Koon is Named Northwest Conference Baseball Player of the Year

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Senior first baseman Tiras Koon (Honolulu, HI/Iolani School) of Willamette University has been named Northwest Conference Baseball Player of the Year for the 2015 season in voting by the NWC's head coaches. He also was chosen First Team All-Northwest Conference. Koon ranks third in the NWC with a .380 batting average and leads the conference with 12 home runs.

"Tiras had an incredible season. The hard work and dedication that he has put into being a better baseball player throughout his career paid off during his senior season. There were times during the season when he single-handedly won the games. This is a well deserved award," Willamette Head Coach Aaron Swick said.

A total of 35 athletes were named to the 2015 All-NWC Baseball Team. Fifteen players were chosen for the First Team and 15 players were selected for the Second Team. Five players received Honorable Mention.

Chris Haddeland of Linfield College was chosen NWC Pitcher of the Year. Pacific Lutheran University Head Coach Geoff Loomis was named NWC Coach of the Year.

Willamette is currently 20-16 on the season. The Bearcats will play three non-conference games at Pacific University this weekend. WU finished with a 10-14 record (7th place) in the NWC.

First Team All-Northwest Conference

Entering Willamette's final three-game series of the season at Pacific University, he has played in 126 games with 112 starts in his career. He has seen action in 34 games -- all starts -- this year.

He is ranked among the NWC leaders this season in many of the offensive categories. In addition to ranking third with a .380 batting average and first with 12 home runs, he also is the leader with 40 RBIs, a .744 slugging percentage and a .483 on-base percentage. He is tied for third with 21 walks and is tied for seventh with 31 runs scored.

Koon has pounded out 46 hits in 121 at bats. He has belted eight doubles to go along with NWC-leading home run total. On defense, he has recorded 326 putouts and 10 assists, while earning a .985 fielding percentage. He ranks third in the NWC in putouts.

During his four years with the Bearcats, Koon has recorded a .322 career batting average with 129 hits in 401 at bats. He has scored 77 runs and produced 93 RBIs. He has blasted 26 doubles and three triples. He is sixth all-time at Willamette with 20 home runs.

Koon has walked 63 times and been hit by 13 pitches. He has accumulated 771 putouts and 27 assists with a .980 career fielding percentage.