The Student Athlete of the Week is a 26-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 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.
February 21, 2010: Patrick Russel of Bridgman HS Swimming
Patrick Russell of Bridgman High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 21, 2010. At the Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference West Division Finals, Patrick helped lead the Bees to the team title. He won the 100 Free and placed fourth in the 50 Free. He was also a member of the winning 400 Free Relay team.
Patrick is a Science Olympiad and is a member of the Choir. He also serves as Senior Class President. In the classroom, he carries a 3.82 grade point average.
Patrick is the son of Pat and Irene Russell of Bridgman.
February 14, 2010: Damonica Buford of Benton Harbor HS Basketball
Damonica Buford of Benton Harbor High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of February 14, 2010. Damonica scored a game high 25 points in the Tigers’ win over Loy Norrix. Then in a win over Marshall, she connected on seven 3 pointers on the way to scoring 27 points. She also collected five steals against Marshall.
In her free time, Damonica enjoys reading along with watching and playing basketball. In the classroom, she carries a 3.2 grade point average.
Damonica is the daughter of Shirley Buford of Benton Harbor.
Another finalist for the week was Scott Gephart of Michigan Lutheran Basketball.
February 7, 2010: 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 7, 2010. Jenna turned in 27 points, 12 rebounds, and five steals in the Titans’ win over New Buffalo. She followed that up with 21 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a win over Heritage Christian.
Jenna is also a member of the Michigan Lutheran Volleyball and Softball teams. Outside of school, she is very active with her church. In the classroom, she carries a 3.92 grade point average.
Jenna is the daughter of Greg and Amy Spaulding of Eau Claire.
Other finalists for the week were Ryan Vitale of St. Joseph Wrestling and Alex Willer of St. Joseph Swimming.
January 31, 2010: Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic HS Basketball
Laura Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 31, 2010. In the Lakers’ win over New Buffalo, Laura finished with 12 points, five assists, five rebounds, and six steals. Then in a win over Countryside Academy, she scored 14 points to go along with six assists, five rebounds, and six steals.
Laura is also a member of the Laker Soccer team, Volleyball team, and Band. She serves as Public Relations Officer for the Key Club and is President of the Sophomore Class. In the classroom, she carries a 3.98 grade point average.
Laura is the daughter of Julie and Phil Sifrig of St. Joseph.
Another finalist for the week was Jenna Green of Michigan Lutheran Basketball.
January 24, 2010: Payne Hayden of Lakeshore HS Wrestling
Payne Hayden of Lakeshore High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 24, 2010. In the Lancers’ win over Niles, Payne won his match by pin. Then at the Southwest Michigan Invitational, he went 3-0 on the day. All three of his wins were by pin. With the week’s performance, Payne improved to 32-3 on the season with 27 pins.
Payne is also active with the Boy Scouts where he recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Payne is the son of Jon and Candy Hayden of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were David Garner of Niles Basketball and Joe Isbrecht of Watervliet Wrestling.
January 17, 2010: Katie Mavis of St. Joseph HS Basketball
Katie Mavis of St. Joseph High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 17, 2010. In the Bears’ win over Harper Creek, Katie turned in 20 points, four assists, one rebound, and one steal. Then in a win over Mattawan, she scored 16 points to go along with five assists, six rebounds, three steals, and one blocked shot.
Katie is also a member of the St. Joe Volleyball and Softball teams, Key Club, and school newspaper staff. She volunteers her time with the Berrien County Youth Fair, Readiness Center, and the Morton School beautification project. In the classroom, she carries a 3.78 grade point average.
Katie is the daughter of Mark and Cathy Mavis of St. Joseph
Another finalist for the week was Conner Magro of Bridgman Basketball.
January 10, 2010: Dan Vollrath of Coloma HS Basketball
Dan Vollrath of Coloma High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 10, 2010. In the Comets’ win against Lake Michigan Catholic, Dan scored 17 points to go along with six assists and three steals. Then in a win against New Buffalo, he finished with 16 points, eight assists, two steals, and two rebounds.
Dan is also a member of the Coloma Football team and spends time volunteering to help younger students. He was also recently crowned Mr. Coloma. In the classroom, he carries a 3.4 grade point average.
Dan is the son of Dave and Jan Vollrath of Coloma.
Another finalist for the week was Brea Osborn of Lake Michigan Catholic Basketball.
January 3, 2010: John Tanner of Coloma HS Wrestling
John Tanner of Coloma High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of January 3, 2010. In the Comets’ match against Berrien Springs and Cassopolis, John went 2-0 on the night. Later in the week at the Berrien County Invitational, he became a four time County Champion by winning the 145-pound Championship. He was also selected as the invitational’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. After the County Invitational, John pulled to within six wins of Coloma’s all-time win record.
John is also a member of the National Honor Society and Tennis team. He’s also actively involved with Coloma’s youth wrestling program. In the classroom, he carries a 3.8 grade point average.
John is the son of Glen and Helen Tanner of Coloma.
December 27, 2009: Luke Faultersack of Coloma HS Wrestling
Luke Faultersack of Coloma High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 27, 2009. In the Comets’ match against Decatur and White Pigeon, Luke earned his 150 career win. He scored two wins on the night, both by pin. Then at the Holland Tournament, we went 5-0 on the day to capture the individual championship. With going 7-0 on the week, Luke maintained his #2 ranking in the state in his weight class.
Luke is also a member of the Coloma Football and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 3.2 grade point average.
Luke is the son of Jeff and Sherry Faultersack of Coloma.
December 6, 2009: Jamaal Jackson of St. Joseph HS Wrestling
Jamaal Jackson of St. Joseph High School Wrestling is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of December 6, 2009. At the Highlander Classic, Jamaal defended is #2 ranking in the state by winning the 189 lb. championship. He defeated three other state ranked wrestlers in capturing the title. With the wins, he improved to 7-0 on the season.
Jamaal is also a member of the St. Joe Football and Baseball teams. He also assists younger students through the Academic Achievers Program.
Jamaal is the son of Larry and Rhonda Jackson of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Nicole Winter of Watervliet Basketball, Katie Mavis of St. Joseph Basketball, and Abby Sassano of Lake Michigan Catholic Basketball.
November 29, 2009: Nicole Sly of Niles HS Basketball
Nicole Sly of Niles High School Basketball is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 29, 2009. In the Vikings’ win over Loy Norrix, Nicole turned in 15 points, ten rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Then in a win over Portage Central, she finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and five steals.
Nicole is also a member of the Viking Golf team and plans on playing Soccer in the spring. In the classroom, she carries a 3.9 grade point average.
Nicole is the daughter of Cory and Geri Sly of Niles.
Other finalists for the week were Jenna Green of Michigan Lutheran Basketball and Lindsay Peirce, Katie Mavis, and Erika Priebe of St. Joseph Basketball.
November 15, 2009: Kristin 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 November 15, 2009. After suffering a potential season ending shoulder injury, Kristin went through several weeks of rehabilitation and was able to compete in the conference meet and the State Finals. She earned All-Conference honors as she swam the lead leg for the 400 Freestyle Relay team. She and her teammates qualified for the State Finals in the 400 Free Relay where she recorded her personal best time.
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.
Kristin is the daughter of Mike and Deb Gregory of St. Joseph.
November 1, 2009: Liz Todd of St. Joseph HS Swimming
Liz Todd of St. Joseph High School Swimming is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of November 1, 2009. At the SMAC West Division Championships, Liz won the 50 Freestyle with a time of :24.36 and the 100 Freestyle with a time of :52.98. Her times in both events are new school records. She also swam a leg on the third place and state qualifying 400 Free Relay team the fourth place 200 Medley Relay team.
Liz is also a member of the French Club and Book Club and is a staff editor for the school newspaper. In the classroom, she carries a 3.72 grade point average.
Liz is the daughter of Mike and Linda Todd of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Eva Balich of New Buffalo Volleyball and Kristin Gregory of St. Joseph Swimming.
October 25, 2009: Mark Haukereid of Bridgman HS Cross Country
Mark Haukereid of Bridgman High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 25, 2009. At the Regional Finals, Mark won the individual championship which helped the Bees capture the team title. Earlier in the week, Mark placed second at the Lakeland Conference Meet and led the Bees to the team championship.
Mark is also a member of the Bridgman Basketball, Baseball, and Track teams. He’s on the Honor Roll and has earned a Grade Level Science Award. In the classroom, he carries a 3.37 grade point average.
Mark is the son of Corina and Jeff Rasor of Bridgman.
Other finalists for the week were Kevin Eastman of Watervliet Football and Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country.
October 18, 2009: Elise Campbell of New Buffalo HS Cross Country
Elise Campbell of New Buffalo High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 18, 2009. At the Red Arrow Conference Meet, Elise placed first with a time of 22:52. The win gives her a sweep of every conference meet this season.
Elise is also a member of the Bison Volleyball and Track teams and is involved with Drama. In the classroom, she carries a 3.78 grade point average.
Elise is the daughter of Michelle and Steve Ripley of New Buffalo.
Other finalists for the week were Rachael Sunday of Eau Claire Volleyball, Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country, and Liz Todd of St. Joseph Swimming.
October 11, 2009: Nick Artaev of St. Joseph HS Tennis
Nick Artaev of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 11, 2009. At the MHSAA State Finals, Nick won the individual state championship at #3 Singles. He scored wins over Spring Lake, DeWitt, Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook, and Detroit Country Day in helping the Bears to a 4th place finish. Nick ended the year with a perfect 30-0 record. He finishes with a 119-9 career record at St. Joe.
Nick is also a member of the Spanish Club and participates in Model United Nations. In the classroom, he carries a 3.6 grade point average.
Nick is the son of Viatcheslav and Sabina Artaev of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country and Cory Briney of Michigan Lutheran Football.
October 4, 2009: Brad Sifrig from Lake Michigan Catholic HS Soccer
Brad Sifrig of Lake Michigan Catholic High School Soccer is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of October 4, 2009. In the Lakers’ win over Bangor, Brad scored three goals. He followed that up with two goals and an assist in a win over Grace Christian. The five goals for the week give him 24 for the season.
Brad is also a member of the Golf team, National Honor Society, and Key Club. He also attends the Professional Health Career Academy. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Brad is the son of Phil and Julie Sifrig of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Liz Eddy of Grace Christian Volleyball, Mark Calhoun of Niles Cross Country, and Nick Artaev of St. Joseph Tennis.
September 27, 2009: Drew Kalinowski of Lakeshore HS Soccer
Drew Kalinowski of Lakeshore High School Soccer is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 27, 2009. Drew made 26 saves in goal on 26 shots in leading the Lancers to shutout wins over Portage Central, Mattawan, and St. Joe. The performance gives him 11 shutouts for the season.
Drew is also a member of the Lakeshore Cross Country, Golf, and Track teams, DECA, and Conservation Club. He also competes in the Michigan Junior PGA and JGA Golf Tours. In the classroom, he carries a 3.38 grade point average.
Drew is the son of Bob and Stephanie Kalinowski of Stevensville.
Other finalists for the week were Sam Felton of St. Joseph Cross Country and Marga Galens of Grace Christian Volleyball.
September 20, 2009: Trianna Sutton of Benton Harbor HS Golf
Trianna Sutton of Benton Harbor High School Golf is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 20, 2009. At the Big 16 West Division match at The Golf Club at Harbor Shores, Trianna led the Tigers by shooting a 58. Included in her round was a hole-in-one on the 95 yard 11th hole. Trianna is currently one of the top seven golfers in the Big 16 West.
Trianna is also a member of the First Tee Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor, and Children’s Music Workshop.
Other finalists for the week were Nick Artaev of St. Joseph Tennis and Collin Ludwig of St. Joseph Cross Country.
September 13, 2009: Sam Felton of St. Joseph Cross Country
Sam Felton of St. Joseph High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 13, 2009. At the Michigan State Spartan Invitational, Sam finished 7th out of 284 runners. He turned in a time of 16:45. His performance led the Bears to a 9th place finish out of 42 teams.
Sam is also a member of the National Honor Society, Symphony Orchestra, and Lake Effect Jazz Band. He also volunteers his time with the March of Dimes and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In the classroom, he carries a 3.72 grade point average.
Another finalist for the week was Shannon Miller of Bridgman Volleyball.
Sam is the son of Duane and Kim Felton of St. Joseph.
September 6, 2009: Madie Rodts of Niles Cross Country
Madie Rodts of Niles High School Cross Country is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of September 6, 2009. For the week, Madie won back to back invitational titles. She won the Rotary Invitational with a personal best time of 19:29. She then won the Berrien Springs Invitational with a time of 20:52.
Madie is also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Drug Free Players, N-Club, and 4-H. In the classroom, she carries a 3.72 grade point average.
Other finalists for the week were Liz Eddy of Grace Christian Volleyball, Nick Artaev of St. Joseph Tennis, Sammie Averill of St. Joseph Golf, Kyle Bartos of New Buffalo Soccer, and Cameron Magro of Bridgman Cross Country
Madie is the daughter of Dan and Mary Ann Rodts of Niles.
August 30, 2009: Brett Thumm of Watervliet Football
Brett Thumm of Watervliet High School Football is Berrien County’s Student Athlete of the Week for the week of August 30, 2009. In the Panthers’ 40-13 win over Gobles, Brett rushed for 261 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught two passes for 40 yards.
Brett is also a member of the Watervliet Wrestling and Baseball teams. In the classroom, he carries a 4.0 grade point average.
Another finalist for the week was Sam Felton of St. Joseph Cross Country.
Brett is the son of Michael and Tonya Thumm of Watervliet.
August 23, 2009: Vishal Arora of St. Joseph Tennis
Vishal Arora of St. Joseph High School Tennis is Berrien Countyís Student Athlete of the Week for the week of August 23, 2009. At #1 Singles, Vishal scored a win over perennial state power Holland Christian. He followed that up with wins over top ten ranked Traverse City Central and University of Detroit Jesuit at the Traverse City Invitational. The wins lifted his season record to 4-0.
Vishal is also a member of the National Honor Society and Latin Club. He also serves as a Student Representative. In the classroom, he carries a 3.95 grade point average.
Vishal is the son of Dilip and Anita Arora of St. Joseph.
Other finalists for the week were Eric Lemon of Lakeshore Football and Joey Frazee of Lake Michigan Catholic Football.
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.
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.
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