Wildcat football has dominated the Northwest Conference Student-Athlete of the Week selections in 2022, but Linfield swimming also put itself on the board following a strong start to the winter sports season.
 
Whitney Averill was tabbed as the first NWC Women's Swimming Student-Athlete of the Week. The junior won two individual events at the NWC Sprint Meet and finished among the top 10 in three others to lead the Linfield women to a first-place finish. She was the overall points champion with 20, winning the 100-yard IM (1:02.85) and the 50 breaststroke (32.14). At the NWC Relay Meet, Averill was a member of the winning mixed 200-yard medley relay team (1:44.71) and the winning women's 400 medley relay team (4:15.34).
 
Linfield claimed two of the NWC Football Student-Athlete of the Week awards with Connor McNabb being named the Offensive Student-Athlete of the Week and Blake Rybar earning defensive honors.
 
McNabb ran the ball in for two touchdowns in the Wildcats' 37-10 road win over George Fox. The senior running back rushed for 60 yards on 17 attempts, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He also caught two passes for 17 yards.
 
Rybar went back-to-back as the NWC Defensive Student-Athlete of the Week. It's the third weekly honor of his junior campaign. The Monroe, Washington, native led the 'Cats with seven tackles, five solo, against George Fox. He had three tackles for loss, including a sack. The 'Cats limited the Bruins to just nine rushing yards. The Bruins converted on 2 of 12 third down opportunities.
 
Linfield football is one win away from securing its third straight NWC title. The 'Cats will host Willamette on Saturday in the Pacific Office Automation Hall of Fame Game. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Maxwell Field.
 
Linfield swimming begins the NWC dual-meet season on Friday, competing against Willamette at 6 p.m. in Salem.