OXFORD, Ohio - After leading each of their teams to their first wins of the season, junior forward Emily Gruesser of the field hockey team and senior linebacker Pat Hinkel of the football team have been named Miami's Female and Male Athletes of the Week, respectively, for the week of Sep. 3-9.

Gruesser (Cincinnati, Ohio) led the Miami offense as the RedHawks broke through with a pair of victories last weekend. She had two goals in the comeback win against Longwood on Saturday. She recorded the tying goal in the 38th minute on a penalty corner. Gruesser then helped put the game away in the 64th minute with a goal that gave Miami a 6-4 lead. She tallied her third goal of the weekend against the nationally ranked Buckeyes, tying the game in the 32nd minute, a game the RedHawks would go on to win, 2-1.

In just his second game at linebacker after switching from safety last year, Hinkel (Westlake, Ohio) played a huge role in Miami's 30-14 victory over Southern Illinois Saturday, helping the football team earn its first win of the year. He snagged a pair of interceptions, his first two of the year, giving him six for his career. He returned his first interception 24 yards for his first career touchdown in the second quarter, which broke a 7-7 tie and gave Miami a 14-7 lead. He became the first RedHawk with two interceptions in a game since Nov. 23, 2010 while his touchdown was the first interception return for a score by Miami since Sept. 24, 2011. His second interception also led to a Miami touchdown, as he returned his second pick 25 yards, setting up the score two plays later that put the 'Hawks up 24-7 in the third quarter. Hinkel tied a game high with 11 tackles as well, including three solo stops, matching his career high of 11 vs. Toledo on Oct. 22, 2011. He was credited with a pair of pass break-ups, too.

The Miami Athlete of the Week award is the first such honor for either Gruesser or Hinkel in their careers.

Gruesser and the field hockey team are back in action this weekend, traveling to Virginia for games at No. 6 Virginia Saturday, Sep. 15 and at William & Mary Sep. 16. Hinkel leads the football team back on the field Saturday when the RedHawks take on Boise State in Idaho.

The next Miami Athletes of the Week will be announced Tuesday, Sep. 18. For a list of previous winners, click here.

--MURedHawks.com--