Last week, Bales became the second Leatherneck ever to be named Summit League 'Defensive Player of the Year', and fifth Leatherneck to ever be named Summit League 'Player of the Year', offensive or defensive. The award marked Charlie Bales second Summit League honor in as many years. Last season as a freshman, Bales was tabbed to the All-Newcomer team.

Earlier this season, the Leathernecks captured the 2011 Summit League Regular Season Championship and earned the top-seed in the tournament after finishing league play with a 4-2 record. The Leathernecks then earned back-to-back victories in the Summit League Tournament against Oakland and Oral Roberts, capturing the league tournament crown. Bales scored the game-winner in the finals to lift Western to their fifth tournament title in the past eight seasons.

Heading into the College Cup, Bales has two goals and two assists for six points, while anchoring a defense that finished the regular season first in nearly every defensive Summit League category. He also sits second on the team in shots on goal with 19. Bales has appeared in 18 matches and started in all of them.

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)
October 10 - Josh Davis (Men's Swimming and Diving)
October 17 - Amber Davis (Women's Soccer)
October 24 - Cait Egan (Volleyball)
October 31 - Jimmy Holtschag (Football)
November 7 - Heather Smith (Volleyball)
November 14 - Charlie Bales (Men's Soccer)