Everett Herald Opens Voting for Week's Top High School Athlete

Voting is open for the Everett Herald's Athlete of the Week for the period ending Oct. 31. Readers must cast their ballots by midnight Sunday. The winning athlete will be named in the next poll and printed in the newspaper on Wednesday.

The previous week's selection went to Mason Wilson of Mountlake Terrace football. Wilson played a dual role in the victory, recording 158 rushing yards on 22 carries and 172 passing yards on 16 of 25 attempts. He also made 11 tackles on defense. Wilson secured the title with 654 votes, which accounted for 45.80% of the total.

Eight local high school students are currently in the race for the Oct. 25-31 award. In football, Nate Bjella of King’s made his first field goal attempt on Oct. 30. That last-second kick beat Granite Falls 24-22 and secured the Emerald Sound conference title.

Soccer players represent three different schools in the current nominee pool. Kyler Burke of Stanwood scored twice and provided one assist in a 3-2 district playoff win over Monroe on the road. Saylor Echelbarger of Meadowdale scored all four goals in a 4-1 victory over Oak Harbor on Oct. 29. Taylor Williams of Mountlake Terrace recorded a hat trick in a 4-1 win against Everett on Oct. 27.

Cross country and tennis athletes are also eligible for the honor. Carter Corrigan of Jackson won the 4A District 1 boys cross country title on Oct. 31. He finished the 5,000-meter race at Lakewood High School in 15 minutes and 27.3 seconds. Elijah Graves of Shorewood claimed the 3A District 1 boys cross country title with a meet record time of 15 minutes and 3.8 seconds at the same venue.

Mihai Stransky of Shorewood won the 3A District 1 boys tennis singles title on Oct. 29. In volleyball, Ava Gonzalez of Everett recorded a double-double with 29 kills and 14 digs. The Seagulls used that performance to overcome a first-set deficit and beat Monroe in four sets.

The Herald selects nominees based on reported statistics, coach recommendations, and direct observation. Coaches and scorekeepers must submit individual stats by 10:30 p.m. on the day of the event. New nominees are due by 9 a.m. on Mondays. Participants can vote at heraldnet.com.