MIDWAY, Ky. - After helping Midway sprint football open its 2026 campaign with a victory, Hayden Cockrell has been named the Midwest Sprint Football League Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office anounced Tuesday.

Cockrell played a key role in the Eagles' 38-24 road victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph on Saturday, contributing in both the kicking and punting games.

The Winchester, Kentucky native was perfect on his place-kicking opportunities, connecting on a 26-yard field goal while converting all three of his extra-point attempts.

Cockrell made an even bigger impact in the field-position battle.

He punted six times for 215 yards, averaging 35.8 yards per punt. Four of his six punts were downed inside the Calumet 20-yard line, while his longest punt traveled 50 yards.

The performance continues Cockrell's success on special teams after he connected on a program-record 47-yard field goal during the 2025 season.

Cockrell and the Eagles return home Saturday when they welcome Bellarmine University to Midway Turf Field for their 2026 home opener.

About Midway University Athletics

Midway University competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and its 29 athletics teams are part of the River States Conference, Mid-South Conference, the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, and USA Archery. For more information about Midway University Athletics, please visit www.gomidwayeagles.com or contact Tyler Beck at 859-846-5366.