By Robert McKinney, Athletics Communications Director

SALEM, Ore. --- Willamette University men's tennis players Colin Yamaguchi (Sr./Jr., Clackamas, OR/Clackamas HS) amd Endy Zarate (Fr., Salem, OR/McKay HS) have received the ITA Scholar-Athlete Award for their accomplishments in the classroom during the 2015-16 academic year.

The ITA honored a total of 4,200 men's and women's athletes from throughout the NCAA, the NAIA and junior colleges for their academic efforts while also practicing and competing this past season. Scholar-Athlete status was achieved if a player was a varsity letter winner with a grade point average of at least 3.50 (4.0 scale) during 2015-16. Athletes had to attend their current college or university for a least two semesters.

"I am really proud of Endy and Colin for their classroom success. We had three other players very close," Willamette Head Coach Rick Wood said. "Our team goal is to have all members of the team be awarded as Scholar-Athletes for 2016-17."

Willamette is a member of the Northwest Conference. The Bearcats also compete in NCAA Division III.

ITA Scholar-Athlete Awards

Colin Yamaguchi (Sr./Jr.) competed in all 13 matches in both singles and doubles. He was 4-9 in singles, including a 4-5 record at the #4 singles position. He registered two of his wins at #4 singles in 5-4 team victories over Pacific Lutheran University and Linfield College.

Endy Zarate (Fr.) recorded a victory at #5 singles in Willamettes' 9-0 win over Community College of Spokane in an exhibition match during the season. He won his match, 6-0, 6-0.