Kalamazoo, Mich. - Freshman running back and kick returner Aaron Winchester amassed 204 all-purpose yards, including a 48-yard kick off return that set up WMU's first score of the second half en route to a 27-17 win over Toledo.  His performance in his first career start earned him Mid-American Conference West Division Special Teams Player of the Week.

Winchester, starting in place of Brandon West at running back and as the Broncos' primary kick return specialist, carried the load for Western Michigan against the Rockets.  His game was highlighted by the second-longest kick return of his young career to open the second half, setting up a drive that he highlighted with six runs to get WMU to the 11-yard line before scoring.  The touchdown was seven points in a span of 17 unanswered for the Broncos and sealed their ninth win of the season.

Coming into the 11th game of the season, Winchester had rushed for 79 yards on 25 carries (3.2 yards per carry).  On Saturday, the North Miami Beach, Fla., native carried the ball 28 times for 111 yards (3.96 ypc) for the first 100-yard rushing game of his career.  His 204 all-purpose yards were also a career high and the second-most by a Bronco this season.

Winchester joins West and fellow freshman John Potter as the only three members of the WMU football team to earn a MAC West Special Teams POTW award this season.  Potter's award came just one week ago after making good on three field goal attempts against Illinois.

Western Michigan (9-2, 6-1 MAC) closes out the regular season at nationally ranked Ball State on Nov. 25.  The game is currently scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m., from Schuemann Stadium.  Television details will be confirmed later this week.