For their performances in their respective competitions, football's Alex Bendler and swimming and diving's Helena Blumenau were named Forester Athletes of the Week on Tuesday.
Bendler played a key role in securing the Forester's 13-7 win over the University of Chicago on Saturday. The win secured the Midwest Conference title and propelled the team to the NCAA Tournament. Bendler made eight tackles in the game, including 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. The senior defensive end also forced a fumble on one of his sacks and blocked a field goal attempt in the third quarter. Lake Forest limited the Maroons to just 240 yards of total offense, 158 below their season average entering the contest.
Blumenau went four-for-four at the Gene Davis Invite on Saturday, which the Foresters won. She won her individual events—the 200-individual medley and 200-backstroke—and helped the 200-medley and 400-freestyle relays to first place finishes.
The Forester Athletes of the Week are selected by a vote of athletic department staff on Tuesdays. This is the first time Bendler has earned the distinction. Blumenau was previously named athlete of the week on November 09, 2021.