Sibbel claims weekly GPAC defensive award
SEWARD, Neb. – For the first time in his career, junior Tait Sibbel has been named the GPAC/Hauff Mid-America Sports Defensive Player of the Week, as announced by the league on Monday. Sibbel becomes the second Bulldog football player to be named a conference player of the week this season. Fellow defensive back Tarence Roby collected the defensive honor on Sept. 22 and the special teams weekly award on Oct. 20.
Sibbel did it all defensively in leading Concordia to a 27-19 win over No. 24 Dakota Wesleyan on Saturday. The native of O’Neill, Neb., returned a Francois Barnaud fumble 41 yards for a first-quarter touchdown that put the Bulldogs on the board first. On Dakota Wesleyan’s previous possession, Sibbel intercepted Dillon Turner’s pass. Sibbel also made seven tackles from his safety position.
A second team all-conference selection last season, Sibbel ranks fourth on the team with 55 tackles this season. He also has two interceptions, two pass break ups, a fumble recovery and a tackle for loss. A starter for each of his first three seasons, Sibbel’s career numbers include 176 tackles, seven interceptions and seven pass break ups.
Sibbel and the Bulldogs (4-6, 3-5 GPAC) return to action on Saturday when they close the season at Briar Cliff. Kickoff from Memorial Field in Sioux City, Iowa, is set for 1 p.m.