By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Keith Carlson (Sr., Bainbridge Island, WA/Bainbridge HS) of Willamette University has been selected as the NWC Men's Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week for his successful race at the Ash Creek Preserve Invitational on Friday, Sept. 7 in Monmouth, Oregon. Carlson placed third in the men's 7-kilometer race during the meet, which was hosted by Western Oregon University.

Carlson registered a time of 21:14.9 to grab third place, as he finished just 12.4 seconds out of the lead. Dustin Nading from Western Oregon University won the race in 21:02.5.

Joining Carlson in the top five for Willamette was Michael Montague (Jr., San Diego, CA/Canyon Crest Academy) in fourth place at 21:33.8. Alex Matteson (Fr., Seattle, WA/Nathan Hale HS) placed 13th for the Bearcats in 22:47.9.

The Bearcats took second place in the men's team standings with a score of 45 (3-4-11-13-14). Western Oregon won the team title with a score of 21 (1-2-5-6-7).

Willamette will be back in action on Saturday, Sept. 15 at the Augsburg Invitational in Bloomington, Minnesota. Aubsburg University will be hosting the meet at the Highland Greens Golf Course.