DENVER – University of Hawai'i wide receiver Greg Salas was named the Western Athletic Conference offensive player of the week after his performance in UH's 25-20 win over Central Arkansas last Friday.

 

Salas, a junior from Chino, Calif. (Chino HS), caught a career-high seven passes for 180 yards and a touchdown in Hawai'i's season-opening victory. After Central Arkansas had gone up 14-2, Salas scored on a four-yard reception to cut the lead down to 14-9 at halftime. With UH trailing 20-19 in the final minutes, Salas went for 66 yards to the Bears' eight yard line to set up the winning touchdown.

 

Salas also caught 37- and 44-yard receptions in the game. The award is his first of his career.

 

Fresno State linebacker Nico Herron and Idaho punter Bobby Cowan were the defensive and special teams recipients.

 

Herron, a junior from Oakland, Calif. (San Leandro HS), had five tackles and made his first career interception in Fresno State's 51-0 win over UC Davis on Saturday.  In the second quarter, Herron picked off a pass at the Bulldogs' six yard line and returned it 94 yards for a touchdown, his first at any level of organized football.  In playing just over a half, Herron helped hold the Aggies to just 43 yards rushing in the game as UC Davis suffered its first shutout since 1990.

 

Cowan, a freshman from Vancouver, Wash. (Evergreen HS), punted four times for a 49.2-yard average in Idaho's 21-6 win at New Mexico State.  Replacing the nation's leading punter from 2008 (T.J. Conley), Cowan forced the Aggies to start three drives inside the 20 as Idaho snapped a 14-game road losing streak.

 

Salas and the Warriors hit the road this week for a non-conference game at Washington State, Saturday, Sept. 12. The game will be played at the Seattle Seahawks' Qwest Field.