ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Kicker/punter Paul Geelen and offensive lineman Noah Fenske have received weekly awards from the Missouri Valley Football Conference, as announced by the league on Monday.

For the second time this season, Geelen has been named the MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week while Fenske received his first Offensive Lineman of the Week honors.

Geelen had another strong day for the Salukis in their 37-7 win over No. 11 Illinois State. The senior from the Netherlands went a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals of 48, 36, and 32 yards. The 48-yarder came in the fourth quarter and was Geelen’s second-longest field goal of the year (made a 53-yarder at Purdue on Sept. 6).

With Saturday’s efficient performance, Geelen finished the year 15-of-17 on field goals for a percentage of 88.2%. This ranked second in the conference, while the 15 field goals made were tied for second. The senior ended the season tied for seventh in the FCS in field-goal percentage.

Geelen also received the award on Sept. 15 after SIU’s 37-10 win at UT Martin.

Fenske earned MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week after posting a 94% grade against the Redbirds. The veteran also recorded seven knockdowns and did not allow a sack on Saturday.

The New Hampton, Iowa, native helped lead the charge for a Saluki team that rushed for 296 yards at Illinois State. This was SIU’s second-largest rushing total of the season (had 430 vs. Indiana State on Oct. 4).

Fenske, who started 11 games at left tackle in 2024, was Southern Illinois’ starting center for all 12 contests in 2025.

Missouri Valley Football Conference Weekly Award Winners – Monday, Nov. 24
Offensive Player of the Week: RB Jawaun Northington, Murray State
Defensive Player of the Week: DB Dylan Rowsey, Murray State
Special Teams Player of the Week: K/P Paul Geelen, Southern Illinois
Newcomer of the Week: KR/WR Ky “Flash” Wilson, Youngstown State
Offensive Lineman of the Week: C Noah Fenske, Southern Illinois