LINCOLN, Neb. – Nebraska Wesleyan Football was well-represented when the American Rivers Conference released its 2025 All-Conference awards on Friday morning. The Prairie Wolves placed five on the All-A-R-C First Team, marking one of the program's strongest postseason showings in recent years.
The awards were determined by votes from the conference's head coaches.
American Rivers Conference First Team – Hunter Hanke
Defensive End | Senior | Waverly, Neb.
Hanke put together one of the most dominant defensive seasons in the American Rivers, earning a spot on the First Team after leading the league with 15.0 tackles for loss. The senior finished with 73 total tackles, including 42 assisted stops, and added 6.0 sacks. He forced four fumbles, broke up four passes, and consistently drew double-teams as the focal point of NWU's defensive front. In conference play, Hanke ranked first among defensive linemen in total tackles and helped anchor a Prairie Wolf unit that generated 20 sacks and six interceptions on the season. He capped his career with 26.0 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks across four seasons.
American Rivers Conference First Team – Sam Contreras
Long Snapper | Sophomore | Omaha, Neb.
Contreras delivered one of the steadiest long snapping campaigns in the league, earning First Team Specialist honors as just a sophomore. The Omaha native was perfect on all snapping duties, punts, PATs, and field goals, across 10 games. His work helped NWU produce 1,749 punting yards on 48 attempts. Contreras also played a key role in coverage, finishing with one special teams tackle and consistently grading out as one of NWU's top-effort specialists. His precision was crucial in flipping field position throughout the year.
American Rivers Conference First Team – Owen Anthony
Offensive Guard | Senior | Lincoln, Neb.
A stabilizing force up front, Anthony anchored the Prairie Wolves' offensive line and earned First Team honors after starting all 10 games at right guard. The Lincoln native posted a team-best 92 percent blocking grade and did not allow a sack in A-R-C play. Anthony's presence paved the way for an offense that averaged 203.5 passing yards per game and scored 24 total touchdowns. He also helped the Prairie Wolves convert 33 percent of their third-down attempts.
American Rivers Conference First Team – Joey McLaughlin
Wide Receiver | Junior | Colorado Springs, Colo.
McLaughlin emerged as one of the conference's premier playmakers in 2025, earning First Team offensive honors after a breakout junior season. The Colorado Springs product hauled in 66 catches for 920 yards and a team-high nine touchdowns, averaging 90.2 yards per game. He logged five 100-yard receiving performances, including a career-high 189 yards and three touchdowns against Luther, and led the Prairie Wolves in receptions of 20 yards or more. McLaughlin lin the conference in receiving yards and receptions, and finished third in touchdowns. His production positioned him as one of the league's most dangerous returning weapons heading into 2026.
American Rivers Conference First Team – Trystin Myers
Running Back | Senior | Atchison, Kan.
Myers wrapped up his Nebraska Wesleyan career with a First Team selection after delivering steady, multi-dimensional production out of the backfield. The senior rushed 164 times for 902 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 5.5 yards per carry while adding 23 receptions for 130 yards. Myers' physicality and vision made him NWU's most reliable chain-mover. He posted four games with 100+ yards from scrimmage and ranked among the conference's top two in rushing yards. Myers closes his career with 2,300 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns across four seasons.
Nebraska Wesleyan's five First Team selections mark the program's highest total since joining the American Rivers Conference.
