SALEM, ORE. -- Willamette University's Jacob Shafi (Jr., Pleasanton, CA/Amador Valley HS) has been chosen Northwest Conference Men's Cross Country Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending on Sept. 14. Shafi was Willamette's top finisher in a dual meet with the University of Alaska-Anchorage on Sept. 11.

Shafi took eighth place with a time of 13:07.6 over the 4.2-kilometer course. The meet was held at Beach Lake Trails in Chugiak, Alaska. It was the first time the Bearcats have competed in Alaska in any sport.

Alaska-Anchorage, ranked #8 in the NCAA Division II Preseason Poll, took the top seven spots in the dual competition to win the team title. Willamette, which competes in NCAA Division III, entered the match ranked #3 in the West Region.

The Bearcats will be in action on Saturday, Sept. 20 when they will host the Oak Knoll Loop Run. Meet time at the Oak Knoll Golf Course near Independence, Ore., is set for 10:30 a.m. (PDT).