STORM LAKE, Iowa (Nov. 17, 2023) - The American Rivers Conference announced on Friday its 2023 Football All-Conference Team, and Buena Vista University was represented by junior running back Eman Alaniz selected to the First Team. Additionally, three other players were voted as Honorable Mention selections.

Against the eight conference opponents this season, Alaniz ranked in the top-10 in rushing yards per game (40.8), receiving yards per game (64.4) and kick return yards per contest (18.2). His 162.6 all-purpose yards per outing led the A-R-C by an average of over 40.0 yards per game.

During BVU's Homecoming victory over Luther, Alaniz had 117 yards rushing and two touchdowns while also hauling in three receptions for 43 yards. Two weeks later against Loras, he chalked up a career-high 10 catches, 143 yards and three receiving touchdowns before adding 100 yards and a touchdown the next week against Central.

This is the first time Alaniz has earned all-conference accolades in his career. He's the first BVU running back to do so since Dylan Barrett was also a First Team selection in 2014.

The Beavers also had senior defensive lineman Dylan Berens, senior offensive lineman James Facio and freshman placekicker Ben Crock all named Honorable Mention. All three are recognized for the first time in their respective careers.

Berens turned in 23 tackles during league play, including two for a loss and one sack. He ranked sixth on the team overall this season with 41 tackles, including 26 solo stops. Facio started all 10 games and was part of an offensive unit that ranked sixth in the league, averaging over 80 rushing yards per game. Against Nebraska Wesleyan in the season finale, the offensive erupted for a season-best 227 yards on the ground and one touchdown. Crock nailed four field goals in that contest, including a 45-yard conversion that ended as the longest make in the A-R-C this season. He also handled the kickoff duties throughout the year, averaging 51.7 yards on 26 total attempts, including seven touchbacks.

Wartburg College swept the major awards with fifth-year running back Hunter Clasen being named Offensive Performer of the Year, fifth-year Owen Grover named Defensive Performer of the Year and head coach Chris Winter named Coach of the Year.