KALAMAZOO, Mich. - Senior linebacker and Lebanon, Ohio, native Austin Pritchard earned Mid-American Conference West Division Defensive Player of the week after his performance at Indiana on Sept. 12.  This is Pritchard's first conference honor of the  year and second of his career.

Pritchard blocked a kick for the first time in his career when he stuffed Indiana's 22-yard attempt in the fourth quarter.  The block kept WMU within one score heading into the final drive.  It was also the first blocked field goal for the Broncos since EJ Biggers accomplished the feat against Ohio on Oct. 4, 2008.

Pritchard also made a game high 12 tackles for his second double-digit tackle performance of the season.  He also led the Broncos with 11 stops in the season opener at Michigan and now has a team-best 23 tackles on the year. 

This was the first honor of the season for Pritchard and the second of his career.  His first came after the West Virginia game in 2007 when he amassed 11 tackles in the season opener.

Western Michigan opens MAC play when the Broncos welcome Miami to Waldo Stadium on Sept. 19 for CommUniverCity Night.  Kick off is 7 p.m.