As winter sports wrap up and the excitement of spring sports takes center stage, the Standard-Times is gearing up to continue its tradition of honoring exceptional talent with the City National Bank Athlete of the Week award. With thrilling postseason action in soccer and the commencement of district play for local softball and baseball teams, the high school sports landscape is buzzing with remarkable performances and standout athletes.
This week, the Standard-Times will unveil its list of finalists for the High School Athlete of the Week on Tuesday, showcasing the impressive feats of young athletes making their mark on the field.
Among the nominees is Veronica Castro from Central softball, who delivered a stellar performance with three hits in four at-bats, including a double and a home run, in a resounding victory over Odessa. Castro's contributions were pivotal in leading her team to success, demonstrating her skill and determination.
Another strong contender is Jordan Chitsey of Wall softball, who shone brightly in a dominant 13-1 win against Merkel. Chitsey showcased her offensive prowess with two hits in three at-bats, scoring two runs and driving in three RBIs, capped off with a home run that electrified the crowd.
On the baseball diamond, Chasen Doyal from Junction has made waves with his outstanding pitching performance. He threw an impressive 6⅓ innings, allowing just one hit and no runs while striking out nine batters in a commanding win over San Saba. Doyal's ability to control the game from the mound has made him a key player for his team.
Ryler Hunt of Christoval baseball also had a notable outing against Sonora, pitching five innings without giving up an earned run. Hunt struck out eight batters and contributed offensively with two hits, including two doubles and three RBIs, proving to be a dual threat.
In softball, Peyton Jones from Lake View has been nothing short of spectacular. In a game against Lubbock-Cooper Liberty, she recorded four hits in five at-bats, scoring five runs and driving in six RBIs. Her performance included a double, a triple, and two home runs, highlighting her explosive offensive capabilities.
Tu'uta Kalamafoni from Central track and field made headlines with his impressive throw of 150 feet and three inches in the discus event at the Cotton Patch Relays. Kalamafoni's achievement not only showcases his talent but also sets the stage for a promising track season ahead.
KK Lloyd of Colorado City softball also deserves recognition for her outstanding performance on the mound. In a commanding 10-0 victory over Sonora, Lloyd pitched seven innings, allowing just three hits and striking out nine batters, demonstrating her dominance in the circle.
Additionally, Kellan Oliver from Wall baseball delivered a stellar pitching performance, throwing four innings and giving up only two hits while striking out five batters in a 13-0 victory against Merkel. Oliver's control and effectiveness on the mound have been crucial for his team's success.
As the high school sports season progresses, the competition heats up, and the Standard-Times encourages fans to participate in the nomination process for next week's City National Bank Athlete of the Week. Nominations are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2025. Fans can submit their nominations via email at [email protected] or by messaging the Standard-Times on X (formerly known as Twitter) @sast_sports.
Students participating in all varsity sports are eligible for nomination, and the poll will open on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, closing at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The winners will be announced shortly after the poll closes.
It's important to note that athletes who win the Athlete of the Week award cannot win it twice for the same sport. However, they can be nominated in a different sport. An athlete is limited to winning the award a maximum of three times in a school year, ensuring that recognition is shared among the outstanding talent in the area.
As the excitement builds in the world of high school sports, fans are encouraged to stay engaged and support their favorite athletes. Paul Witwer, who covers high school sports and Angelo State University sports for the San Angelo Standard-Times, invites readers to reach out with nominations and follow him on X @Paul_Witwer for the latest updates and coverage.
With so much talent on display and the stakes rising, the City National Bank Athlete of the Week award continues to highlight the dedication and skill of young athletes in the community. As the spring sports season unfolds, who will rise to the occasion and claim the title of Athlete of the Week? Stay tuned for the exciting developments ahead!
