Tyler Vrieze, a senior captain on the Gustavus football team, was named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week. Vrieze, a 2000 graduate of Richfield High School, is the son of Carl and Kathy Vrieze of Richfield.
Vrieze, the squad’s starting invert linebacker, put forth an impressive performance in the Gusties season opening 37-34 double overtime loss at Buena Vista (Iowa) on Saturday, September 6. He tallied a team-high 11 tackles, including a team-best eight solo tackles. Midway through the first quarter, Vrieze recovered a fumble and proceeded to return the ball 30 yards for a touchdown to give the Gusties a 14-0 lead. Augsburg’s Yarzue Slowan and Nick Schlieman were named this week’s offensive and special teams players of the week.
Gustavus returns to action on Saturday, September 13 by hosting Concordia College in the MIAC opener for both squads. The Gusties, who have split their last six games with the Cobbers, have won six consecutive home openers.