Bruno is Chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University sophomore outside linebacker Harmon Bruno (Danville, CA/San Ramon Valley HS) has been named Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts against California Lutheran University on Sept. 12. Willamette defeated the Kingsmen, 20-13.

Bruno helped the Bearcats limit California Lutheran to 32 passing yards in the first half and 55 rushing yards in the second half. He was credited with 2.0 quarterback sacks (one solo, two assisted) and one hurry, as he helped WU create pressure in the backfield.

For the game, Bruno achieved 12 total tackles on four unassisted stops and eight assists. His 2.0 sacks tied for the team lead, as the Bearcats registered nine sacks overall.

One of his assisted sacks occurred on 3rd-and-6 at the WU 10-yard line in the second quarter. Bruno and Cory Lowe (Sr., DE, Beaverton, OR/Beaverton HS) stopped quarterback Jericho Toilolo for a two-yard loss, which led to a missed field goal by the Kingsmen on the next play. WU owned a 7-0 lead at the time.

Willamette is 1-1 on the season. The Bearcats will play at Southern Oregon University on Saturday, Sept. 19 in Ashland, Ore. Game time is scheduled for 3 p.m. (PDT).