Wenzel Chosen NWC Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Wes Wenzel (Jr., ILB, Portland, OR/Sunset HS) has been selected Northwest Conference Football Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for games played on Saturday, Sept. 17. Willamette defeated Southern Oregon University, 31-9, at McCulloch Stadium.

Senior linebacker Tyler Vlasak from the University of Puget Sound also was chosen NWC Football Co-Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week.

Wenzel led Willamette with eight total tackles, while recovering a fumble and earning one quarterback sack for 6 yards lost. His fumble recovery occurred on a punt return by Southern Oregon late in the second quarter. The Bearcats took over at the SOU 45-yard line with 1:34 left in the half. WU scored three plays later to take a 17-9 halftime lead.

In addition to his tackles and fumble recovery, Wenzel ran 24 yards for a first down a fake punt in the first quarter.

So far this season, Wenzel has earned 23 total tackles to rank second on the team.

Willamette is 1-2 on the season. The Bearcats have an open date this weekend, but will return to action on Saturday, Oct. 1 against archrival Linfield College at McCulloch Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 4 p.m. (PDT).