The Mount Vernon News sports department’s MVN ATHLETE of the WEEK is a weekly feature that spotlights local student-athletes and their schools. Based on their performances, we will select an ATHLETE of the WEEK and recognize other outstanding athletic accomplishments.
Our ATHLETE of the WEEK WINNERS for this week are Cadie Long (Cardington-Lincoln) and Zane Sheets (Highland).
Female Athlete of the Week
Cadie Long
On the strength of her lights-out serving against Mount Gilead, Cadie Long of Cardington-Lincoln is the Female Athlete of the Week. Long was on fire from the service line with 10 aces and 31 serves in on 32 attempts. Long also had 12 digs, which is her specialty. Long is a dig machine and is first in digs in the KMAC, first in Central District for DIII, and she sits in the Top-Five statewide with 226. Long also leads the KMAC in aces and serving attempts. Lady Pirates volleyball coach Ryan Treese said the team relies on Long. “Cadie is a go-getter," Treese said. “She is a great person and friend. Cadie is a four-year starting libero and is the heart and soul of the back row for us. We lean on her a lot.” Long followed the Mount Gilead game with a perfect 22 digs against Fredericktown in 22 chances.
Honorable Mention goes to Centerburg’s Stella Weisbrod, who led the Lady Trojans with 19 kills and 20 digs for Centerburg vs. Fredericktown. Kameron Stover had a strong week for Highland with 18 kills and three aces vs. Clear Fork, and in a weekend tournament at Worthington-Kilbourne had nine kills and three aces vs. Grove City, 19 kills and three blocks vs. Worthington Kilbourne and seven kills vs. Dublin Jerome. In girls soccer, Highland’s Brynn Orr scored two goals and added an assist in a 3-2 win over Marion Harding.
Male Athlete of the Week
Zane Sheets
We had many noteworthy football performances last week, and our Athlete of the Week comes from a different game that is called “football” or “futbol” around the world, but here, we call it soccer. Out Male Athlete of the Week is Zane Sheets, Highland’s junior soccer player who scored four goals and had a near miss in Highlands’ 6-0 win over Marian Harding, Sept. 12. Sheets, a junior, has 14 goals and one assist through the Fighting Scots’ first nine games this season and he already has broken, and now owns the Highland career scoring record. Highland’s soccer coach, John Sachleben had retired from teaching after 21 years, but was convinced by the seniors to come back one more year to coach, and he is enjoying the team and the performance and toughness of his top scorer. “Zane is a consummate teammate and tough competitor who has a high motor and pain tolerance,” Sachleben said. “Zane also runs track for the Scots and he is a good student who enjoys racing drag cars( legally).”
Honorable mention this week goes to many gridiron football athletes. Danville linebacker Ryan Lucas had eight carries for 88 yards a two touchdowns on offense and weight tackle for three sacks and three TFLs on defense. Blue Devils coach Matt Blum said his captain is a two-year starter. “Ryan does everything the right way and is a high-character kid,” Blum said. “He brings tremendous energy and passion into our football team and we are lucky to have him in our program.” Centerburg’s Caylan LeMaster caught the game-winner with 31 seconds left for Centerburg in a 28-21 win over Loudonville. LeMaster was the leading rusher with 24 carries for 164 yards and a touchdown and he caught four passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. Utica’s Gavin Chinn, who has been a force on both sides of the ball this season caught six passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns vs. Indian Creek. He also had an interception.
In golf, Highland’s Emerson Grassbaugh broke his own record of 33 on Sept. 15 against River valley, by shooting a new school record of 31 on the front nine of Kingsmill Golf Course. Including a stretch of three straight birdies Also on the links, Centerburg’s Bennett Hill fired a five-under 67 to win the KMAC tourney at Vernon View GC, Sept. 17.
We congratulate all these local student-athletes on great character and performances as well as the many who did not make this week’s feature, but who will be recognized in weeks to come.
To coaches and community members, join us in our award process. Send us your choices for MVN ATHLETE of the WEEK, a recap of their prowess in competition and a photo of them and give them the community recognition they deserve. Encourage your community members and coaches to contact us each week. Send your selections to mike.blake@mountvernonnews.com.
