CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) announced that University of Dubuque softball student-athlete Kaitlyn Powell and Luther College baseball student-athlete Gavin Scurr have been named American Rivers Conference Athletes of the Week for the week ending March 22, 2026. The A-R-C weekly awards are nominated and voted on by the league’s sports information departments. The conference office then selects the female and male athletes of the week based upon sport performers of the week.
Female Athlete of the Week - Softball - Position Player of the Week - Kaitlyn Powell (Blue Grass, Iowa/Davenport West), University of Dubuque
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Powell became UD’s all-time career hits leader with her 150th over the weekend.
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She went 10-for-14 at the plate, scored nine runs, and recorded five RBIs.
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She recorded three doubles, three triples, and a homerun over her ten hits.
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Additionally, she committed no errors in 21 chances, had nine put outs, and 12 assisted put outs.
Male Athlete of the Week - Baseball - Position Player of the Week - Gavin Scurr (San Diego, Calif./University City), Luther College
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Scurr went 9-for-12 at the plate in the three game series sweep over Nebraska Wesleyan.
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He had three runs and 8 RBIs along with three homeruns, and one double.
Baseball - Pitcher of the Week - Jack Shaffer (Lincoln, Neb./Lincoln Southwest), Simpson College
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Shaffer tossed a one-hit complete game shutout in game two against Hamline to lead to a 4-0 win.
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He carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning before surrendering a two-out single on a 1-2 count.
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Shaffer tallied a career-high nine strikeouts against just two walks.
Softball - Pitcher of the Week - Marina Cronin (Kinsley, Iowa/Remsen St. Mary’s), Simpson College
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Cronin appeared in five games throughout the week.
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She threw one complete game and posted a 3-0 record. Additionally, she recorded one save.
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In 17.1 innings pitched, she allowed just two runs, one earned run, six walks, and recorded 15 strikeouts.
Men’s Tennis - Performer of the Week - Rhys Biro-Moore (Nottingham, England), Luther College
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Norse went 1-1 to start their spring break trip in Florida. Biro-Moore went 3-1 in the two matches.
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Against Hamilton, he teamed up with Jake Nelson at No. 2 doubles to earn a 7-5 victory. At No. 5 singles, he grabbed a 5-7, 6-3, 1-0 win.
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Versus Union, he paired up with Nelson again to win 6-2. At No. 5 singles, he won 6-1, 4-6, 1-0 (10-7).
Weekly Report
Luther’s Mia Prater closed out the A-R-C’s winter season with Honorable Mention All-American honors in the 50 freestyle at the 2026 NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Championships.
The conference baseball season kicked off over the weekend. The Luther College Norse started off with a perfect 3-0 start.
Championship Central: The A-R-C takes a pause now from conference championships until late April. The full 2025-26 championship calendar can be found here: https://tr.ee/xwew1v
Spring Sport Standings: Baseball | Softball | Men’s Tennis
Watch all A-R-C action on the American Rivers Sports Network.
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About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
