November 2006

Kei Otawa - Swimming

Senior
Moscow, Idaho (Moscow High School)
Major: Mathematics

Otawa has been the top performer for the men’s swimming team so far this season. He also is among the top swimmers in the Northwest Conference. At the end of November, he ranked first in the NWC in the 50-yard freestyle, with a time of 22.00 during Willamette’s dual meet at Whitworth on Nov. 17. He also ranked second in the conference in the 100-yard breaststroke, after recording a time of 1:01.30 at Whitworth, in a head-to-head battle with the NWC leader, Bryan Clarke, who edged out Otawa in 1:00:82. At Whitman on Nov. 18, Otawa won three events, as he finished first in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard freestyle and the 200-yard breaststroke. His times at Whitman were 22.17 in the 50 free, 49.35 in the 100 free and 2:21.73 in the 200 breast.

Sarah Zerzan - Cross Country

Junior
San Carlos, Calif. (Notre Dame High School)
Major: Chemistry (Biochemistry track)

Zerzan won an individual NCAA Division III National Championship in cross country after also taking first place at the NCAA West Regional. At the West Regional on Nov. 5, she completed the 6-kilometer course in Chino, Calif., in 21:45.68 to win by 37.3 seconds. She also helped the Bearcats win the West Regional women’s title. At the National Championships in West Chester, Ohio, she overcame a wet and muddy course to claim the National title with a time of 22:31.0, as she finished the race with a 20-second margin of victory. Earlier in the season, Zerzan won the Northwest Conference individual title and led the Bearcats to the NWC women’s team championship. She ran the 6-kilometer course at the Pacific Lutheran University Golf Course in 20:32.66 to win the event by 53.14 seconds and break the WU record by more than 55 seconds. Zerzan earned All-America status for the second year in a row.