Missouri Western senior linebacker Stephen Juergens has been named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week. It’s the first time Juergens has received the honor.

The Kearney, Missouri native came up big for the Griffon defense in his final game. Juergens tallied 13 total tackles, three for loss and a sack. His third tackle for loss stopped Missouri Southern on a fourth down play that sealed the 22-21 victory for Missouri Western.

For the third straight season, Juergens led Missouri Western in tackles with 108 total stops. His 59 solo tackles were best on the team by 15 and his 12 tackles for loss were the most of any Griffon defender. He also had 3.5 sacks, two quarterback hurries a fumble recovery and an interception.

Juergens joins fellow Missouri Western linebacker Kirk Resseguie and safety Marc Harrison as the three Griffons to receive the award this year. Kicker John Schmiemeier was also named the MIAA Special Teams Athlete of the Week twice this year.

Western finished the 2014 season 7-4.

— MWSU Sports Information —