FHSU Athletics
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fort Hays State defensive back Michael Chavez was named the MIAA Defensive Athlete of the Week, presented by FieldTurf, on Monday, October 6 for his performance in a win at Missouri Southern this past Saturday. This is the third time a Tiger has been the Defensive Athlete of the Week this season after John Johnson collected the honor twice.
Chavez had a big all-around performance for the Tigers in the 28-21 win at Missouri Southern. He finished the game with eight tackles, one interception, one strip sack that resulted in a turnover, and one fumble recovery. In the second quarter, Chavez forced a fumble on his sack, recovered by the Tigers at the MSSU 37. It led to a touchdown, pushing the FHSU lead to 17-7. Early in the third quarter, he recovered a fumble forced by John Johnson in MSSU territory that led to a field goal to push the Tiger lead to 20-14. In the fourth quarter with the Tigers up 28-14, Chavez intercepted an MSSU pass in FHSU territory, which allowed FHSU to chew more time off the clock before eventually winning by seven.
Chavez joined Donovyn Omolo of Central Missouri (Offensive Athlete of the Week) and Divante Herrig-Brittian of Emporia State (Special Teams Athlete of the Week) as the weekly honorees from the conference office.