The Mount Vernon News sports department’s MVN ATHLETE of the WEEK is a weekly feature that spotlights local student-athletes and their schools. Based on their performances, we will select an ATHLETE of the WEEK and recognize other outstanding athletic accomplishments.
The baseball and softball seasons have their conference opening days this week, but last week belonged to the track stars. Winning gold for Mount Vernon were our Athletes of the Week, Brooklyn Thayer (Mount Vernon track) and Jack Craigo (Mount Vernon track)
Female Athlete of the Week
Brooklyn Thayer
At the Black Bear Relays, Mount Vernon’s Brooklyn Thayer won the discus with a throw of 118-11, 10 feet ahead of the second-place finisher. She also placed fourth in the shot put. She had two personal records and won three relay events at the meet.
Mount Vernon track coach Kathy Thayer said the student-athlete set a personal record in shot put and in discus. “She threw 118'11 to earn first place overall, beating her best throw last year of 117'4," Thayer said. “She also threw farther than all but one of the male athletes in the competition. Her 4x100 weight relay team won first place as well, where Brooklyn anchored the relay. She works hard and is a strong teammate.”
Honorable mention goes to gold medalists on Mount Vernon’s and Highland’s relay teams and to Mount Vernon’s Makena Laslo, who won the pole vault at 8-0
Male Athlete of the Week
Jack Craigo
At the Black Bear Relays, Yellow Jacket Jack Craigo won the triple jump at 38-3, and he was third in the high jump at 5-10. Craigo competed in four events in which his team earned first place – in long jump and triple jump, and second place in high jump and shuttle hurdles. MV track coach Kathy Thayer said Craigo was part of the relay team that broke the meet record in triple jump and he personally broke the school record with a jump of 38'3. “He tied his personal best in high jump with a jump of 5'10 and ran a 14.93 split in shuttle hurdles," Thayer said. "He works hard in track and field events and leads by example.”
Honorable mention goes to gold medalists on Mount Vernon’s and Highland’s relay teams and to Mount Vernon’s Kayleb James, who placed first in the long jump.
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.
