GRAND FORKS, N.D. - After grabbing a career-high and UND single-game record three interceptions against Big 12 opponent Texas Tech, University of North Dakota junior DB Joel Schwenzfeier (Hallock, Minn.) was named 2009's first Great West Conference Defensive Player of the Week.

Along with his drive-stopping interceptions, Schwenzfeier led the Sioux defensive - along with teammate junior DB Kris Ankenbauer (Murphy, Texas) - with a career-best seven solo tackles.

Last season, Schwenzfeier finished with a total of two interceptions and 20 yards on return. This season he started things off with a trio of interceptions and ran them back for a total of 32 yards. He was the only player on both sides to register an interception.

A preseason Davey O'Brien Award candidate, TTU's Taylor Potts has only thrown one interception in each of his past two seasons.

The first pickoff of the evening came at 12:58 in the second quarter when Schwenzfeier jumped in front of a pass from Potts intended for Cornelius Douglas. After catching the ball on the UND9, Schwenzfeier wasn't brought down until he passed the UND40. His interception ended TTU's 31-yard, second half opening drive.

The second interception of the night came with 00:12 left in the half when Schwenzfeier foiled a Pott's pass on the UND15. His record-tying third interception was recorded with 11:06 remaining in the game.

The last time a Fighting Sioux player registered three interceptions in a single game was on Oct. 15, 1994 when Mike Mooney tallied three in the 21-7 victory over Augustana.

Schwenzfeier is the first UND player to be named GWC's defensive player of the week. He currently leads the league in interceptions and is tied at No. 2 with five other players in tackles. Defensively, the Sioux are ranked first in rushing defense and interceptions.

- Go Sioux -

Great West Conference Players of the Week

OFFENSE

Week 1 - QB Noah Shepard (USD)

DEFENSE

Week 1 - DB Joel Schwenzfeier (UND)

SPECIAL TEAMS

Week 1 - K Ryan Griffith (SUU)