LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – After scoring three touchdowns, including a 99-yard kickoff return in a 57-17 win over Millersville, the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference announced Monday afternoon that East Stroudsburg University junior Justin Cook was named the PSAC East Special Teams Athlete of the Week.

Cook, a kickoff returner and wide receiver, excelled offensively and on special teams, compiling 220 all-purpose yards. The Harrisburg native registered touchdown catches of 33 and 42 yards from quarterback Sean McTaggart, finishing the day with a career-high 111 receiving yards on seven receptions.

With the game in hand, Cook returned a 99-yard kickoff for a touchdown to cap off the Warriors' 57-17 victory. In doing so, he became ESU's all-time leader in kickoff return touchdowns, marking the third of his career. Cook previously returned a 95-yard kickoff for a touchdown against Slippery Rock in last season's NCAA playoffs and set the program record for the longest kickoff return with a 100-yard runback against Bloomsburg as a freshman in 2022. He surpassed Rece Bender (2018-21), Dennis McWhite (1992-95), and Dennis Mailhot (1987-90), each of whom had two kickoff return touchdowns during their careers.

Among Warriors all-time, Cook ranks fourth in career kickoff return yardage with 1,435 yards, trailing leader Chris Gerhard (2,008 yards, 1983-86) by 573 yards, less than halfway through his junior season.

Cook leads the Warriors with 13 receptions for 179 yards in 2024. The athlete of the week honor is the second of his career, after earning the nod as a freshman with his record breaking 100-yard return.

Cook and the Warriors will look to improve to 5-1 when they visit Bloomsburg on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 2 p.m. at Redman Stadium.