KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- University of Central Missouri Mules Football's Brian Dykstra was voted the MIAA Co-Defensive Athlete of the Week for his performance on the football field during the week of Oct. 26 through Nov. 1, the conference office announced on Monday, Nov. 2. 

A senior defensive back from Denver, Colo., Dykstra made two key defensive plays in UCM's 31-13 win over Fort Hays State on Halloween Saturday, Oct. 31, at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field in Warrensburg. Dykstra recovered a fumble that was forced by teammate Drew Kaufman and returned it 27 yards to the house for Central Missouri's first fumble-recovery touchdown since 2022, building the Central Missouri lead to 24-13 with eight minutes to go in the third quarter. On the very next Fort Hays State drive, Dykstra picked off a pass on fourth down on the UCM 9-yard line, keeping the Tigers off the scoreboard during the drive and giving the ball back to the Mules. In addition, he added four tackles and one pass breakup in the game. 

Dykstra shared Defensive Athlete of the Week honors with Washburn's JC Heim. 

The Mules are scheduled to travel to Pittsburg, Kan., for a 2 p.m. MIAA contest against the Pittsburg State Gorillas on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Carnie Smith Stadium.