Football | 9/16/2025 9:45:00 AM
Hartwick College cornerback
Robert Kennedy and St. John Fisher University safety
Tim Vanderbrink of quarterback were named to the D3football.com Team of the Week on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Kennedy, a junior from Hudson, NY, was named the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week on was a true playmaker in the 29-27 thriller over Buffalo State, collecting three interceptions including a 15-yard pick six in the third quarter that gave the Hawks a 20-14 lead. Kennedy's third interception came on a crucial fourth quarter drive to keep the Hawks in front. He also added nine tackles, including six solo and one tackle for loss in the win.
Vanderbrink, a junior safety from Smithtown, NY, was the Empire 8 Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 9, continued his strong start to the year with a career-high 12 tackles (nine solo) in St. John Fisher's 28-23 win over St. Lawrence on Saturday. He was also credited with half a tackle for loss.
All eight E8 teams are in action on Saturday, Sept. 20. SUNY Cortland heads to Hartwick at 3 p.m. to open up league play, while the Empire 8 and Liberty League continue its non-conference crossover with six games.
Here is the complete 2025 Empire 8 football schedule.
2025 Empire 8 D3football.com Team of the Week Recipients
Sept. 16 (Week 2) - Robert Kennedy, CB, Hartwick
Sept. 16 (Week 2) - Tim Vanderbrink, S, St. John Fisher
Sept. 9 (Week 1) - Tyler Szalkowski, QB, Utica
Sept. 9 (Week 1) - Isaiah Thomas, LB, Utica
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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