Gustavus Adolphus junior free safety Brad Kruckeberg was named to the D3football.com All-West Region Team on Thursday morning. Kruckeberg earned All-West Third Team Defense Honors, becoming one of five players from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) to earn a spot on the third team. Kruckeberg, named Second Team All-MIAC at the conclusion of the season, led Gustavus and the MIAC in interceptions this season.
The Ellendale, Minn. native made a successful transition from corner to free safety this season, intercepting a league-high six passes and tallying 103 interception return yards. One of his interceptions resulted in a 70-yard runback to the house against Hamline. Kruckeberg also led the MIAC in passes defended at 1.20 (6 Brup, 6 Int) per game. He finished the season fourth on the team in tackles with 54 (28 solo, 26 asst) with one fumble recovery. Kruckeberg is just one of three defensive backs from the MIAC to earn a place on the All-West Region Team. Safety Brady Ervin of St. Thomas was named to the First Team, while Brendan Flaherty of Bethel was named Second Team.
Kruckeberg is a Biology major with a 3.873 GPA. He is a member of the Tau Psi Omega (REDS) fraternity at Gustavus and a volunteer at the Special Olympics, Relay For Life, and St. Peter Food Shelf.