Hangartner, Lanier bring home A-R-C weekly awards

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Simpson's dominant victory at Buena Vista not only marked the program's first shutout since 2019, but it also produced two American Rivers Conference Players of the Week. CJ Hangartner was named Defensive Player of the Week, while Aiden Lanier earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Hangartner delivered the Storm's first big spark of the afternoon with a 74-yard interception return for a touchdown in the second quarter. The play marked his second defensive score of the year and stood as the fourth-longest interception return in program history. He also tallied six solo tackles, including one for loss, and a pass breakup as Simpson's defense piled up three touchdowns on the way to the shutout win.

Lanier was steady from start to finish, going 5-for-5 on PATs and 2-for-3 on field goals to account for 11 points. He connected from 36 and 39 yards, and with the game well in hand, attempted a 58-yarder in the final seconds that fell just short. He also handled kickoff duties, averaging 56.6 yards on seven kicks with three touchbacks. Through four weeks, Lanier is tied for the Division III lead with eight made field goals.

This marks Hangartner's fourth career A-R-C Defensive Player of the Week honor, adding to two awards last September and his first recognition on Oct. 2 of his sophomore season. Lanier earns his first career weekly honor from the conference and joins MJ Burks as Storm recipients of the Special Teams Player of the Week in 2025.

Simpson sits at 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the A-R-C. The Storm return to the turf on Oct. 11 against Coe.

2025-26 PERFORMER OF THE WEEK HONOREES
CJ Hangartner, Football (9/29/25)
Aiden Lanier, Football (9/29/25)
Jada Schmidt, Women's Volleyball (9/29/25)
Elle Street, Women's Soccer (9/29/25)
James Johnson, Men's Cross Country (9/29/25)
Morgan DenBeste, Women's Volleyball (9/22/25*)
Peyton Mitchell, Women's Volleyball (9/22/25)
MJ Burks, Football (9/8/25*)
*also named A-R-C Athlete of the Week