APPLETON, Wis. -- Joe Vander Zanden turned in a dominating performance this
past Saturday and was named the Midwest Conference Defensive Player of the Week.
Vander Zanden, a freshman linebacker from Kimberly, paced the Lawrence defense
in its 35-7 nonconference win over Macalester College in the Banta Bowl.
The former Kimberly High School star recorded a game-high 12 tackles, including
three tackles for loss and a sack. He also intercepted a pass and forced a fumble,
which was recovered by the Vikings. Spearheaded by Vander Zanden, the Lawrence
defense limited Macalester to 58 yards rushing on 32 carries.
Vander Zanden finished the season, in which he missed two full games due to
injury, with 76 tackles and a team-high nine tackles for loss.