Aug. 29, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Western Washington University junior quarterback James Monrean has earned Great Northwest Athletic Conference offensive Player of the Week honors for Aug. 21-27.

Monrean, a junior from Bellingham (Sehome High graduate), completed 20 of 30 passes for 266 yards and four touchdowns with just one interception as the Vikings defeated Mesa State CO, 49-20, in its season opener. He also rushed for 27 yards on seven carries.

Monrean made just the second start of his career against Mesa State. He also earned offensive player of the week honors in his only previous start against Saint Joseph's IN in 2004. In that contest, he tied a school single-game record with five touchdown passes.

With the victory over Mesa State, the Vikings won back-to-back season openers for the first time since 1998. Western next is at Topeka, Kan., on Saturday (11 a.m. PT) to play Washburn University.