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.
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.
.png)
