ALFRED, NY – In an official announcement by Associate Commissioner, Joe Venniro on Monday, the Empire 8 named Steven Bidwell (Owego, NY/Owego Free Academy) as the Football Special Teams Player of the Week.
 
Bidwell was credited with the first touchdown of the day against Hartwick College as he blocked a punt at the Hartwick 32-yard line, picked it up at the 30 and carried it into the endzone for the early, 6-0 lead. Immediately following the PAT, Bidwell would record a tackle on the ensuing kickoff. He then got in on offense, recording 76 yards on 11 carries including a rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter, scoring AU's final score of the day in the 42-6 win. His longest run was for 24 yards.
 
Bidwell was joined in the Empire 8 listings by Cara Bratthauar (Chambersburg, PA/Chambersburg Area) the E8 Women's Volleyball Rookie of the Week.