By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

McKay’s Filiberto Alacron (Boy’s Soccer), Salem Academy’s Annabelle Brawley (Volleyball), West Salem’s Hudson Giertych (Football), McKay’s Nayeli Flores (Girls Soccer), South Salem’s Tini Tinitali III (Football) were honored by the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club this past Friday, September 24.

Here’s the Press Release:

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from McKay Boys Soccer, is Filiberto Alarcon. Filiberto, a senior, plays forward for the 4-1-2 Scots. In last week’s 4-1 win at Sherwood, Filiberto scored three goals in the first half and ended up with an assist for the fourth goal. All of that in a short match as he was subbed with 20 minutes left in the game to give minutes to his teammates. Congratulations Filiberto from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from Salem Academy Volleyball, is Annabelle Brawley. Annabelle, a senior, is the Libero for the current OSAA #1 ranked Crusaders (9-2, 5-0). Annabelle earned 1st team all-league and 1st team all-state honors as a junior. Coach Melissa Holman added, “As a libero she is all over the floor, picking up balls you never thought could be saved. Destroying her jersey a little more with every dive and sprawl. She’s loud and dialogues what she’s reading to her team for EVERY PLAY. She is a true leader with more grit than any athlete I’ve ever worked with. Whenever I check in with her after she’s taken a brutal dive or made a super play, I ask her: ‘Hey! AB, are you okay?’, she replies with a big smile, ‘I’m GREAT coach!’” Congratulations Annabelle from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from West Salem Football, is Hudson Gietrych. Hudson, a senior, is a running back and safety for the 3-0 Titans. In the 42-20 win at Grants Pass Hudson had 157 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Coach Shawn Stanley says, “[Hudson is] an awesome young man who has worked in our program and waited his turn to be the starting guy. He has seized the opportunity and is a relentless competitor!” Congratulations Hudson from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from McKay Girls Soccer, is Nayeli Flores. Nayeli, a junior, plays midfielder and forward for the resurgent 5-1 Scots. In the first 5 games of the season she scored 10 goals: 5 in a 7 nil route over Lebanon; 2 in a 4-1 win over Glencoe; 3 in a 6 nil win at Milwaukie. Coach Vicky Rosales added, “Nayeli is a very respectful person with coaches, teammates, teachers, and peers. She is always giving her best 110 percent in practices and games. I enjoy coaching her and love watching her grow into a successful student-athlete. Excited to see what the future holds for her.” Congratulations Nayeli from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from South Salem Football, is Tinitali Tinitali III. Tinitali, a junior, is a wide receiver and defensive back for the 2-1 Saxons. In the 29-20 win over Lebanon Tini had 6 catches for 135 yards and a touchdown and also added a rushing TD. Coach Scott Dufault added, “He played every snap on defense and had a huge sack on 4th down inside the 10 yard line to preserve the win at Lebanon… He has shown great growth as both a player and a leader on our team this year.” This week Coach added “He had an outstanding game last Friday in a close loss to West Salem. Tini had 6 catches for 108 yds. And a TD. He also made a spectacular 55 yard return of an interception to get us back in the game in the first half.” On the year “Tini” has 13 catches for 271 yards and 4 TD’s. Congratulations Tinitali from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!

The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week, from Sprague Girls Soccer, is McKenzie Wernicke. McKenzie, a senior, plays midfielder for the 5-1-1 Olys. In early September the Olys traveled to Tigard High School to take on the Tigers. “Mac” walked away with a brace (2 goals) and an assist in the Olys’ 5-3 win on the road. Two days later, she had an even stronger performance at home versus the Central Catholic Rams. She netted a hat trick and added one assist in the match, defeating the Rams 5-1. Last week in Monday’s match vs. McMinnville, McKenzie had another dominating performance. She assisted on the Olympians first two goals, and scored the game winner vs. the Grizzlies. Last Thursday, the Olympians maintained their undefeated record while on the road at Aloha. McKenzie scored the game-tying goal for the Olys in their 1-1 draw and helped them maintain their top 5 ranking. Congratulations McKenzie from the Salem Sports and Breakfast Club!