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

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

SALEM, ORE. -- Place-kicker and punter Kyle Derby (Jr., Oakdale, CA/Oakdale HS) of Willamette University has been chosen as the Northwest Conference Football Special Teams Student-Athlete of the Week for games played between Thursday, Aug. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 1. Derby helped the Bearcats defeat Hardin-Simmons University (Texas), 58-34, on Saturday in Abilene, Texas.

Derby was successful on 7 of 7 extra point attempts and hit a 27-yard field goal, as he scored 10 points during the game. He also connected on a 30-yard field goal, but Hardin-Simmons committed a penalty on the play and Willamette took the penalty yardage before scoring a touchdown two plays later.

In addition to his place-kicking success, Derby also averaged 41.8 yards on four punts and 57.9 yards on eight kickoffs. His longest punt covered 54 yards and was downed at the HSU 12-yard line.

Last year, Derby connected on 29 of 29 extra points and 5 of 6 field goals. During his career, he has made 69 of 72 extra points and 9 of 12 field goals for 96 points.

The Bearcats do not play this weekend, but will return to action on Friday, Sept. 14 in their home opener against East Texas Baptist University. Kickoff at McCulloch Stadium is set for 7 p.m. (PDT).