Kicker for Willamette Announces He's Bisexual

A redshirt freshman place kicker at Division III Willamette has announced that he is bisexual, saying he decided to come forward because he wanted to be a source of encouragement for LGBT youth.

Conner Mertens, who first announced his sexual orientation through the website Outsports.com, had already told his coaches and his teammates. The school scheduled a news conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss his announcement.

Willamette issued a statement supporting Mertens' decision, saying the university "respects his contribution to a more humane and just world."

The Bearcats play in the Northwest Conference. The team went 7-2 overall last season and finished third in the league at 4-2.

Mertens did not play his freshman season because of injury.