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

SALEM, ORE. -- Senior Mitch Rowan (PK/P, Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS) of Willamette University has been named the Northwest Conference Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts as a kicker and a punter against #6-ranked Linfield College on Saturday, Oct. 5. Rowan stood out for his successful kicking although Linfield won the game, 20-10.

Rowan averaged 35.9 yards on seven punts. He placed three of the punts inside the Linfield 20-yard line at the 8, 5 and 3. He also had a punt that was almost grabbed in the air by the Bearcats near the three-yard line, but the play resulted in a touchback.

In addition, Rowan kicked a 40-yard field goal in the pouring rain with 8:18 left in the game to pull Willamette within 17-10. The field goal tied his career long, set as a freshman in 2008.

For the season, he is averaging 36.5 yards per punt. Seven of his 24 punts have been inside the 20-yard line.

Willamette is currently 1-3 on the season with all three losses to nationally-ranked teams. The Bearcats will host Pacific University on Saturday, Oct. 8 at McCulloch Stadium in the final game of a 5-game homestand. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).