Oct. 26, 2005
ST. LOUIS -
Even with the Illinois State football team raking in 11 Gateway Football Conference Player of the Week honors this season, the Redbirds had yet to receive Offensive Lineman of the Week, until Wednesday, when senior left guard Mike Stegeman claimed the honor for the second time in his career.
After Friday's rain-soaked practice heading into the game against then No. 13 Northern Iowa, Stegeman slipped when walking up the steep ramp to the Kaufman Football Building and fell flat on his back. As a result, Stegeman battled a lower back strain throughout Saturday's 38-3 win. When the defense was on the field, the Illinois State athletic training staff rolled Stegeman on large rubber ball to keep his back loose.
The Chatham, Ill., native responded with an 87 percent grade, while posting 11 knockdowns without a missing an assignment or allowing a sack. He also helped pave the way as the Redbirds racked up 425 yards of total offense. It was the first player of the week honor for Stegeman since Sept. 20, 2003.
Stegeman joins Laurént Robinson, Brent Hawkins and Ryan Hoffman as the league's players of the week. All four individuals, along with the rest of the No. 18 Redbirds return to action Saturday when ISU hosts Western Illinois at Hancock Stadium for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.
