Rowan Named NWC Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University sophomore Mitchell Rowan (PK/P, Cotati, CA/Rancho Cotate HS) has been chosen Northwest Conference Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the Bearcats' 69-24 victory at Lewis & Clark College on Oct. 10. Rowan hit 9 of 9 extra points and placed his only punt of the game inside the 20-yard line.

In addition to having a perfect day on extra points, Rowan averaged a solid 59.4 yards on eight kickoffs. His only punt of the day was a "pooch" kick that went 29 yards and was downed at the Lewis & Clark 16-yard line.

After taking plenty of kicks, Rowan was given a rest late in the game. He did not take kick Willamette's final extra point attempt or the final three kickoffs.

Rowan is Willamette's leading scorer this season with 36 points. He has connected on 3 of 3 field goals and 27 of 30 extra points. Last year, he set Bearcat team records by hitting 62 of 66 extra points. He also made 5 of 8 field goals. In his two seasons at WU, he has connected on 89 of 96 extra points and 8 of 11 field goals.

The Bearcats rolled up 518 total yards in their win over Lewis & Clark. Willamette gained 29 first downs on just 68 offensive plays.

Willamette returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 17, when the Bearcats will host Pacific Lutheran University at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT).