University of Indianapolis senior quarterback Jake Purichia and McKendree University senior linebacker Austin Weltha and senior wideout/returner Derrick Curry have been named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Players of the Week in football, it was announced by the league office Monday. 

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Austin Weltha, McKendree
Sr., LB, Bloomington, Illinois
Team Result: 42-14 home win vs. Truman State
 

• Finished with a team-best 12 tackles, including six solo stops
• Recorded two fourth-quarter interceptions, including one that he returned 94 yards for a touchdown
• Tied two program records with 94-yard pick-six, as it was his fifth interception of the season, which tied the school’s single-season mark, as well as his third INT return for a score that tied McKendree’s 1997 school record
• Now has 108 tackles on the year, which is tied for fourth on McKendree’s single-season list and makes him just the third Bearcat to post at least 100 stops in one year
• Earns his third career Defensive Player of the Week award (10/19/15, 10/23/17)
• Last McKendree Defensive Player of the Week:  Austin Weltha (10/23/17)