By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University golfer Paxton Jones (Fy., Wellington, NZ/Scots College) has been named the Northwest Conference Men's Golf Student-Athlete of the Week for his first place finish out of 99 competitors at the Texas Cup in Plano, Texas, on March 19-20. Jones shot back-to-back rounds of 69 for a 6-under par 138. He won by two strokes in the 36-hole tournament at The Courses at Watters Creek.

The tournament featured 17 teams. Jones helped Willamette place third in the team standings at 583 (286-297), just one stroke out of second place and three strokes off the lead. Jones was one of three Bearcats who finished in the top 20. In addition to Jones' victory, Andrew Kibbee (Sr., Kenmore, WA/Bothell HS) tied for ninth at 145 (68-73) and Austin Davis (Sr., Culver City, CA/Culver City HS) tied for 16th at 148 (74-74).

Jones has recorded three consecutive rounds of 69 in competition. He won the individual title at the Spring Trilogy #1 (18 holes) on the Oregon Golf Association (OGA) Golf Course on March 5.

Willamette will play again at The Courses at Watters Creek on Wednesday, March 23 and Thursday, March 24 during the West Region Showdown. Also competing in the 36-hole event will be NWC rival George Fox University along with the University of Texas at Dallas.