ALFRED, NY – Alfred University's Thomas Welch (Avon, NY/Avon) was named one of the Empire 8 Football Co-Defensive Players of the Week on Monday afternoon.
 
Welch led the Alfred University defense as part of a 28-23 win against Hobart College this past Saturday. The win for the Saxons marked their first against the Statesmen dating back to the 1995 season. Welch stuffed the box score with a forced fumble, a pair of fumble recoveries and an interception returned for a touchdown. Welch finished the game with seven tackles for AU, six of which were solo. In the first quarter during a fourth down situation, a forced fumble was picked up by Welch. With the Saxons leading 14-10 in the third quarter, Welch intercepted a pass and brought it back for a 48-yard touchdown to extend the advantage. The heroics continued for Welch in the third quarter, who had an 11-yard strip sack, picking up his own forced fumble for the Saxons. Welch was additionally credited with one pass breakup for Alfred University. Welch was additionally responsible for a fake punt 12-yard reception on fourth down to extend the opening possession for the Saxons that led to a touchdown.
 
Welch was also named a Saxon of the Week on Monday alongside of women's soccer's Lina Young (North Collins, NY/North Collins). Young joined Welch as the Empire 8 Women's Soccer Offensive Player of the Week on Monday as well as Becca Epping (Mitchell, IN/Bedford North Lawrence) as the Empire 8 Women's Tennis Singles Player of the Week.