Senior linebacker Bill Aukerman (Greensburg, Pa./Greater Latrobe) was named the North Coast Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week after helping Denison to a 37-20 victory over Kalamazoo College to open the 2009 season.

Leading 30-20 in the fourth quarter, Kalamazoo had the ball in Denison territory and was threatening to cut into the Big Red lead until Aukerman jumped in front of Brandon Luczak's third down pass, returning the interception 64-yards for the touchdown.  The TD gave Denison a 17-point lead with just over seven minutes to play and sealed the Big Red's opening day win.

The interception and touchdown were the first of Aukerman's career.  He also added one sack and four solo tackles in the game.

Denison (1-0) will travel to Crawfordsville, Ind. this Saturday (Sept. 12) for a 1 p.m. clash with No. 18 Wabash College.