Linfield University football standouts Wyatt Smith and Tyler Sitton have announced they have signed professional contracts to play in Europe this spring.
 
The two graduating Wildcats and McMinnville High School alumni are joining the Munich Cowboys of the German Football League and will head to Europe on April 5, just two days prior to the start of training camp.
 
Smith, a two-time Gagliardi Trophy finalist and Linfield's all-time passing leader, considered overtures from several professional playing organizations and leagues, including teams from the Canadian Football League and the upstart United States Football League.
 
"We are so excited for Wyatt and Tyler to be able to have this experience in Germany," said Linfield coach Joseph Smith. "The coaches and administration at Munich have been very professional to work with. Wyatt and Tyler will be part of solid program and club competing at what most consider the highest level in Europe. I know they are looking forward to taking the work ethic, attention to detail and competitive drive that our program has been known for to Munich and doing whatever they can to make the Cowboys better."
 
A two-time Northwest Conference Offensive Player of the Year, Wyatt Smith completed 71.2 percent of his passes (315 of 442) while leading Linfield to the NWC championship and the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division III playoffs. He wrapped up his senior season ranking fourth in Division III with 43 touchdown passes and 300 points responsible for while also ranking fifth in the nation with 3,717 passing yards. He rushed for six touchdowns and was intercepted just four times in 12 games.
 
Sitton completed an all-star career as the Wildcats' starting cornerback. Last fall, he recorded a career-best 42 tackles while adding six pass breakups and two interceptions. He finished his career with 114 total tackles, 28 breakups and seven interceptions. Led by Sitton, Linfield fielded one of the finest defensive units in Division III.
 
"I know Tyler will be invaluable as a lock down defender, as well as possessing the versatility to play safety and even receiver," said Joseph Smith. "Tyler is a great leader and has strong schematic prowess so he will make a fine leader in the back row of their defense."
 
Wyatt Smith carefully considered his professional playing options following his record-setting senior campaign.
 
"Wyatt went through a very interesting process in deciding which professional playing option to pursue," said the coach. "I am proud of how he handled the whirlwind and pressure of such a variety of organizations from the States to teams from all over Europe. He is very excited to be playing for the Munich Cowboys, and to get to do it with Tyler makes it even that more special.
 
"Wyatt has a great mind for football, and his ability to learn quickly and to make decisions under duress will serve him well in creating offensive production for the Cowboys. Wyatt is looking forward to working with and learning from Justin Sottilare, Munich's offensive coordinator, who will call their plays. Justin was a very fine quarterback at Wesley College as well as a very accomplished QB in Germany. Wyatt will be able to learn a lot from Justin, and I know Justin is looking forward to learning from Wyatt as well."
 
Currently, Wyatt Smith is a fifth-year senior with the Linfield baseball team and the Wildcats' starting third baseman. His pro signing will mean the premature conclusion to his college baseball career. He will play his final college baseball games Saturday and Sunday at Willamette.
 
Joseph Smith, Linfield's longtime head coach and Wyatt's father, saw his son grow from school-age ball boy, to three-sport athlete at McMinnville High to football All-American and Academic All-American at Linfield.
 
"As parents, Darla and I are sad to see his baseball season cut short," said the coach. "Wyatt worked so hard to try and find a professional option that would least affect the baseball season. I know he will miss the last month of the season greatly. I also know he will be pulling for the team to finish the season strong as they have been playing so much better as of late. We are happy to see him get a chance to travel finally, since being involved with two sports did not allow for that. We are very proud of Wyatt and Tyler and I know they will represent Linfield exceptionally well over in Bavaria, the great southern State of Germany."