Gustavus senior linebacker Tony Palma and junior kick returner Greg Lane have been honored as MIAC Players of the Week for their efforts in the Gusties thrilling 20-19 win over Concordia in Moorhead last Saturday. Palma was recognized as the Defensive Player of the Week, while Lane was selected as the Special Teams Player of the Week.
Palma, a Lino Lakes, Minn. native who graduated from Centennial High School, registered 24 total tackles including two tackles for loss and forced a fumble to help the Gusties defeat the Cobbers. Palma’s 24 tackles (8 solo, 16 assisted) set a new Gustavus single game record for total tackles. The old mark was 21 set by Isaac Sieling against Concordia in 2004. Palma also became only the 14th player at Gustavus to record 100 tackles in a season as he finished with 46 solos and 62 assists for 108 tackles. In addition, Palma finished the season ranked first in the MIAC in tackles in conference games with 93 (11.6 tackles per game).
Lane, a Chaska, Minn. native who graduated from Chaska High School, returned a kickoff 86 yards for a touchdown with 39 seconds remaining in regulation to help the Gusties stun Concordia 20-19. The Cobbers made a field goal with 54 seconds remaining to increase their lead to 19-13 and then on the ensuing kickoff Lane caught the ball at the Gustavus 14-yard line, broke one tackle and received several key blocks as he sprinted up the sidelines for the touchdown. Lane returned three kicks for 123 yards in the game. It was the second time he has returned a kickoff for a touchdown in his career. Lane finished third in the MIAC in kick
return average this season at 28.2 yards per return (13 returns for 366 yards).
The Gusties closed out their 2009 season in a four-way tie for fourth place in the MIAC with mark of 3-5.