Utica University Athletics

Utica College defensive lineman Jack Derby (Fonda, NY/Fultonville Fonda) has been named UC Male Athlete of the week. This has been a big week for the captain, as Derby was also selected as the Empire 8 Football Defensive Player of the Week on Monday morning.

Derby wins these awards after the Utica defensive unit shined against Hartwick in a 58-14 win. The unit held an opponent to two touchdowns or less for a third straight week, and set a new program record for run defense with Hartwick bottled up to -29 rushing yards.

In the middle of a memorable performance, Derby himself had a day to remember during the team's senior day game. Derby had six tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 1.5 tackles for loss. He also forced a fumble that later led to points, and scored some points himself as he intercepted a pass at the line of scrimmage and ran it back 16 yards for a third quarter touchdown. The touchdown was the first of Derby's career.

Derby is part of the largest and winningest senior class in school history. The Pioneers wrap up the 2019 regular season at a 5-5 record.