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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior cornerback Wendell Galvan (Bothell, WA/Bothell HS) has been named Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts against Whitworth University on Saturday, Oct. 11. Galvan led the Bearcats with 14 total tackles -- all unassisted -- against the Pirates.

In addition to leading Willamette in tackles, Galvan also had one tackle for loss, intercepted a pass, blocked an extra point and achieved two pass break-ups.

His interception was earned with 5:13 left in the second quarter. Whitworth quarterback Bryan Peterson was throwing on 2nd-and-10 at the Willamette 19-yard line on the second play after Willamette fumbled a kickoff. Galvan picked off the pass at the 11-yard line to prevent the Pirates from scoring.

Galvan has intercepted three passes in Willamette's four games this season. He also earned a pickoff against California Lutheran University and George Fox University.

Later, he blocked an extra point by Michael Zeng of Whitworth at the 12:48 mark of the third quarter. It was the third blocked extra point, field goal or punt by the Bearcats this season.

Galvan leads NCAA Division III with 3.3 passes defended per game. He has a total of 13 passes defended on his three interceptions and 10 pass break-ups. He ranks third on Willamette's defensive chart with 19 total tackles and is second on the team with 17 unassisted tackles.

Whitworth defeated Willamette in a high-scoring game, 61-45. The Bearcats will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 18, when the host Lewis & Clark College. Game time at McCulloch Stadium is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).