CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – After returning the Prairie Wolves' first kickoff for a touchdown since 2019, Nebraska Wesleyan freshman Ian Gebhardt has been named the A-R-C Special Teams Player of the Week for the second straight week, the conference office announced Monday.

On his first touch, Gebhardt returned a kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter, providing an immediate spark for the Prairie Wolves. He weaved through a crowd of players early in the return before cutting back in front of the kicker and racing to the end zone.

The 90-yard return is tied for the fifth-longest kickoff return touchdown in program history. Gebhardt is one of just two A-R-C players with a kickoff return touchdown this season and one of only 54 players nationally to accomplish the feat.

A native of Arlington, Texas, Gebhardt brings elite speed to the Prairie Wolves' return game. He currently ranks fourth in NCAA Division III in both total return yards (727) and all-purpose yards per game (178.57).

Gebhardt is one of four Prairie Wolves to earn A-R-C weekly honors this season, joining Owen Long (Defensive Player of the Week, Oct. 26), Levi Murphey (Offensive Player of the Week, Sept. 21) and Jace Winkler (Special Teams Player of the Week, Sept. 14). With his second consecutive honor, Gebhardt is the only Prairie Wolf to earn the same award twice this season.

The Prairie Wolves return to action Saturday, Nov. 7, when NWU hosts Simpson for a 1 p.m. kickoff at Abel Stadium. The game will be streamed on nwusports.com.