Athletes from Cardinal, Cuyahoga Heights, Fairport, Hawken, Independence, Lutheran West and Perry have been named the Chagrin Valley Conference Players of the Week.
Each player was nominated by his or her coach.
All statistics incurred during the week beginning Oct. 7 and ending Oct. 13.
Here’s a look at each Player of the Week by sport:
CROSS COUNTRY
Name: Ella Gilson
School: Hawken
Grade: 11
Stats: Won third straight individual title at the CVC meet with a time of 18:25, the second-best time in CVC history
Coach’s Quote: “Ella took the lead early in the race and built a 30-second lead at the mile mark into a 94-second win over the Valley champion for Lutheran West,” Hawken coach Christopher Farroni said. “She then accelerated on the long downhill to complete each of the laps of the course. Ella has been working hard to build the training base needed to compete with the top runners in Ohio. Her effort at practice has been intense and to prepare for the trip to districts and then, hopefully, to regionals and the state meet. She has competed against some of the top Division II runners when the team traveled to Centerville’s Saturday Night Lights and Hilliard’s Midwest Meet of Champions.”
Name: Devon Patel
School: Cuyahoga Heights
Grade: 11
Stats: Ran a 19.38 at the CVC meet to finish 15th overall and second-team all-league
Coach’s Quote: “Devon has become one of the most disciplined young men on our cross country team,” Cuyahoga Heights coach Chadwick Robinson said. “He has made a commitment to excellence with regards to his work ethic since the spring of 2019. Since then, he has transformed both his mind and body into a fitness machine that has taken wings here this fall’s cross country season. His determination is contagious and even has me, his coach, re-thinking how I can become a better runner myself. However, my assistant coach, Miles Paterson, is the main reason, other than Devon, that this young man has become so driven with regards to the increase in his motivational efforts.”
Name: Collin Patton
School: Independence
Grade: 11
Stats: Won his second straight Valley Division title at the CVC meet
Coach’s Quote: “Collin successfully defended his Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division title this year and is looking to continue his recent success and momentum deep into the postseason meets,” Independence coach Vern Blaze said.
Name: Sam Silva
School: Lutheran West
Grade: 10
Stats: Placed fourth overall at the CVC meet to lead the Longhorns to the Valley Division title
Coach’s Quote: “Sam has had a fantastic season of training and racing this season,” Lutheran West coach Anjanette Whitman said. “He is coming off of a freshman year riddled with injury. His dedication and positive energy have helped him overcome this obstacle for great performances for himself and the team.”
FOOTBALL
Name: Adam Miklovic
School: Independence
Grade: 11
Stats: Recorded 14 tackles, including three for a loss, and 1 ½ sacks
Coach’s Quote: “Adam’s presence set the tone for the rest of the defense and helped shut down a very good Lutheran West offense,” Independence coach Rick Adams said. “He was all over the field and helped to shut down their running game.”
Name: Cody Paugh
School: Fairport Harding
Grade: 12
Stats: Carried 26 times for 287 yards and three touchdowns and recorded six tackles, including three for a loss
Coach’s Quote: “Cody played extremely well in all three phases of the game,” Fairport coach Cameron Ruff said. “He is one of our captains and he leads by example. He has had a great season so far but has yet to break through for big gains. He changed that by breaking through for scores of 67 and 48 yards. After the game, he thanked his offensive line for their efforts. He’s a humble teammate with a blue-collar work ethic.”
BOYS SOCCER
Name: Zach Hart
School: Hawken
Grade: 11
Stats: Scored the game-winning goal against Beachwood and helped the defense shut out Benedictine
Coach’s Quote: “Zach has been a tremendous performer for our team, leading by example throughout the whole season,” Hawken coach Vlad Muresan said. “He scored the game-winning goal in a 3-2 comeback win at Beachwood with a powerful header in the box. His defensive stability and position helped our team record a shut out win over Benedictine.”
Name: Eric Scott
School: Cardinal
Grade: 12
Stats: Scored five goals in two games
Coach’s Quote: “Eric has become a true team leader and a joy to coach and be around,” Cardinal coach Russ Buckley said. “The team responds well to Eric and feed off his energy in the midfield.”
GIRLS SOCCER
Name: Sydney Spitler
School: Cardinal
Grade: 12
Stats: Anchored Cardinal’s defense in a win over Brookfield
Coach’s Quote: “Sydney Spitler is one of our most aggressive, determined and decisive players,” Cardinal coach Vanessa Pintabona said. “She leads the defensive line with confidence and skill, makes quick decisions and has helped her teammates hold off some pretty fantastic teams this year. Our record has massively improved as the season went on and I firmly believe it is in large part to her effort and leadership. She will be greatly missed next year.”
VOLLEYBALL
Name: Sammie DiBease
School: Perry
Grade: 10
Stats: Recorded 33 kills, 5 aces and 15 digs
Coach’s Quote: “Sammie continued to dominate opponents this week in all areas of the court,” Perry coach Mike Fitzgerald said. “Sammie’s play this past week helped the Pirates secure a co-championship in the CVC Lake Division. We can’t wait to see what Sammie can produce in the sectionals this week.”
Name: Jordyn Singleton
School: Hawken
Grade: 12
Stats: Recorded 18 kills, 7 solo blocks, 3 digs
Coach’s Quote: “What a weapon we have with Jordyn at the net,” Hawken coach Patty Hace said. “She’s so quick to the ball and when she connects, her power and rhythm make the one ball tough to defend. Jordyn plays with such grace and fluidity that it allows for our defense to thrive when she’s in the front row. She adjusts well when we need her in the back row and always gives her full effort.”
