Kicker Mathew Sims was named the MAC West Specialist of the Week for his performance against Central Michigan Saturday in the Huskies’s 55-24 victory. This is the first time Sims has been honored with the award.

Sims totaled 17 of NIU’s points, which is a career-high for Sims. He ran for a 7-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter on a fake field goal attempt after holder Ryan Neir flipped it over his head to Sims

Sims also connected on two field goals, one coming from 43 yards, which is one yard shy of his career-long. Sims also converted on five of five extra point attempts.

During the season, Sims has made four out of five field goal attempts and has converted 20 of 21 extra point attempts. He leads the Huskies in points this season with 38.

The is the fifth consecutive week an NIU player has been selected as a MAC West Player of the Week. Defensive end Sean Progar and safety Jimmie Ward both won the MAC West Defensive Player of the Week in weeks one and two, while quarterback Jordan Lynch received the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week in weeks three and four.

The weekly recipients of the NIU Scholar-Athletes of the Week are Jason Schepler of football and volleyball’s MacKenzie Roddy.

The red shirt senior tight end did not record a reception in the Huskies’s victory over the Chippewas, but he did not need to in order to make an impact, as Schepler paved the way for 407 yards rushing.

His blocking helped quarterback Jordan Lynch to 152 yards rushing and running back Leighton Settle to 144 yards.

His biggest block came on a fake field goal in the fourth quarter when he opened up a huge hole, allowing Sims to run for a seven-yard touchdown.

Schepler was just as effective in the classroom, maintaining a 3.867 GPA while majoring in electrical engineering.

Roddy, volleyball’s sophomore outside hitter, played a huge part in NIU starting off MAC play, 2-0.

In NIU’s victory over Ball State, Roddy recorded 15 kills, 12 digs, two blocks, an assist and an ace for 17 points, while hitting .316.

Against Toledo, Roddy tallied 12 kills, eight digs, two blocks and hit .333.

On the season, Roddy has eight matches with over a .300 hitting percentage and has recorded four double-doubles.

The accountancy major also holds a 3.893 GPA.