DiMarco, Batterson Honored by League

William Penn University Athletics

Oskaloosa–Nick DiMarco (Jr., St. Charles, Mo., Physical Education) and Jacob Batterson (Sr., Eddyville, Iowa, Industrial Technology) both had huge performances last Saturday and that helped the pair to Midwest League weekly honors.

DiMarco collected his first Defensive Player of the Week laurel and Batterson was named Special Teams Player of the Week for the first time in 2013. The duo helped William Penn (3-3, 1-1 MWL) to a dominating 65-0 win over Waldorf.

DiMarco led all Statesmen defenders with ten tackles (3.5 for loss) in addition to two sacks and one pass breakup. The junior defensive end guided the navy and gold to limit the Warriors to only 150 total yards, including just 72 after the first quarter. William Penn forced three turnovers and eight punts.

For the year, DiMarco has 31 tackles (13.5 for loss), eight sacks, two pass breakups, two fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, and two blocked kicks.

Speaking of blocked kicks, Batterson had one during a tremendous showing. The senior safety accomplished the feat on a second quarter Warrior punt to set up WPU’s third touchdown. In the first stanza, Batterson came up with one of the host’s three interceptions.

The day was highlighted in the return game, however, as Batterson received the opening kickoff of the second half and took it 85 yards for a score. The touchdown return is the program’s first of the fall.

For the year, Batterson has 34 tackles (one for loss), one interception, four pass breakups, one forced fumble, and three blocked kicks.

The awards are the third and fourth for WPU this year.