Four Albion College student-athletes – cross country runner Kiehl Smith, football quarterback Kyle Thomas and defensive end Mitchell Andersen and men's soccer defenseman Jonathon Daily – have been named Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Athletes of the Week in their respective sports, Sheila Morrigan, the league's director of media relations announced Tuesday.
Smith, a junior from Jonesville, Mich., was the first runner to reach the finish line as Albion defeated regionally ranked squads from DePauw University and the University of Mount Union. He completed the 8K course in 26 minutes, 29 seconds. He finished nearly 10 seconds ahead of Austin Neura.
"I'm happy with the race. I put in a huge summer (of training)," Smith said. "I was with the top two guys for the first mile and then I took it and led for the rest of the race. It was exciting to do that by myself."
Next up for the cross country team is a Saturday meet hosted by the University of Detroit Mercy in Northville, Mich.
Thomas, a sophomore who prepped Walled Lake Western, completed 23-of-34 passes for 267 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in the Britons 59-6 opening week victory over Defiance (Ohio) College. He also averaged nearly 8 ½ yards per carry, gaining 59 yards on seven attempts.
Arendsen, a sophomore who prepped at Holland Christian, wrapped up three sacks, tied for the most of a Division III player on the opening week of the season, against Defiance. He was credited with five tackles in the game.
The football team continues non-league play this week with its home opener against Franklin (Ind.) College. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. on the Schmidt/Fraser Field inside Sprankle-Sprandel Stadium.
Daily, a sophomore from Brighton, Mich., was named the Defensive Player of the Week in men's soccer. He scored the first two goals of his collegiate career as the Britons started the season with victories over Marian University and Lawrence University.
After a Tuesday home match against Wheaton (Ill.) College, the men's soccer team will travel to California for weekend matches against Willamette (Ore.) University and UC Santa Cruz.