Missouri Western place kicker and Omaha native Thomas Kopcho was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week Monday after his record-setting performance against Northeastern State Saturday.

 Kopcho was a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a long of 44 yards. He also connected on all six of his point-after attempts to score a school and league record of 21 points in a single game as a kicker, helping the Griffons to a 57-24 win at Spratt Stadium Saturday.

His five made field goals also tied a school record. Head coach Matt Williamson said Kopcho had trouble gaining confidence early in the season, but had noticed him making strides in practice and decided to give him a shot.

"He was just so frustrated at the beginning of the season," Williamson said. "He was a little bit inconsistent and those guys get in their heads a little bit. So, it was really good to see him do that. I know he has it in him. I knew he always did."

Missouri Western stays home this weekend to face Pittsburg State. Kickoff from Spratt Stadium on Saturday is set for 4 p.m. The game will be carried live on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634593069876.jpeg" alt="Courtesy of the MIAA." />
 <figcaption>Courtesy of the MIAA.</figcaption>
 </figure>By TOMMY REZACSt. Joseph PostMissouri Western place kicker and Omaha native Thomas Kopcho was named the MIAA Special Teams Player of the Week Monday after his record-setting performance against Northeastern State Saturday. Kopcho was a perfect 5-for-5 on field goals, including a long of 44 yards. He also connected on all six of his point-after attempts to score a school and league record of 21 points in a single game as a kicker, helping the Griffons to a 57-24 win at Spratt Stadium Saturday.His five made field goals also tied a school record. Head coach Matt Williamson said Kopcho had trouble gaining confidence early in the season, but had noticed him making strides in practice and decided to give him a shot."He was just so frustrated at the beginning of the season," Williamson said. "He was a little bit inconsistent and those guys get in their heads a little bit. So, it was really good to see him do that. I know he has it in him. I knew he always did."Missouri Western stays home this weekend to face Pittsburg State. Kickoff from Spratt Stadium on Saturday is set for 4 p.m. The game will be carried live on KFEQ Radio (680 AM, 95.3 FM).

Missouri Western kicker Thomas Kopcho named MIAA Specialist of the Week