Ross is Chosen NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University senior inside linebacker Andrew Ross (Petaluma, CA/Petaluma HS) has been named Northwest Conference Football Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the Bearcats' 35-17 win over Pacific Lutheran University on Saturday, Oct. 17. Willamette, ranked #17 in the D3Football.com Top 25, moved to 6-1 overall with the victory. WU also improved to 3-0 in the NWC.

In addition to the NWC award, Ross also was selected for the D3Football.com Team of the Week. He was one of 22 players on offense, defense and special teams chosen for the Team of the Week out of 70 athletes nominated.

Ross achieved 19 total tackles against the Lutes. He recorded eight unassisted tackles, including one tackle for a loss, to go with 11 assists. He also intercepted a pass -- the first of four for Willamette on the day. He picked off PLU quarterback Jordan Rasmussen at the WU 19-yard line with the Lutes leading 7-0 in the first quarter.

The Willamette defense held the Lutes to 101 rushing yards on 36 carries for 2.8 yards per attempt. WU also forced Pacific Lutheran into a total of five turnovers.

For the season, Ross is Willamette's leading tackler with 65 total stops. He has earned 22 solo tackles and 43 assisted tackles. Willamette is allowing just 16.1 points and 291.3 total yards per game.

The Bearcats will host Linfield College (6-0, 3-0 NWC) this weekend at McCulloch Stadium. Game time for the NWC match-up is set for 1:30 p.m. (PDT). Linfield is ranked #6 by D3Football.com.