Pastorino Selected as NWC Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director, (503) 370-6110

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University football player Cody Pastorino (So., S, Glenn, CA/Willows HS) has been named Northwest Conference Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts against Menlo College on Saturday, Oct. 23. The Bearcats defeated the Oaks, 32-15, to improve to 5-2 on the season.

Pastorino contributed a big special teams play when he blocked a punt for the third game in a row.

The block occurred on the second play of the fourth quarter. Pastorino recorded the block at the Menlo 16-yard line. WU teammate Kyle Yatabe (So, ILB, El Segundo, CA/El Segundo HS) recovered the ball at the 3-yard line and took it into the end zone. The touchdown increased the Bearcats' lead to 32-9.

Two weeks before, Pastorino blocked a punt against Pacific that was recovered in the end zone for a Willamette touchdown. One week ago, he blocked a punt versus Puget Sound that led to a touchdown two plays later.

Against Menlo, Pastorino also earned two tackles. One was an assisted tackle on a quarterback sack. The other tackle was on a kickoff, as he limited the Menlo returner to just 14 yards after catching the ball at the Oaks' 1-yard line.

Pastorino has recorded 17 total tackles this season. Eleven of his stops have been solo tackles. He also has intercepted two passes.

Willamette will travel to Spokane, Wash., this weekend to take on Northwest Conference rival Whitworth University on Saturday, Oct. 30. Kickoff at the Pine Bowl is set for 1 p.m. (PDT).