Augustine, Thompson and Nieuwesteeg named OUA Football Players of the Week
HAMILTON, Ont. - The following athletes have been named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Football Players of the Week for the period ending November 9th, 2015.
BURLINGTON, Ont. - The following athletes have been named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Football Players of the Week for the period ending November 9th, 2015.
OFFENCE: Johnny Augustine (Welland, Ont.) – 3rd yr. – Guelph
Johnny Augustine (Welland, Ont.) was on fire against Carleton this weekend, torching the Ravens defence as the Gryphons advanced to the 108th Yates Cup and picks up Offensive Player of the Week honours.
The Welland, Ont. native rushed for a healthy 245 yards on 35 carries to go along with two touchdowns, as Guelph topped Carleton 33-21 in their semifinal matchup.
Augustine’s two touchdowns came at a crucial point late in the fourth quarter, and put the game out of reach for the Ravens as Guelph advanced to their fourth Yates Cup appearance in five years.
The 5-foot-10, 210 lbs running back has been phenomenal for the Gryphs all year, averaging just over 100 yards rushing per game while adding 12 touchdowns, good for second place in CIS.
DEFENCE: Malcolm Thompson (Windsor, Ont.) –2nd yr. – Laurier
Defensive back Malcolm Thompson (Windsor, Ont.) took home OUA Defensive Player of the Week honours after a terrific performance in a losing effort against the Western Mustangs.
Thompson, a Windsor, Ont. native, had 8.5 tackles against the Mustangs, including four solo tackles, forced a fumble, and ran back an interception 58 yards for Laurier’s only touchdown on the day.
The second-year sociology student-athlete had a stellar season for the Golden Hawks, finishing second on Laurier with 42 tackles, and added two interceptions and one forced fumble in eight regular season games.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Ryan Nieuwesteeg (Niagara Falls, Ont.) – 4th yr. – Guelph
Ryan Nieuwesteeg (Niagara Falls, Ont.) takes home Special Teams Player of the Week after another incredible returning performance against Carleton last weekend, helping the Gryphons advance to the 108th Yates Cup where they will meet the Western Mustangs.
Nieuwesteeg clocked 184 return yards against the Ravens, 162 those coming off dynamic punt returns. The Niagara Falls, Ont. native also collected 48 yards through the air on two huge catches to help propel the Guelph offence in the win.
The fourth-year sociology student-athlete has been a major factor for the Gryphs this year, leading the team in all-purpose yards with 1313. Nieuwesteeg has been dynamic, contributing in the rushing, receiving and return game while collecting three touchdowns.
