Aug. 25, 2003

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University junior punter Michael Koenen (Ferndale) has been named to the D2Football.com NCAA Division II Preseason All-America team announced today.

That completed a sweep of four preseason All-America teams for Koenen, who has been bothered by a lower back strain during preseason practice. Earlier he was named to the Dan Hansen's Football Gazette, Street & Smith's and Lindy's Football Annuals squads.

Last season, Koenen was a first-team Daktronics, D2Football.com and Football Gazette All-America selection, and a second-team Associated Press Little All-America pick. He led the NCAA II nationally in punting, averaging 44.9 yards a punt, including a school-record 73-yarder, and put 16 attempts inside the 20-yard line.

The 5-foot-11, 185-pound Koenen also was 9-of-17 on field goals, missing just one from inside 40 yards, and hit 34-of-35 extra points. He had 19 kickoffs for touchbacks.

Koenen holds school records for longest field goal (54 yards), consecutive successful field goals (8), and consecutive extra point makes (40). He already ranks No.11 among Western career leaders in scoring with 143 points.

Western, which returns 37 letter winners and 13 starters from last season's 6-4 team, opens its season at home on Sept. 4 against St. Cloud State.