doane quarterback Brandon Stuart and returned it 21 yards to set DWU up at the 24-yard line going in. The Tigers scored on the next play to take the lead for good.

The second interception for Van Winkle, who added six tackles and a pass break up in the victory, came on the final drive for Doane and secured the win for DWU.

The GPAC POTW award is the third defensive and fifth overall honor this season for DWU (5-1, 3-1 GPAC), which plays at No. 1 Morningside College at 1 p.m. Saturday in Sioux City, Iowa.