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

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University golfer Trent Jones (So., Kenmore, WA/Shorecrest HS) has been named Northwest Conference Men's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week for this third consecutive week and for the fifth time in 2016-17. The most recent honor is for his outstanding play at the Whitworth Invitational on March 11-12 at Wildhorse Golf Course in Pendleton, Oregon.

Jones previously earned Student-Athlete of the Week recognition this season on Sept. 19, Oct. 11, Feb. 27 and March 6. He was selected Student-Athlete of the Week two times as a freshman in 2015-16.

At the Whitworth Invitational, Jones took first place with a 16-hole total of 11-under-par 133. He carded a career-low 65 in the first round on Saturday and then shot a 68 on Sunday. He won by two stroke over Willamette teammate Kenneth Sheldon (So., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS), who shot 135.

Jones and Sheldon helped Willamette win the team championship at the Whitworth Invitational with an overall score of 560, including a school record 15-under-par 273 in the final round. The Bearcats shot 287 in the first round. Willamette won the title by 19 strokes.

Willamette placed four golfers among the top finishers. In addition to Jones in first and Sheldon in second, Sam Hinton (So., Seaside, OR/Seaside HS) and Clark Wilson (Sr., Ocean Park, WA/Ilwaco HS) were involved in a four-way tie for seventh place with scores of 146. Hinton shot 76-70 and Wilson carded 75-71.

The Bearcats will return to action during the West Cup on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28 at Sierra La Verne Country Club in La Verne, Calif. University of La Verne will be hosting the prestigious event.