As if on schedule, frigid temperatures are signaling the conclusion of the fall sports season. Most fall sports are wrapping up this month before the winter sports season kicks off. Here are this months nominees for Allen County Area Athlete of the Month.
Drew Wilhite Last season as a freshman, Wilhite led the Humboldt boys cross country team to state, and featured as the Cubs number-one runner. Although the Cubs missed the opportunity to reach team as a state this season, Wilhite managed to place sixth at Humboldts region meet, and advance to state as an individual.
Zach Beckmon A first-year player on the gridiron for the Crest Lancers, Beckmon has been a key weapon on offense. Against Southern Coffey County on Oct. 18, Beckmon earned 235 yards rushing on 14 carries.
Jordan Mase Although Allen Community College mens soccer team missed a conference playoff spot, Mase was a major reason the Red Devils were in contention. Mase was ACCs leading scorer this season with 11 goals, and is new to the Allen County community, representing England.
Laia Jaca Jaca is one of the major reasons ACC volleyball is in a turnaround season from last years winless conference record. Jaca has helped the Red Devils remain in contention for a conference playoff position by setting up her teammates for success at the net. In last weeks match against Cloud County, Jaca earned 41 assists.
Elka Billings Almost single-handedly, Billings revived the cross country program for Crest High School. Over the summer, Billings recruited fellow Lancers to begin running cross country. The school had been without the program for nine years. The hard work paid off. Billings and her Lancer teammates are on their way to state as a team. Billings finished 15th at Crests region meet, with a time of 22:40.66.
Becca Sprague Iola volleyball was in a transition year this fall with the Fillies full of youth and short on experience. All season long Sprague was a force at the net for Iola, displaying her athletic ability. Last Tuesday against Prairie View, Sprague earned six kills to lead all Filly hitters. Expect Spragues athleticism to have an impact this winter when she transitions to basketball.
The poll is currently live and will remain open until Thursday at midnight. Well announce the winners Saturday in both our print and online editions.
If you have an athlete you would like to nominate for November (which is right around the corner), email it to [email protected].
