Matt Boyce And Maddison Ackiss Named September Student-Athletes-Of-The-Month

ST. PETER, Minn. – Senior wide receiver Matt Boyce (Excelsior, Minn.) and junior forward Maddison Ackiss (Fairbanks, Alaska) have been selected as the Gustavus Adolphus College September Male and Female Student-Athletes-of-the-Month presented by Thrivent Financial. Selections made by the Gustavus Sports Information Department.

Matt Boyce

Position: Wide Receiver

Hometown: Excelsior, Minn.

High School: Minnetonka

Major: Management and Communication Studies

Parents: Todd and Francine Boyce of Excelsior, Minn.

Matt Boyce has been a key factor in the football team’s explosive start to the 2015 season as the Gusties are 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Boyce stands on top of the conference ranks in nearly every receiving statistical category and is among the best wide receivers in the nation. After four games, Boyce’s nine receiving touchdowns are most in the MIAC and NCAA Division III. Only one player in all levels of NCAA football (FBS, FCS, Division II, Division III) has more receiving touchdowns than Boyce. The Minnetonka High School product has 577 total yards (1st/MIAC, 2nd/NCAA), averages 144.3 yards per game (1st/MIAC, 7th/NCAA) and has hauled in 32 receptions (2nd/MIAC). Boyce currently has 2,554 career receiving yards and would need to average 105 yards per game in the remaining six games this season to become Gustavus’ all-time receiving leader. Chad Arlt (2005-08) holds the record with 3,180 career yards.

Maddison Ackiss

Position: Forward

Hometown: Fairbanks, Alaska

High School: West Valley

Major: Management

Parents: Robert and Colleen Ackiss of Fairbanks, Alaksa

Maddison Ackiss has been Gustavus’ top goal-scorer dating back to her first year wearing the Black and Gold and its finally paying off in the win column for the Gusties. Ackiss has helped lead the Gusties to their first 4-0 start in the MIAC schedule since 2000. The West Valley High School product ranks No. 1 in the MIAC with six goals, 29 shots and three game-winning goals. Her 16 shots on goal are third most in the conference, while her 12 points are fifth in the league. Ackiss’ game-winning goals all came in conference play against Macalester, St. Olaf and Saint Mary’s. Ackiss scored both goals in the win over Macalester, leading the Gusties to their first win over the Scots since 1995. Ackiss was also named MIAC Athlete of the Week after the Gusties claimed wins over Macalester and St. Olaf.