The Student Athlete of the Week is a nearly 30-year running, community-wide salute to our outstanding High School athletes. Each week of the school year, the SAW selection committee picks that week’s outstanding High School Student Athlete. Students are nominated by an Athletic official from their respective school.
The program is made possible by generous sponsorship support that allows us to bring you weekly MailMax updates, commercials on your favorite Mid-West Family Broadcasting radio station, and more!
At the end of the school year, a special banquet recognizes each of the weekly award winners. The banquet is attended by athletes, parents, coaches and athletic directors. A male and female Athlete of the Year are chosen from the outstanding weekly student athlete award winners. A Coach of the Year is also selected.
Schools involved in the program include: Benton Harbor, Berrien Springs, Brandywine, Bridgman, Buchanan, Coloma, Countryside Academy (Benton Harbor), Eau Claire, Grace Christian-Watervliet, Lake Michigan Catholic, Lakeshore, Michigan Lutheran, New Buffalo, Niles, River Valley, St. Joseph and Watervliet.
April 29, 2012: Evan Hartman of Brandywine HS Track
Evan Hartman of Brandywine High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 29, 2012. Evan won the Discus at the Rotary Track Meet with a throw of 147ft. 6in. The 147ft. 6in. also breaks the Brandywine school record once held by Evan’s brother, who is now battling cancer. Once his brother’s record was broken, Evan decided to join the track team in an effort to set a new record in honor of his brother.
Evan is also a member of the Brandywine Basketball team. In the classroom, he carries a 3.3 grade point average.
Evan is the son of Ray and Julie Hartman of Niles.
Other finalists for the week were Christine Server and Paige Ottmar of St. Joseph Tennis, Alexis Pflugradt of Coloma Track, and Jacob Kohler of Lake Michigan Catholic Track.
April 22, 2012: Lena Madison of New Buffalo HS Track
Lena Madison of New Buffalo High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 22, 2012. At the Bronson Invitational, Lena won the Discus with a toss of 122ft. 9in. That toss broke a meet record, a personal record, and a New Buffalo High School record. She also won the Shot Put with a throw of 36ft. 2½in.
Lena has also earned All-Region and Academic All-State honors in Volleyball, and All-State honors in Basketball. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, and the MHSAA Student Advisory Council. In the classroom, she carries a 3.97 grade point average.
Lena is the daughter of Paul and Karla Madison of New Buffalo.
Other finalists for the week were Brady Wasko of Bridgman Baseball, Alexis Pflugradt of Coloma Track, and Kelsey Smith of Grace Christian Softball.
April 15, 2012: Colby Clark of Lakeshore HS Track
Colby Clark of Lakeshore High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 15, 2012. In the Lancers’ meet against St. Joe and Portage Central, Colby led off the winning 3200 Meter Relay team with a split of 2:07. He also won the 400 Meter Dash with a time of :51.0 and then led off the winning 1600 Meter Relay team with a split of :49.1. Then at the Otsego Relays, he led off the 1600 Meter Relay team with a :51.0 split and anchored the winning Sprint Medley Relay team with a split of :50.0 in the 400.
Colby is also a member of the Cross Country team and Band. In the classroom, he carries a 4.14 grade point average.
Colby is the son of Kevin and Beth Clark of Stevensville.
Another finalist for the week was Dillan Smith of St. Joe Track.
April 8, 2012: Jade Madison of New Buffalo HS Track
Jade Madison of New Buffalo High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 8, 2012. At the Bridgman Invitational, Jade won four events. She won the Shot Put with a throw of 36’ 5½”, the Discus with a toss of 91’ 10”, the Long Jump with a distance of 14’ 4½”, and the Mile Run with a time of 6:38.
Jade is also a member of the Bison Volleyball and Basketball teams, and the New Buffalo Missions team. In the classroom, she carries a 3.6 grade point average.
Jade is the daughter of Paul and Karla Madison of New Buffalo.
Other finalists for the week were Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic Soccer and Kaitlin Weber of Michigan Lutheran Soccer.
April 1, 2012: Everrett Shembarger of Berrien Springs HS Baseball
Everrett Shembarger of Berrien Springs High School Baseball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 1, 2012. Everrett helped lead the Shamrocks to the Coldwater Invitational championship. In a 15-3 win over Gobles, a 4-2 win over Freemont, and a 7-6 win over Bay City John Glen, Everrett went five for ten at the plate. He also collected four RBIs and five runs scored. In addition, he picked up the win on the mound in the championship game, working 6 2/3 innings.
Everrett is also a member of the Berrien Springs Tennis and Basketball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.1 grade point average.
Everrett is the son of Bill and Lorayne Shembarger of Berrien Center.
Another finalist for the week was Amanda Swihart of Coloma Softball.
March 25, 2012: Rachel Tallman of Coloma HS Soccer
Rachel Tallman of Coloma High School Soccer is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of March 25, 2012. In the Comets 1-1 tie with Lake Michigan Catholic, Rachel scored the game tying goal with 30 seconds left. She then scored a goal while also leading the defensive effort in a 6-0 win over Berrien Springs.
Rachel is also a member of the Cross Country and Basketball teams, and attends the Professional Health Careers Academy. In the classroom, she carries a 3.6 grade point average.
Rachel is the daughter of Martin and Maria Tallman of Coloma.
March 18, 2012: Jonshequa Mickie of Benton Harbor HS Track
Jonshequa Mickie of Benton Harbor High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of March 18, 2012. At the LMCU Challenge at Grand Valley State University, Jonshequa won the 200 Meter Dash with a time of 26.6 seconds. She also placed sixth out of 100 runners in the 60 Meter Dash and her 4x300 Meter Relay team placed sixth out of 28 teams.
Jonshequa is also a member of the Cheerleading squad and Marching Band.
Jonshequa is the daughter of Sheila Turner of Benton Harbor.
Another finalist for the week was Gabby Andrews of Lakeshore Track.
March 4, 2012: Gordon Davis of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Gordon Davis of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of March 4, 2012. At the MHSAA Swimming and Diving State Finals, Gordon helped lead the Bears to the Division 3 State Championship. He swam a leg for the winning 200 Medley Relay team, finished 7th in the 200 IM, and placed 8th in the 100 Breaststroke and 200 Free Relay team.
Gordon is also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Cross Country team. In the classroom, he carries a 3.99 grade point average.
Gordon is the son of Matt and Cathy Davis of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Ben Carter of St. Joseph Swimming and Nate Rosenbaum of Michigan Lutheran Basketball.
February 26, 2012: Chanc Ravish of Brandywine HS Wrestling
Chanc Ravish of Brandywine High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 26, 2012. At the MHSAA Individual State Championships, Chanc finished second overall at 130 lbs. He earned wins over Dansville, Jonesville, and Athens-Climax-Scotts on the way to the State Championship match. In that run, he recorded two 3-point nearfalls, one 2 point nearfall, one pin, one reversal, and three escapes.
Chanc is also a member of the Football and Track teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.92 grade point average.
Chanc is the son of Tina Ravish and Ben Norton of Niles.
Other finalists for the week were Kalabrya Gondrezick of Benton Harbor Basketball and Gordon Davis of St. Joseph Swimming.
February 19, 2012: Tyler Johnson of Grace Christian HS Basketball
Tyler Johnson of Grace Christian High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 19, 2012. Against Michigan Lutheran, Tyler scored 27 points to go along with 14 rebounds, four steals, and one blocked shot. He followed that up with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and four steals against Eau Claire.
Tyler has also been a member of the Grace Christian Soccer and Baseball teams and has participated in Drama. In the classroom, he carries a 3.23 grade point average.
Tyler is the son of Tom and Tina Johnson of Hartford.
Other finalists for the week were Nicole Winter of Watervliet Basketball, Nick Wright of Brandywine Wrestling, and Nashaye Sutton of Benton Harbor Basketball.
February 12, 2012: Jenna Green of Michigan Lutheran HS Basketball
Jenna Green of Michigan Lutheran High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 12, 2012. In the Titans’ win over Countryside Academy, Jenna scored ten points to go along with two rebounds, four steals, and two assists. She followed that up with 21 points, four rebounds, three steals, and three assists against New Buffalo. She finished the week with 20 points, four rebounds, four steals, and six assists against Howardsville Christian. Jenna also scored her 1,000th career point in the win over Howardsville Christian.
Jenna was also been a member of the Titan Volleyball team and she’s active in her church. In the classroom, she carries a 3.78 grade point average.
Jenna is the daughter of Greg and Amy Spaulding of Eau Claire.
February 5, 2012: Micah Rimpel of Michigan Lutheran HS Basketball
Micah Rimpel of Michigan Lutheran High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 5, 2012. In the Titans’ win over Eau Claire, Micah turned in 17 points, five rebounds, one steal, and one assist. Then in a win over River Valley, he finished with ten points, six rebounds, and two assists in limited action.
Micah has been a member of the Michigan Lutheran Football team and helps with kids’ basketball camps in the summer. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Micah is the son of Mike and Kathy Rimpel of Stevensville.
January 29, 2012: Kalabrya Gondrezick of Benton Harbor HS Basketball
Kalabrya Gondrezick of Benton Harbor High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 29, 2012. In the Tigers’ win over Lakeshore, Kalabrya scored 28 points to go along with eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. She followed that up with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists against Portage Central.
Kalabrya is also Freshman Class President, Miss Freshman, and is a Tiger SAAC member. In the classroom, she carries a 4.8 grade point average.
Kalabrya is the daughter of Grant and Felicia Grondrezick of Benton Harbor.
Another finalist for the week was David Melendez of St. Joseph Wrestling.
January 22, 2012: Tyler Daniel of St. Joseph HS Wrestling
Tyler Daniel of St. Joseph High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 22, 2012. At the Greater Berrien County Invitational, Tyler became a four time county champion. He won the title at 119 lbs., pinning his way to the championship. That improved his season record to 24-0. Tyler is currently ranked second in the state in Division 2 at 119 lbs.
Tyler is the son of Kerry Daniel of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic Basketball, JP McDougall of Lakeshore Wrestling, and Nate Rosenbaum of Michigan Lutheran Basketball.
January 15, 2012: LeAnne Priebe of St. Joseph HS Basketball
LeAnne Priebe of St. Joseph High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 15, 2012. In the Bears’ win over Benton Harbor, LeAnne finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and one assist. She followed that up with 11 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two assists in a win over Lakeshore.
LeAnne is also a member of the National Honor Society, serves as a New Student Ambassador, and plans on playing softball in the spring. She volunteers with the Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Seven Star Animal Sanctuary. In the classroom, she carries a 3.8 grade point average.
LeAnne is the daughter of Darren and Leslie Priebe of Eau Claire.
Other finalists for the week were Nate Rosenbaum of Michigan Lutheran Basketball and Erika Priebe of St. Joseph Basketball.
January 8, 2012: Aaron Moyer of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Aaron Moyer of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 8, 2012. In the Bears’ win over Mattawan, Aaron swam a leg for the winning 200 Medley, 200 Free, and 400 Free Relay teams. He then helped the Bears win the Bridgman Invitational by winning the 200 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. He also swam a leg for the victorious 200 Medley and 400 Free Relay teams.
Aaron is a two time defending state champion and he qualified for nationals last year. He’s also active in his church youth group. In the classroom, he carries a 3.88 grade point average.
Aaron is the son of Ken and Michelle Moyer of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Ryan Mavity of Bridgman Swimming and Brett Thumm of Watervliet Wrestling.
January 1, 2012: Kalabrya Gondrezick of Benton Harbor HS Basketball
Kalabrya Gondrezick of Benton Harbor High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 1, 2012. In her fist game back from a severe car accident, Kalabrya turned in 25 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the Tigers’ win over Portage Northern.
Kalabrya is also a Tiger SAAC and Lady Tiger Club member and serves as Freshman Class President. In the classroom, she carries a 4.8 grade point average.
Kalabrya is the daughter of Grant and Felicia Gondrezick of Benton Harbor.
Other finalists for the week were Johnathon Scott of Eau Claire Wrestling and LeAnne Priebe of St. Joseph Basketball.
December 18 & 25, 2011: Lena Madison of New Buffalo HS Basketball
Lena Madison of New Buffalo High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 18 & 25, 2011. In the Bison’s win over Grace Christian, Lena finished with 12 points, ten rebounds, and two steals. She followed that up with 22 points, ten rebounds, and three steals in a win over Niles. Then against Brandywine, she scored 17 points and pulled down nine rebounds.
Lena is also a member of the Bison Volleyball and Track teams, National Honor Society, and Student Council. In the classroom, she carries a 3.93 grade point average.
Lena is the daughter of Paul and Karla Madison of New Buffalo.
Another finalist for the week was LeAnne Priebe of St. Joseph Basketball.
December 11, 2011: Chanc Ravish of Brandywine HS Wrestling
Chanc Ravish of Brandywine High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 11, 2011. For the week, Chanc went 7-0 with all seven wins coming by pin. Two of his pins came against returning state placers. Chanc is now 15-1 on the season with nine pins. Some of his victories include Buchanan, Decatur, Three Rivers, Mattawan, and Grand Ledge.
Chanc is also a member of the Bobcat Football and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.97 grade point average.
Chanc is the son of Tina Ravish and Ben Norton.
Other finalists for the week were TJ Hess of Eau Claire Wrestling and Nicole Winter of Watervliet Basketball.
December 4, 2011: Carlie Newman of Brandywine HS Basketball
Carlie Newman of Brandywine High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 4, 2011. In the Bobcats’ win over Centerville, Carlie scored 23 points and came up with seven steals. In a win over White Pigeon, she finished with 16 points and five steals. Then in a win over Portage Central, she turned in 23 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Against Centerville, Carlie became Brandywine’s all-time leading scorer with over 1100 career points.
Carlie is also a member of the Soccer team, National Honor Society, and Student Senate. In the classroom, she carries a 3.9 grade point average.
Carlie is the daughter of Mike and Tina Newman.
Other finalists for the week were Toshima Hull of Benton Harbor Basketball, Jeffrey Gumbo of Berrien Springs Basketball, Ben Carter of St. Joseph Swimming, Chanc Ravish of Brandywine Wrestling, and Nicole Winter of Watervliet Basketball.
November 27, 2011: Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan College HS Basketball
Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 27, 2011. In the Lakers’ win over Lawrence, Laura finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, five steals, and four assists. Then in a win over Bridgman, she turned in 13 points, eight rebounds, four steals, and three assists.
Laura is also a member of the Lake Michigan Catholic Volleyball and Soccer teams, National Honor Society, and Key Club. She also attends the Professional Health Career Academy. In the classroom, she carries a 3.99 grade point average.
Laura is the daughter of Julie and Phil Sifrig.
November 13, 2011: Jessica Foster of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Jessica Foster of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 13, 2011. As a freshman, Jessica qualified for the Division 3 State Finals. She competed in the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke. She turned in a time of 2:20.79 in the 200 and 1:13.93 in the 100. She finished as the second fastest freshman in both events.
Jessica is also a member of the St. Joseph High School Orchestra and the Latin Club. In the classroom, she carries a 3.83 grade point average.
Jessica is the daughter of Pat and Katy Foster of St. Joseph.
October 30, 2011: Natalija Galens of Grace Christian HS Volleyball
Natalija Galens of Grace Christian High School Volleyball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 30, 2011. Grace Christian won the Division 4 District Championship with wins over Lake Michigan Catholic and Michigan Lutheran. In those two matches, she finished with a combined 27 kills, 38 digs, two aces, and one block.
Natalija is also a member of the Basketball team, National Honor Society, Worship Team, and Buddies-In-Christ. Natalija has been the recipient of an Outstanding Christian Leadership Award and an Outstanding Academic Achievement Award in Science and English. In the classroom, she carries a 4.12 grade point average.
Natalija is the daughter of Karlis and Jody Galens of Covert.
October 23, 2011: Mark Cornett of Watervliet HS Cross Country
Mark Cornett of Watervliet High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 23, 2011. Mark earned 1st Team All-Conference honors at the S.A.C. Conference Meet and helped lead the Panthers to the conference title. He then placed 12th at Regionals and helped the team win the Division 3 Regional Championship.
Mark is also a member of the Watervliet Basketball and Golf teams. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Mark is the son of Sam and Rita Cornett of South Haven.
Another finalist for the week was Jade Madison of New Buffalo Volleyball.
October 16, 2011: Matt Osborn of Lake Michigan Catholic HS Football
Matt Osborn of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 16, 2011. In the Lakers’ win over New Buffalo, Matt collected nine solo tackles, six assisted tackles, and an interception on defense. On offense, he rushed for 73 yards on eight carries and scored a touchdown.
Matt is also a member of the Laker Basketball and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.6 grade point average.
Matt is the son of Greg and Gina Osborn of Dowagiac.
Other finalists for the week were Lukas Visin of Lake Michigan Catholic Soccer, Mackenzie Shelton of Brandywine Volleyball, and Ryan Leahy of St. Joseph Cross Country.
October 9, 2011: Ian Nieh of St. Joseph HS Tennis
Ian Nieh of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 9, 2011. At the Division Three State Finals, Ian won the Individual State Championship at #4 Singles. He posted a two set win over South Lyon East, a three set win over Gull Lake, a two set win over Cranbrook-Kingswood, and a three set win over Country Day. Ian finished the season with a 30-2 record.
Ian is a Science Olympiad and is also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Chamber Orchestra. In the classroom, he carries a 3.96 grade point average.
Ian is the son of Jerry and Lillian Nieh of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Lukas Visin of Lake Michigan Catholic Soccer, Jimmy McQuillan of Lake Michigan Catholic Football, and Elise Rosenbaum of Michigan Lutheran Volleyball.
October 2, 2011: Thomas Bellio of St. Joseph HS Tennis
Thomas Bellio of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 2, 2011. In the Bears’ match with Allegan, Thomas won his match 6-2, 6-2. At the Division Three Regional Finals, he won the Individual Regional Championship at #2 Singles with straight set wins over Three Rivers, Marshall, and Coldwater. His win helped lead St. Joe to its 14 straight Regional Title.
In the classroom, Thomas carries a 3.96 grade point average.
Thomas is the son of Fred and Georgia Bellio of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Travis Bolin of Watervliet Football, Sammie Averill of St. Joseph Golf, and Jessica Foster of St. Joseph Swimming.
September 25, 2011: Matt Ross of Grace Christian HS Soccer
Matt Ross of Grace Christian High School Soccer is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 25, 2011. In the Patriots’ 0-0 tie with Berrien Springs, Matt had 16 saves in goal. He then collected ten saves in a 3-1 win over Michigan Lutheran.
Matt is also a member of the Grace Christian Basketball and Baseball teams, National Honor Society, Praise Band, and Worship Team. He’s also active in Buddies-In-Christ and Drama. In the classroom, he carries a 3.95 grade point average.
Matt is the son of Dan and Nancy Ross of Benton Harbor.
Another finalist for the week was Nate Rosenbaum of Michigan Lutheran Football.
September 18, 2011: Ryan Leahy of St. Joseph HS Cross Country
Ryan Leahy of St. Joseph High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 18, 2011. At the Big 16 West Division Jamboree, Ryan placed third with a time of 16:21 and helped lead the Bears to a first place finish. At the ten team Cougar Falcon Invitational, he finished third with a time of 15:46.7 which is the fourth fastest time in school history.
Ryan is also a member of the St. Joe Track team and Orchestra. Last year, he earned All-Conference, All-Regional, and Academic All-State honors. In the classroom, he carries a 4.2 grade point average.
Ryan is the son of Joe and Julie Leahy of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Austin Carlson of Eau Claire Cross Country, Alex Padla of Berrien Springs Football, and Jesse Armstrong of St. Joseph Cross Country.
September 11, 2011: Austin Kaiser of Lakeshore HS Football
Austin Kaiser of Lakeshore High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 11, 2011. In the Lancers’ win over Portage Central, Austin set a new school record with 237 receiving yards on seven catches. He also scored two touchdowns on the night.
Austin is also a member of the Lancer Basketball team, participates in DECA, and plays AAU basketball. In the classroom, he carries a 3.5 grade point average.
Austin is the son of Dan and Michele Kaiser of Stevensville.
Other finalists for the week were Lena Madison of New Buffalo Volleyball, Travis Bolin of Watervliet Football, and Jessica Foster of St. Joseph Swimming.
September 4, 2011: David Berry of St. Joseph HS Cross Country
David Berry of St. Joseph High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 4, 2011. David won the Junior/Senior race at the Harper Creek Invitational with a time of 16:42. His effort helped the Bears win the team tile at the 12 team race.
David is the defending Berrien County Cross Country Champion. Last year, he earned All-Conference, All-Regional, and Academic All-State honors. In the classroom, he carries a 3.9 grade point average.
David is the son of William and Patricia Berry of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Hayley Herzog of Lake Michigan Catholic Volleyball and Courtlan Gordon of Brandywine Football.
August 28, 2011: Jake Stants of St. Joseph HS Tennis
Jake Stants of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of August 28, 2011. Jake won the #1 Singles title at the Grand Rapids Christian Invitational with wins over Holland West Ottawa and Grand Rapids Christian. He recorded two more wins at the Brother Rice Invitational including a win over the defending state champion from Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook. Jake also won his match in the Bears match against Holland Christian.
Jake is also a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Key Club. In the classroom, he carries a 3.95 grade point average.
Jake is the son of Joe and Cathy Stants of St. Joe.
Other finalists for the week were Johny Nate of Lakeshore Football, Ryan Leahy of St. Joseph Cross Country, Rachel Stemm of Bridgman Volleyball, and Natalija Galens of Grace Christian Volleyball.
Athletes and Coach of the Year 2011
Katie Mavis of St. Joseph High School is Berrien County’s Female Student Athlete of the Year. In Basketball, Katie averaged 13 points, four rebounds, five assists, and two steals per game. She was a team captain and three time Most Valuable Player. She was an All-Conference selection along with being a two time BCAM Special Mention and Detroit Free Press All-State selection. In Volleyball, she earned All-Conference, All-Region, and Academic All-State honors while also being ranked third in the state as a setter. In Softball, she finished with a .408 batting average with ten doubles, four triples, four homeruns, and 38 RBIs.
Katie was also a member of the National Honor Society and Young Life. In the classroom, she finished with a 3.6 grade point average. She will continue her basketball career next year at Ferris State University.
Katie is the daughter of Mark and Cathy Mavis of St. Joseph.
Other finalists were Lena Madison of New Buffalo, Brittany Smith of Grace Christian, Julie Timm of Coloma, and Deborah Meeks of Benton Harbor.
Cameron Magro of Bridgman High School is Berrien County’s Male Student Athlete of the Year. In Cross Country, Cameron set a new school record time of 16:21, placed fifth at the Division 4 State Meet, and earned All-Conference, All-State, and Academic All-State honors. In Basketball, he was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection. He was one of four players that averaged 12 points per game and led the team in scoring through 18 games. In Track, he was Regional Champion in the 1600 and 3200 Meter Runs. Along with Track, he was also a standout performer for the Bees’ Regional Championship Baseball team this spring.
Cameron was also a member of the National Honor Society. He finished with a 4.0 grade point average. He will continue his track career with a scholarship to division 1 Morehead State.
Cameron is the son of John and Kim Magro of Bridgman.
May 29, 2011: Austin Juza of Lake Michigan Catholic HS Baseball
Austin Juza of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Baseball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 29, 2011. Austin helped lead the Lakers to the Division 4 District Championship with wins over Michigan Lutheran and New Buffalo. At the plate, we went a combined five for seven with one home run and four RBIs. On the mound against New Buffalo, he picked up a complete game win allowing just two runs on three hits while striking out six.
Austin is also a member of the Laker Football and Basketball teams, National Honor Society, and Key Club. In the classroom, he carries a 3.9 grade point average.
Austin is the son of Sean and Olga Juza of St. Joseph.
Another finalist for the week was Megan Hiler of Lakeshore Softball.
May 22, 2011: Lesy Schalk of St. Joseph HS Softball
Lesy Schalk of St. Joseph High School Softball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 22, 2011. In the Bears’ double header splits with Division 1 second ranked Portage Central and Division 2 fourth ranked Lakeshore, Lesy went six for 11 at the plate with three home runs, one double, and four RBIs.
Lesy is also a member of the St. Joe Basketball team. Next year, she’ll continue her softball career at Western Michigan University.
Lesy is the daughter of Bill and Cathie Schalk.
Another finalist for the week was Summer Lennartz of St. Joseph Track.
May 15, 2011: Lena Madison of New Buffalo HS Track
Lena Madison of New Buffalo High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 15, 2011. At the Division 4 Regionals, Lena won the championship in the Discus (110’) and the Shot Put (36’ 5 ½”). Her performance earned her the #4 seed in the Discus and the #3 seed in the Shot Put at the upcoming State Meet.
Lena is also a member of the Bison Volleyball and Basketball teams, National Honor Society, and Student Senate. She is class president and serves on the MHSAA Advisory Council. She also volunteers with Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Special Olympics. In the classroom, she carries a 3.99 grade point average.
Lena is the daughter of Paul and Karla Madison of New Buffalo.
Other finalists for the week were Casey Clark of Watervliet Track, Zach Weber of Eau Claire Track, and Dillan Smith of St. Joseph Track.
May 8, 2011: Lauren Chorny of Lakeshore High School Track
Lauren Chorny of Lakeshore High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 8, 2011. In the Lancers’ meet against Niles, Lauren won the Pole Vault with a new school record mark of 11’ 3”. She also ran a leg for the winning 400 Meter and 800 Meter Relay teams and placed second in the High Jump.
Lauren is also a member of the Lakeshore Volleyball team, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Young Life. In the classroom, she carries a 4.42 grade point average.
Lauren is the daughter of Jeff and Deanna Chorny of Stevensville.
Another finalist for the week was Jessie Fratzke of St. Joseph Softball.
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