Sept. 11, 2006

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Two Western Washington University football players, sophomore placekicker Robby Smith and junior linebacker Shane Simmons, earned North Central Conference Player of the Week honors as they had key roles in the Vikings' 16-13 upset of No.15-ranked Washburn University last Saturday.

Smith, a sophomore from Bellingham, was the Special Teams Player of the Week; and Simmons, a junior from Kent (Kentlake High School graduate), shared the Defensive Player of the Week honor with senior linebacker Dan Ficcadenti from Minnesota State.

NCC Offensive Player of the Week recognition went to Augustana quarterback Tommy Flyger and North Dakota running back Ryan Chappell.

Smith, a transfer from Ventura JC (Calif.), made all three of his field goal attempts, none bigger than the 40-yard game winner he hit with 2.7 seconds left in the game.

It was the first time that a Western player had connected on three field goals in a contest since Michael Koenen booted four on Nov. 3, 2001 in a 46-14 win over Western Oregon. Koenen now handles all the kicking duties for the NFL Atlanta Falcons.

Smith was the first player signed by Viking first-year head coach Robin Ross.

Simmons had 11 tackles, 10 unassisted, including three for losses of nine yards. He also forced a fumble that set up the game-winning drive.

Western plays host to Nebraska-Omaha on Saturday (1 p.m.) at Civic Stadium.