Kyle Martz Earns Special Teams Spot on D3football.com Team of the Week

By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University free safety Kyle Martz (Fr., Salem, OR/ South Salem HS) has been chosen for the  D3football.com Team of the Week because of his outstanding efforts on special teams against Pacific University on Saturday, Nov. 4. It is the fourth time this season that a Bearcat has been chosen for the Team of the Week.

Martz blocked two punts during the game. His first block was after Willamette stopped the Boxers on three plays following the opening kickoff. That block led to Willamette driving 34 yards in four plays for the game's first touchdown and a 7-0 lead. Martz also made two tackles on special teams, with a solo tackle that limited a kickoff return to 17 yards and then an assisted tackle that resulted in a negative 3-yard punt return. He provided the Bearcats with seven tackles overall.

"Kyle was excellent on special teams against Pacific," Willamette Head Coach Glen Fowles said. "His blocked punts were huge plays for us."

While playing in all eight games so far this season, Martz has recorded 15 total tackles, including eight solo stops. In addition to blocking two punts, he has recovered two fumbles.

The Bearcats will complete the season on Saturday, Nov. 11 in Spokane, Washington, against Whitworth University. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. (PST).