FROM ONUSPORTS.COM__Juniors Baret Helms and Kenzi Black have been named Ohio Northern's men's and women's Polar Bears of the Month for September, 2026.

Helms leads the ONU football team with 33 tackles this season from his linebacker position and has been a key element in the team's 3-0 OAC start.

He was named the OAC Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 14 for his 13-tackle performance in Ohio Northern's 20-13 win at Marietta in the OAC opener.

Black has led the ONU women's cross country across the finish line in all three of its races this season after transferring from Valparaiso in 2026.

She was named the OAC Women's Runner of the Week on Sept. 21 after winning the All-Ohio Championships in a career-low 22:38, which puts her as the 18th fastest woman in ONU history for 6,000 meters.