Wenzel is Selected as NWC Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior inside linebacker Wes Wenzel (Portland, OR/Sunset HS) has been named NWC Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for his contributions on Saturday, Nov. 3 as the Bearcats defeated Pacific University, 35-31.

Wenzel provided a key play in the third quarter when he rushed for 20 yards on a fake punt on 4th-and-16 at the Pacific 49. Wenzel's carry gave Willamette a first down and set up a touchdown three plays later with 2:18 left in the third quarter to give the Bearcats their first lead of the second half at 21-17. Wenzel also made 10 tackles from his linebacker position on defense.

Last year, Wenzel picked up two first downs on fake punts. He rushed for 24 yards on 4th-and-1 at the WU 40 on the opening drive against Southern Oregon University on Sept. 17, 2011. The Bearcats didn't score on that drive, but went on to defeat SOU, 31-9.

Against Lewis & Clark College on Nov. 5, 2011, he gained 19 yards on 4th-and-3 at the Willamette 48 to set up a touchdown four plays later. Willamette defeated the Pioneers, 57-28.

The Bearcats will complete the 2012 season on Saturday, Nov. 10 when they host the University of Puget Sound at McCulloch Stadium in Salem, Ore. Game time is scheduled for 4 p.m. (PST).