The Student Athlete of the Week is a 25-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.
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 Charter School (in Benton Harbor), Eau Claire, Grace Christian-Watervliet, Lake Michigan Catholic, Lakeshore, Michigan Lutheran, New Buffalo, Niles, River Valley, St. Joseph and Watervliet.
May 17, 2009: Andrea Hiler of Watervliet HS Track and Softball
Andrea Hiler of Watervliet High School Track and Softball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 17, 2009. At the Division 3 Regional Track Meet, Andrea placed first in the discus with a throw of 117 ft. and placed second in the shot put with a throw of 35’ 9”. Then at the S.A.C. Conference Meet, she won both events with a mark of 118 ft. in the discus and 36’ 5” in the shot. In softball, she went 3 for 3 at the plate against Bangor and 1 for 2 against Brandywine.
Andrea is also a member of the Watervliet Basketball team and Band. In the classroom, she carries a 3.2 grade point average.
Andrea is the daughter of Dave Hiler and Marrie Shane.
May 10, 2009: Will Daley of Lake Michigan Catholic HS Baseball
Will Daley of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Baseball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 10, 2009. In Games against Bridgman, Michigan Lutheran, Gaylord St. Mary, and Bay City All Saints, Will went 10 for 16 at the plate for a .625 batting average. He also scored seven runs and collected seven RBIs. On the mound, Will threw a no-hitter and just missed a perfect game as he pitched the Lakers to a win over Michigan Lutheran.
Will is also a member of the Laker Soccer team, National Honor Society, Key Club, and Youth-To-Youth. In the classroom, he carries a 3.8 grade point average.
Will is the son of Bill and Judy Daley of Benton Harbor.
Other finalists for the week were Lesy Schalk of St. Joe Softball and Becca Dallas of Grace Christian Softball.
May 3, 2009: Michael Cottier of Lake Michigan Catholic HS Baseball
Michael Cottier of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Baseball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of May 3, 2009. For the week, the Lakers went 8-0 with wins over Covert, New Buffalo, Bangor, Eau Claire, and Mason. In the eight games, Michael went 12 for 29 at the plate for a .517 batting average with three walks, nine runs scored, and 12 RBIs. On the mound, he was 2-0 with two complete game one hitters and a combined 18 strike outs.
Michael is also a member of the National Honor Society and the Laker Football and Basketball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.6 grade point average.
Michael is the son of Jim and Pam Cottier of Coloma.
Other finalists for the week were Ben Bournay of Lake Michigan Catholic Baseball, Julie Timm of Coloma Softball, and Katie Mavis of St. Joseph Softball.
April 26, 2009: Lauren Chorny of Lakeshore HS Track
Lauren Chorny of Lakeshore High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 26, 2009. At the Allegan Invitational, Lauren placed first in the Pole Vault with a meet and school record height of 10ft. 7in. She also placed second in the high jump. Then in the Lancers’ meet against Niles, she placed first in the high jump and the 300 Meter Hurdles.
Lauren is also a member of the Lakeshore Volleyball team and Key Club, attends the Math Science Center, and is on the Honor Roll. In the classroom, she carries a 4.26 grade point average.
Lauren is the daughter of Jeff and Deanna Chorny of Stevensville.
Other finalists for the week were Becca Guntz of Coloma Track, Sam Helsley of St. Joseph Softball, and Corey Barker of Watervliet Baseball.
April 19, 2009: Jenna Ignowski of Niles High School Softball
Jenna Ignowski of Niles High School Softball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 19, 2009. Jenna pitched the Vikings to wins over Coloma, Kalamazoo Central, and Bath. Two of her wins were perfect games. For the week, she struck out a combined 53 batters and allowed just two hits. At the plate, she collected four singles, five doubles, one triple, and one home run.
Aside from softball, Jenna is a tutor for first grade students. In the classroom, she carries a 3.47 grade point average.
Jenna is the daughter of Dennis and Michelle Ignowski of Niles.
Other finalists for the week were Amy Knapp of Lakeshore Softball, Amanda Balk of Lakeshore Track, Andrea Hiler of Watervliet Track and Softball, and Katie Peterson of River Valley Soccer.
April 12, 2009: Vince Burke of Coloma High School Track
Vince Burke of Coloma High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of April 12, 2009. In the Comets’ meet against Berrien Springs and River Valley, Vince won the 3200 Meter Run. He also ran the anchor leg for the winning 3200 Meter Relay team.
Vince is also a member of the Coloma Cross Country team, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, and Business Professionals of America. Last year he served as a Boys State Representative. In the classroom, he carries a 3.76 grade point average.
Vince is the son of Carol Burke of Coloma.
Other finalists for the week were Linda Kenyon of Michigan Lutheran Soccer, Haleigh Kiser of Watervliet Softball, and Meghan Landeck of Lake Michigan Catholic Softball and Tennis.
March 22, 2009: Olivia Zvonar of Coloma HS Track
Olivia Zvonar of Coloma High School Track is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of March 22, 2009. In the Comets’ win over South Haven, Olivia set personal best times in winning both the 100 Meter High Hurdles and 300 Meter Low Hurdles. She also ran the lead leg for the winning 400 Meter Relay and 800 Meter Relay teams.
Olivia is also a member of the Coloma Basketball team, Sideline Cheer squad, and Honors Club. In the classroom, she carries a 3.4 grade point average.
Olivia is the daughter of Frank and Sue Zvonar of Coloma.
February 15, 2009: Tyler Carr of Watervliet HS Wrestling
Tyler Carr of Watervliet High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 15, 2009. At Team Districts, Tyler went 2-0 on the day to help lead the Panthers to the championship. He followed that up by going 3-0 at Individual Districts to win the 152 Pound title and improve to 51-1 on the season.
Tyler is also a member of the Watervliet Football and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.7 grade point average.
Tyler is the son of James and Carla Carr of Watervliet.
Other finalists for the week were LeAnne Priebe of Michigan Lutheran Basketball, Mandy Bromilow of Berrien Springs Basketball, and Cory Wilbur of Eau Claire Wrestling.
February 8, 2009: Nate Price of Grace Christian HS Basketball
Nate Price of Grace Christian High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 8, 2009. Nathan scored his 1,000th career point in the Patriots’ win over Kalamazoo Home School. He ended the night with 21 points, six rebounds, and six steals. Then against Michigan Lutheran, he turned in 13 points, ten rebounds, and five steals. For the season, he’s averaging 17.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.2 steals a game.
Nate is also a member of the Grace Christian Soccer and Baseball teams and Band.
Nate is the son of James and Wanda Price of Niles.
Another finalist for the week was Aaron Belanger of Lakeshore Wrestling.
January 25, 2009: Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet HS Basketball
Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 25, 2009. In the Panthers’ win over Fennville, Rachel led the way with 23 points, 18 rebounds, six blocked shots, and five assists. Then in a win over Decatur, she finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, eight blocks, six assists, and four steals.
Rachel is also a member of the Watervliet Volleyball and Softball teams, Yearbook staff, Student Council, and Teacher Cadet Program. In the classroom, she carries a 3.2 grade point average.
Rachel is the daughter of Jim and Tracy Sheffer of Watervliet.
Other finalists for the week were Tera Koebel of River Valley Basketball, Kevin Bryce of Watervliet Basketball, LeAnne Priebe of Michigan Lutheran Basketball, and Katie Mavis of St. Joseph Basketball.
January 19, 2009: Greg Toliver of Berrien Springs HS Basketball
Greg Toliver of Berrien Springs School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 18, 2009. In three games, Greg scored 97 points and pulled down 39 rebounds. He finished with 28 points and 12 rebounds against Cassopolis. Then against Buchanan, he turned in 22 points and ten rebounds. Greg ended the week with 47 points and 17 rebounds against Coloma.
Greg is a member of the National Honor Society and the Shamrock Football and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.3 grade point average.
Greg is the son of Paul and Carolyn Toliver of Berrien Springs.
Other finalists for the week were Matt Trelenberg of Michigan Lutheran Basketball and Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet Basketball.
January 11, 2009: Destiny Williams of Benton Harbor HS Basketball
Destiny Williams of Benton Harbor High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 11, 2009. In three games, Destiny scored 108 points and pulled down 57 rebounds. In the Tigers’ win over St. Joe, she finished with 37 points and 23 rebounds. In a win over Mattawan, she turned in 29 points and 19 rebounds. Then in a win over Ottawa Hills, Destiny scored 42 points to go along with 15 rebounds.
In her free time, Destiny serves as a tutor and volunteers with the Boys and Girls Club. In the classroom, she carries a 3.5 grade point average.
Destiny is the daughter of Angela William of Benton Harbor.
Other finalists for the week were Katie Mavis of St. Joseph Basketball and LeAnne Priebe of Michigan Lutheran Basketball.
January 4, 2009: Caleb Bergman of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Caleb Bergman of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 4, 2009. In the Bears’ meet against East Grand Rapids, Caleb won the 100 Meter Freestyle and was part of the second place 200 Medley Relay team. Both events resulted in State qualifying times. Then against Battle Creek Central, he was part of the winning 200 Medley, 200 Freestyle, and 400 Freestyle Relay teams. At the Holland Invitational, Caleb placed third in the 100 Backstroke with a third State qualifying time.
Outside of school, Caleb is involved with his church youth group and has served on several mission trips.
Caleb is the son of Steve and Debby Bergman of St. Joseph.
December 21, 2008: Jay Magro of Bridgman HS Basketball
Jay Magro of Bridgman High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 21, 2008. In the Bees’ win over River Valley, Jay scored 12 points and added six steals and five assists. Then in the Bees’ two games in the Benton Harbor Holiday Tournament, he turned in a combined 29 points, eight steals, and ten assists which earned him a spot on the All-Tournament Team.
Jay is also a member of the Bridgman Baseball team. He also serves as a volunteer reader for elementary students and as a Mini Bee Basketball coach. In the classroom, he carries a 3.1 grade point average.
Jay is the son of John and Kim Magro of Bridgman.
Another finalist for the week was David Garner of Niles Basketball.
December 7, 2008: Tyler Groth of Bridgman HS Basketball
Tyler Groth of Bridgman High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 7, 2008. In the Bees’ win over South Haven, Tyler finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals. He followed that up with ten points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a win over Berrien Springs.
Tyler is also a member of the Baseball and Golf teams. He’s also a volunteer tutor and coaches Mini-Bee basketball. In the classroom, he carries a 3.2 grade point average.
Tyler is the son of Harry and Janet Groth of Bridgman.
Other finalists for the week were Caleb Bergman of St. Joseph Swimming and Sami Sukupchak of St. Joseph Basketball.
November 30, 2008: Destiny Williams of Benton Harbor HS Basketball
Destiny Williams of Benton Harbor High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 30, 2008. In the Tigers’ 79-57 win over Battle Creek Central, Destiny finished with 37 points, 26 rebounds, and five blocked shots. She followed that up with 38 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals in a 79-36 win over Coldwater.
Outside of basketball, Destiny serves as a tutor and is also active with the Boys’ and Girls’ club in Benton Harbor. In the classroom, she carries a 3.1 grade point average.
November 16, 2008: Liz Todd of St. Joseph High School Swimming
Liz Todd of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 16, 2008. At the Division 3 State Championships, Liz placed 4th in the 50 Meter Freestyle. In the 100 Meter Freestyle, she placed 9th and broke a school record with a time of :53.80. Liz was also a member of the 400 Meter Freestyle Relay team that placed 15th.
Liz is also a member of the Book Club, French Club, and Wind-Up staff. In the classroom, she carries a 3.72 grade point average.
Liz is the daughter of Mike and Linda Todd of St. Joseph.
November 9, 2008: Trace Schewe of Lakeshore HS Football
Trace Schewe of Lakeshore High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 9, 2008. In the Lancers’ 18-15 Regional Championship win over East Lansing, Trace recorded 16 tackles, including five for loss. He also played a key role on the offensive side of the ball as the Lancers’ starting center.
Trace attends Lakeshore’s Math and Science Center and is a Miracle League volunteer. He’s also a member of the National Honor Society and is a National Merit Semi-Finalist. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Trace is the son of David and Holly Schewe of Stevensville.
November 2, 2008: Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet HS Volleyball
Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet High School Volleyball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 2, 2008. With wins over New Buffalo, Bridgman, and River Valley, Rachel helped lead the Panthers to the District Championship. She finished the week with a combined 92 kills, 33 digs, eight aces, five blocks, and 23 points.
Rachel is also a member of the Watervliet Basketball and Softball teams, Student Council, Yearbook staff, and Prom Committee. Rachel also just recently accepted a full ride scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan. In the classroom, she carries a 3.35 grade point average.
Another finalist for the week was Liz Eddy of Grace Christian Volleyball.
Rachel is the daughter of Jim and Tracy Sheffer of Watervliet.
October 26, 2008: Frank Deaton of Lake Michigan Catholic Cross Country
Frank Deaton of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 26, 2008. At the Division Four State Finals, Frank placed 20th out of 238 runners. He finished with a time of 16:28. His performance earned him All-State and Academic All-State honors.
Frank is also a member of the Lake Michigan Catholic Track team, Academic Challenge team, Band, and Youth Orchestra. He’s also earned the title of Eagle Scout. In the classroom, Frank carries a 3.97 grade point average.
Frank is the son of Bill and Jane Deaton of Benton Harbor.
October 19, 2008: Zak Wasserman of Lakeshore HS Football
Zak Wasserman of Lakeshore High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 19, 2008. Zak tied a school record with five touchdown passes in the Lancers’ 35-7 win over Mattawan. He ended the night completing ten of 12 passes for 110 yards.
Zak is also a member of the Lakeshore Baseball team and Student Council. In the classroom, he carries a 3.85 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Collin Ludwig and Julie Helm of St. Joseph Cross Country.
Zak is the son of Jim and Kim Wasserman of Stevensville.
October 12, 2008: Watervliet HS Football
Kevin Bryce of Watervliet High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 12, 2008. In the Panthers’ 49-42 win over Lawton, Kevin accounted for 343 yards and six touchdowns. In the air, he was 18 of 30 passing for 187 yards and three touchdowns. On the ground, Kevin rushed for 156 more yards and three more touchdowns. He was also five of six in extra point tries. On the defensive side of the ball, he turned in 12 tackles.
Kevin is also a member of the Watervliet Basketball and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.8 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Vishal Arora of St. Joseph Tennis and Nolan O’Brien of Berrien Springs Football.
Kevin is the son of Curt and Kim Bryce of Watervliet.
October 5, 2008: Amanda Balk of Lakeshore HS Cross Country
Amanda Balk of Lakeshore High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 5, 2008. At the annual Rock ‘N Run Invitational, Amanda finished first among seniors and placed third out of 201 overall. She also turned in a season best time of 19:51.
Amanda is also a member of the Lakeshore Track team and Math Science Center and has been chosen to be a member of the Rotary Youth Leadership Association. She is also involved with Habitat For Humanity, Relay For Life, and Crop Walk. In the classroom, she carries a 3.98 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Andrew Kim of St. Joseph Tennis, Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country, and Katie Larsen of Michigan Lutheran Volleyball.
Amanda is the daughter of Steve and Cathy Balk of Stevensville.
Sept. 28, 2008: Kristen Gregory of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Kristin Gregory of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 28, 2008. In meets against Battle Creek Central and Mattawan, Kristin placed first in all eight events she participated in. Against Central, she won the 100 Butterfly and 500 Freestyle and swam a leg on the winning 200 Medley and 400 Freestyle Relay teams. Against Mattawan, Kristin won the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Butterfly and was part of the winning 200 Medley and 400 Freestyle Relay teams.
Kristin is also a member of the National Honor Society, Key Club, and Foreign Language Club. In the classroom, she carries a 3.78 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Rachel Sheffer of Watervliet Volleyball, Amanda Balk of Lakeshore Cross Country, and Trevor Forker of New Buffalo Football.
Kristin is the daughter of Mike and Deb Gregory of St. Joseph.
Sept. 21, 2008: Madie Rodts of Niles High School Cross Country
Madie Rodts of Niles High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 21, 2008. At the Berrien County Invitational, Madie won the individual title with a time of 20:11. She becomes the first Niles girl ever to win the county crown.
Madie was a state qualifier in both Cross Country and Track last year. She’s also a member of the N-Club and is a 4-H competitor. Madie also volunteers with various activities. In the classroom, she carries a 3.83 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Sam Felton of St. Joseph Cross Country and Joe Collard of Berrien Springs Football.
Madie is the daughter of Dan and Mary Ann Rodts of Niles.
September 14, 2008: TJ Simmons of Lake Michigan Catholic Soccer/Football
TJ Simmons of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Soccer and Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 14, 2008. On the Soccer field, TJ scored three goals in the Lakers’ game against Covert. He followed that up with two goals against Brandywine, including the game tying goal with 45 seconds remaining. On the football field, TJ made seven of eight extra point kicks in the Lakers’ win over Covert.
TJ is also a member of the Lake Michigan Catholic Basketball, Baseball, and Track teams. He’s been on the Honor Roll several times. In the classroom, he carries a 3.4 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Amanda Balk of Lakeshore Cross Country and Sam Felton of St. Joseph Cross Country.
TJ is the son of Kevin and Carolyn Simmons of South Haven.
Sept. 7, 2008: Michael Cottier of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Football
Michael Cottier of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 7, 2008. In the Lakers’ 23-6 win over Bronson, Michael scored two touchdowns and rushed for 232 yards on 22 carries. On defense, he recorded eight tackles and had an interception.
Michael is also a member of the Laker Basketball team, where he earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors, and Baseball team, where he’s earned All-Conference and All-District honors. He’s also on the Honor Roll and is a member of the National Honor Society. In the classroom, he carries a 3.5 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Amanda Balk of Lakeshore Cross Country, Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country, Dakota Brock of St. Joseph Volleyball, and TJ Simmons of Lake Michigan Catholic Soccer and Football.
Michael is the son of Jim and Pam Cottier of Coloma.
August 31, 2008: Evan Krettek of Bridgman High School Cross Country
Evan Krettek of Bridgman High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of August 31, 2008. Evan won the New Buffalo Invitational and help the Bees capture the team title. He then won all three events he participated in at the Lawton Trail Relays. He was first overall in the Hero Mile and led the team to a first place finish. Evan also led the Bees to wins in the three by one mile relay and the four by ¼ mile relay with the fastest splits in both races.
Evan is a member of the National Honor Society and attends the Math Science Center at Andrews University. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Tucker McCracken of New Buffalo Football and Kayla Matheny of Lakeshore Cross Country.
Evan is the son of Joanne Krettek of Bridgman.
August 24, 2008: Alex Harbert of St. Joseph High School Tennis
Alex Harbert of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of August 24, 2008. Alex went 3-0 at the Forest Hills Central Invitational and won the #2 Singles Championship. He recorded wins over Port Huron Northern, Detroit Catholic Central, and the defending State Champion from East Grand Rapids. Alex then went on to post dual meet wins over Portage Northern and Holland Christian.
Alex is also a member of the Spanish Club and Book Club at St. Joe. In the classroom, he carries a 3.55 grade point average.
Another finalist for the week was Michael Cottier of Lake Michigan Catholic Football.
Alex is the son of Doug and Kathy Harbert of St. Joseph.
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