Local College Student Josh Aakre Honored by MIAC and D3Football.com

SAINT PAUL, MN (09/09/2011)(readMedia)-- Bethel University senior Josh Aakre of Dawson, Minn., was named as the 2011 season's first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) Offensive Player-of-the-Week. As quarterback, Aakre led Bethel to a 55-3 win over Simpson College (IA) with five touchdowns in the Royals home opener on Saturday, September 3.

Aakre ran 10 times for 139 yards and three scores, including the first two touchdowns of the season and a 75-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, which earned him "Play of the Week" by D3Football.com. He was equally efficient throwing the ball, going 10-of-14 through the air for another 144 yards and two more scores, with a long completion of 29 yards. Aakre only led two drives that did not result in a Bethel score, and he directed an offense that racked up 55 points, 577 total yards (411 rushing), 28 first downs, and more than an 11-minute advantage in time of possession. The senior signal caller now has 49 total career combined rushing/passing touchdowns.

Bethel University is a leader in Christ-centered higher education with approximately 6,400 students from 47 states and 32 countries enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, seminary, and adult education programs. Based in St. Paul, Minn., with additional seminary locations on both coasts, Bethel offers rigorous bachelor's and advanced degrees in nearly 100 relevant fields. For further information on Bethel University, go to www.bethel.edu.