Final Poll for Athlete of the Week Now Open for Voting

STURGIS — The high school sports season has officially wrapped up, following an exciting weekend where Michigan State University hosted the finals for baseball, soccer, and softball under the MHSAA banner. Notably, Mendon's softball team celebrated a remarkable achievement by securing their second consecutive championship in Division 4.

As the season comes to a close, it's time for the final Athlete of the Week poll, which has compiled nominees from the past few weeks to showcase a variety of outstanding performances. Glen Oaks Community College has once again stepped in as the sponsor for this initiative and has confirmed its commitment to continue supporting the Athlete of the Week program next year when sports resume.

In addition, fans can look forward to upcoming polls recognizing the best players in baseball and softball over the next two weeks. With a passion for voting among the community, we encourage everyone to participate in this exciting event.

This week’s nominees include:

• Rowan Allen, Mendon softball — Allen played a crucial role in leading Mendon to their second straight state title, achieving two wins with an impressive tally of 22 strikeouts while not conceding any earned runs.
• Cale Hackenberg, Marcellus baseball — Hackenberg was pivotal in Marcellus's journey to the Division 4 state finals, striking out 15 batters in a semifinal victory and securing the team's only hit in the final.
• Vivian Massey, Sturgis track/field — Massey became a three-time state champion, clinching a Division 2 title in the adaptive shot put with a throw of 16 feet, 6.5 inches.
• Diannah Schwartz, Centreville track/field — Schwartz dominated the Division 3 state finals, winning all four of her adaptive events, including the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter races, along with the shot put.
• Roni Bir, Bronson softball — Bir's grand slam against Kalamazoo Christian propelled Bronson to its first regional championship since 2015, contributing three hits and five RBIs in the match.
• Lydia Wells, Bronson softball — Wells showcased her exceptional talent with a combined seven hits and three home runs during the regional and quarterfinals, driving in six runs over her last three games.
• Brayden Fritz, Bronson track/field — Fritz achieved victory in the discus event at the Division 3 state finals with a throw of 164 feet, 2 inches.

The voting for this week's nominees will remain open until noon on Saturday, June 20. Participants can cast votes for multiple student-athletes and are encouraged to vote as often as they wish before the deadline. Please vote wisely!

For more information, contact Sports Editor Brandon Watson at bwatson@gannett.com, or follow him on X, previously known as Twitter, @BwatsonSJ.

This article previously appeared in the Sturgis Journal, inviting you to support your favorite athletes from recent weeks.