The Mount Vernon News sports department is starting its second year of the MVN ATHLETE of the WEEK, a school-year weekly feature that spotlights local student-athletes and their schools.
To fuel it, we encourage every area high school coach to send us nominations, but if they don't we'll find our own. We also encourage community members to send us their nominations. We take all nominations seriously and will consider all that we receive. An athlete can be nominated more than once, as a worthy student-athlete can gain recognition as often as he or she earns it.
Based on their performances, we will select an ATHLETE of the WEEK and recognize other outstanding athletic accomplishments. We will run a picture of the winner and their weekly stats or other information provided. We believe this program will help local student-athletes secure scholarships while gaining additional recognition for school athletic programs. If we do not receive a boy and a girl in some weeks, we will spotlight only the winner from the group of nominations. These student athletes should be commended for their accomplishments. Help us do that and please send us your nominations.
Last school year, we recognized 89 student-athletes – 40 females and 49 males -- who were been named MOUNT VERNON NEWS ATHLETES OF THE WEEK.
Last year’s FEMALE ATHLETE of the WEEK was Natalie Smith of East Knox. She was nominated for softball as she led the KMAC in batting at .600, slugging at an astronomical 1.067, home runs with seven and RBIs with 41, On-base-pct. at .638 and a staggering OPS of 1.705.
Last year’s MALE ATHLETE of the WEEK was Shane Knepp of East Knox. Knepp was a three-sport star who won a record five Athlete of the Week nominations in 2021-2022. In football, he received KMAC and Divisional first-team honors for his play at defensive back. He was also first team in basketball, leading the conference in scoring and steals.
Our first ATHLETE of the WEEK WINNERS for 2022-23 are Audrey Brininger of Cardington-Lincoln and Dane Nauman of Highland
Female Athlete of the Week
Audrey Brininger led Cardington-Lincoln’s opening 3-0 win over Northridge, August 19 with 17 kills, an ace 2 blocks 9 digs and 7 receptions. He play and inspirational on-court leadership helped drive the Lady Pirates’ team-winning demeanor. In her next match vs. Fredericktown, she followed with 17 kills, one block, nine digs and 4 receptions.
Brininger is a two time all-Ohioan, which is a first for Cardington. She is also the first First-team all state player in Cardington history and two-time Central District player of the year. She already holds the single season and career kills records.
C-L staff said, “Audrey has been a leader of this team since she was a freshman. The team thrives off her determination and aggressive play. She has become more vocal the last several years, and the team listens when she has something to say. She’s a unique young lady, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. Great player, great person.”
Honorable mention for noteworthy performances go to Highland golfer CeCi Grassbaugh, who medaled for the second time this season with a 38 against Clear Fork; Grace Sipes had 7 kills and seven aces for Fredericktown vs. Utica, and Larsen Terrill had nine kills and 24 assists for Highland vs. Big Walnut.
Male Athlete of the Week
Dane Nauman started the season where he left off for Highland football. Last year, he set a school record, rushing for 2,532 yards on 262 carries for 9.7 yards per carry, and 25 touchdowns. In the season opening 17-14 in over Fredericktown, Nauman gained 300 yards on 31 carries for a 9.7ypc average and on defense he amassed 8 tackles, six solos, 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Fighting Scots head coach Ty Stover said, “For sure Dane should be recognized. Dane is a leader on and off the field as he brings joy to the faces he comes in contact with due to his ability to bring energy, a positive outlook, and a smile. In our program we rate players on a scale of 1-11, 11 being the best. Dane's ability to play and lead make him a repeat 11. We call that ‘Staying 11’. These days there is something special about a star player that understands he is as equal as all others in the program. That's what makes the Highland Football Program and Dane special.”
Gaining honorable mention is Max Payne, Danville’s leader on both sides of the ball. In the Blue Devils’ 33-17 win against Worthington Christian, Payne rushed 19 times for 94 yards and 2 TDs. He boomed a 72-yard punt, kicked 3 PATs and made 2 tackles for loss and a sack on defense. Danville coach Matthew Blum said, “Max Payne is a do it all player for us. He plays running back on offense, linebacker on defense, punts and kicks PATs on special teams. He is a high character talented individual who we are lucky to have in our program.”
Other top performances include Mount Gilead’s Garrett George -- 15 carries for 285 yards and five touchdowns in a 56-0 rout of Ridgedale; and Fredericktown golfer Ian Muca, who was a Medalist at the Licking Valley Invitational, with a 76 and a Medalist at the First KMAC Tournament this year, with a 72. Freddies Athletic Director Adam Brown said, “Ian has worked extremely hard this off season to improve his game. Right now, he is playing very well and his hard work is paying off. He is having fun and is a great teammate.”
We congratulate all these local student-athletes on great character and performances as well as the many who did not make this week’s feature, but who will be recognized in weeks to come.
To coaches and community members, join us in our award process. Send us your choices for MVN ATHLETE of the WEEK, a recap of their prowess in competition and a photo of them and give them the community recognition they deserve. Encourage your community members and coaches to contact us each week. Send your selections to: mike.blake@mountvernonnews.com.
