Wayne State senior free safety Tanner Cooper was named Monday morning the Northern Sun Conference Football Defensive Player of the Week following his performance in Saturday's 14-12 Wildcat win over previously unbeaten and #12 Augustana.  It's the first time Cooper has collected NSIC Player of the Week honors.
            A 6-0, 200-pound senior from Oakley, California (Diablo Valley College) had two interceptions for 111 return yards and one touchdown in leading Wayne State to victory over the Vikings.  His first interception of the game was originally an 84-yard return for touchdown but was called back due to penalty and given credit for 47 yards and led to Wayne State's first score of the game.
            Cooper's second interception midway through the second quarter was a 64-yard interception return for touchdown that gave WSC a 14-2 lead.
            He also finished with one pass breakup and one tackle in the win while collecting Egg Bowl Most Valuable Player honors.
            This season, Cooper is tied for the NSIC lead with three interceptions and has a league-high 157 return yards.
            Wayne State is 6-3 overall and 5-3 in the NSIC heading into Saturday's road game at Sioux Falls starting at 1 p.m.