BURNSVILLE, Minn. – Southwest Minnesota State University junior running back Donald Austin has been named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Offensive Player of the Week on Monday following his performance in SMSU's 28-10 season-ending home victory over the University of Sioux Falls on Saturday afternoon.
 
Austin, a 6-foot, 220-pound native of Hartland, Wis., rushed for a season-high 184 yards and three touchdowns on 31 carries to help the Mustangs snap a nine-game losing streak. The victory was also SMSU's first over USF in 11 games since the Cougars joined the NSIC.  
 
Austin scored on touchdown runs of 4, 21 and 2 yards to help SMSU rack up a season-high 275 rushing yards and a season-high 427 yards of total offense. It was Austin's fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season and the sixth of his career.
 
Austin finished the season with a team-leading 965 rushing yards on 212 carries with eight touchdowns. He also caught 14 passes for 133 yards and one touchdown. The 965 rushing yards ranks as the 10^th highest in team single-season history, while the 212 attempts are the eighth highest in team single-season history.
 
Austin is a 2021 graduate of St. John's Northwestern High School.
 
SMSU finished the season 2-9 overall, 2-8 NSIC.