MADISON, Wis. (Blugolds.com) - UW-Eau Claire football running back Joel Sweeney (Fr.-Tomah, Wis.) has been named this week's Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) Athlete of the Week for offense, Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations Matt Stanek announced today.

Sweeney played a key role in the Blugolds' conference-opening, homecoming victory over UW-Stevens Point on Oct. 2. Not only was he the Blugolds' leading rusher (109 yards on 28 attempts), but he was also the leading receiver (120 yards on five receptions). Sweeney scored a touchdown in overtime on a 16-yard screen play that helped the Blugolds go on to the 20-13 victory. On a 3rd-and-22 in the fourth quarter, Sweeney had a 64-yard gain on a screen pass, and later in the drive the Blugolds kicked a field goal to tie the game at 13-13. His long rush of the day, 26 yards, also came on a drive in the third quarter that the Blugolds capped off by kicking a field goal to make the score 10-3.

This is the second time Sweeney has been named the WIAC Athlete of the Week. Previously he received the honor the first week of the season.

Sweeney was also mentioned on D3football.com under their "Statistical Spotlight" section

UW-Eau Claire was also mentioned in D3football.com's Plays of the Week for week five - View All Videos