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

YAKIMA, WASH. -- Willamette University athletes Michael Baumgartner (Fr., Albany, OR/West Albany HS) and Joshua Wong (Fr., Hilo, HI/Hilo HS) were among seven players chosen for First Team All-Northwest Conference honors in men's tennis, as determined by the league's head coaches.

Wong has achieved a 14-5 record in singles this season and is ranked #29 in the West Region of NCAA Division III. Baumgartner, who has earned an 11-9 singles record, is ranked #30 in the Region. He is 14-7 in doubles.

Baumgartner and Wong helped Willamette reach the championship match of the NWC Tournament this weekend. They have made important contributions throughout the season, helping the Bearcats attain a 13-8 dual match record.

Also receiving First Team All-NWC recognition were Matt Solomon and Jeff Tolman of Whitman College, along with Joel Trudel and Justin Peterson of Pacific Lutheran University, Mark Magdaong of Linfield College, and Michael Shelton of Whitworth. Solomon was selected NWC Player of the Year.

Linfield Head Coach Carl Swanson was chosen NWC Men's Coach of the Year. Joe Wales of Whitworth was voted Sportsman of the Year.

Whitman players Etienne Moshevich and Chris Bailey were named to the All-NWC Second Team. Also earning Second Team honors were Kyle Anderson of Linfield, Scott Barnett from George Fox University and Michael Okada of Pacific University.

All-Northwest Conference

First Team
Michael Baumgartner, Willamette
Mark Magdaong, Linfield
Justin Peterson, Pacific Lutheran
Michael Shelton, Whitworth
Matt Solomon, Whitman
Jeff Tolman, Whitman
Joel Trudel, Pacific Lutheran
Joshua Wong, Willamette

Player of the Year: Matt Solomon, Whitman
Coach of the Year: Carl Swanson, Linfield
Sportsman of the Year: Joe Wales, Whitworth

Second Team
Etienne Moshevich, Whitman
Chris Bailey, Whitman
Kyle Anderson, Linfield
Scott Barnett, George Fox
Michale Okada, Pacific