MACOMB, ILL. - Western Illinois senior linebacker Kevin Palermo (West Chicago/Driscoll Catholic) has been named the Papa John's Scholar-Athlete of the Week for his performance on the field and in the classroom.

Palermo matched a career high with 14 tackles Saturday in the upset win over Southern Illinois.  The senior also made a crucial stop in the fourth quarter, stopping Southern Illinois' Kory Faulkner on a 3rd-and-3, giving Western the ball back setting up the game-winning touchdown.  He had previously recorded 14 tackles last season against Youngstown State.  The senior linebacker leads the team in tackles (41), tying for seventh in the conference and 94th nationally. 

As a junior, Palermo received the Academic Excellence Award from the Missouri Valley Football Conference and also received a Coaches Appreciation Award.

Palermo currently carries a 3.51 cumulative GPA while majoring in Construction Management.

Papa John's Scholar-Athlete of the Week

August 22 - Jordan Spaciel (Women's Soccer)

August 29 - Bridget Murphy (Volleyball)

September 6 - Daniel Lewis (Men's Soccer)

September 12 - Josh Hudson (Football)

September 19 - Chelsea Lynes (Cross Country)

September 26 - Andy Ryan (Men's Soccer)

October 3 - Kevin Palermo (Football)