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EOU's
Vernon Smith named NAIA Defensive Player of the Week
September 14, 2004
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Vernon
Smith |
OLATHE, Kan. - The
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has named
Eastern Oregon University senior cornerback Vernon Smith (6-1,
San Diego, Calif.), National
Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in EOU's 45-14
victory over Menlo College last Saturday.
Smith, playing in his
first game as a Mountaineer after transferring from the University of
Montana, tied an Eastern Oregon record with three interceptions in a
game, two of which were returned for touchdowns. His
interception returns racked up over 100 yards for his initial
all-purpose yardage numbers. In addition to
his interceptions, Smith tallied three pass deflections, five tackles
and a sack.
The speedy
Mountaineer corner also contributed on the kickoff return team with
two returns for 86 yards, including a 53-yard jaunt.
The win helped propel
Eastern Oregon in the NAIA's top-30 list in 29th position. This
is the first season in the past eight for Eastern Oregon as a solo
affiliate of the NAIA. For the past seven seasons the
Mountaineers have been dual affiliated with the NAIA and NCAA Division
III.
Next Saturday,
Eastern Oregon (1-0) will host cross-state rival Willamette University
(1-1). The game will begin at 1 pm from Community Stadium and
cane be heard throughout Eastern Oregon on 104.7 FM KCMB, or around
the world on the internet at www.eou.edu/webcast.
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