Rock Hill, S.C.----Wingate University place kicker Caleb Bonesteel has been named the WePlayed Sports South Atlantic Conference football Special Teams Player of the Week, league officials announced Monday afternoon. Bonesteel earns Player of the Week accolades for the first time this season and fifth time in his career. The 2024 SAC title game MVP was also named the D2Football Special Teams Player of the Week in 2024.

Bonesteel got off to an impressive start to the season Saturday night, leading the Bulldogs to a 30-21 victory over UNC Pembroke at Irwin Belk Stadium. The win gave the 'Dogs their 13^th straight season-opening victory.

Bonesteel made three field goals and was three-for-three on extra points in the nine-point win. All three field goals were 40 yards or more, starting with a 42-yarder in the opening quarter. He drilled a 40-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, while adding another 42-yarder with 3:25 remaining to extend the lead to nine, giving the 'Dogs a two-possession lead.

Bonesteel earned All-Piedmont Division honors in 2024 for the Bulldogs. He made 17-of-25 field goals, while going 33-for-34 on PATs. Bonesteel made 11 kicks of 30 yards or more, including four kicks of at least 40 yards. He made five field goals in the SAC title game, all of at least 36 yards, including field goals of 43 and 48 yards.

Wingate has a bye this week, returning to action Saturday, Sept. 13, hosting Bluefield State at 6 p.m. at Irwin Belk Stadium.