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Athlete of the Week

Soph Wilt savvy like a veteran

Name: Lanie Wilt School: Altoona Age: 16 Grade: Sophomore Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Wilt scored a game-high 17 points to lead Altoona to a 51-41 victory over Cumberland Valley and followed that with 11 points in a 35-25 win over Carlisle. Season update: Wilt is averaging 9.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game for Altoona, which is now 5-5. Coach Chris Fleegle’s quote: “Lanie’s maturity and growth as a player has really showed this year. She’s always been a good defensive player, but her offensive efficiency in recent ...

Future looks bright for Sipes

Name: Luke Sipes School: Altoona Age: 17 Grade: Sophomore Sport: Wrestling Athlete of the week achievement: Voted the Leroy E. Myers Outstanding Wrestler at the Mountaineer Duals at Philipsburg-Osceola. He went 5-0, including wins over P-O’s District 6 Class 2A champion and Southwest Regional eighth-placer Marcus Gable and Glendale regional seventh-placer George Campbell. He also pinned his opponent in 1:12 in a dual meet earlier in the week against Huntingdon. Season update: Sipes is 21-3 for Altoona. Coach Joel Gilbert’s quote: “He looked really tough. If he can ...

Male Athlete of the Week: Patrick Haigh

Name: Patrick Haigh School: Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic Age: 18 Grade: Senior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Haigh scored 28 points in a 76-45 win over Bedford and followed that with 21 points in a 56-33 victory over Bishop Carroll to help coach Chris Drenning win his 200th career game. Season update: Haigh is averaging 22.5 points per game for the 4-1 Marauders. Coach Chris Drenning’s quote: “Patrick’s exemplary work ethic and dedication to the game sets such a high standard for all the players in our program. As a returning 3A all-state player, ...

Female Athlete of the Week: Jenna Burkett

Name: Jenna Burkett School: Portage Area Age: 16 Grade: Junior Sport: Basketball Athlete of the week achievement: Burkett scored a team-high 18 points for Portage in its 52-35 victory over Cambria Heights, and she added 13 points in a 62-21 win over Northern Cambria. Season update: Burkett is averaging a team-high 14.4 points per game for 8-0 Portage. Coach Lance Hudak’s quote: “Athletic, skilled, all heart; Jenna is a dynamic player who we are so happy to have back from injury. A multi-dimensional scorer and shut-down defender, she impacts the game on both ends of the ...

Female Athlete of the Week: Jensen Westrick

Name: Jensen Westrick School: Central Cambria Age: 17 Grade: Senior Sport: Swimming Athlete of the week achievement: Westrick won the 50-yard freestyle, 100 backstroke and two relays in a win over Cambria Heights. She won the 200 free, 100 butterfly and was part of the winning 200 free relay in a victory over Altoona. Season update: Westrick is undefeated in all of her individual events, and the Lady Devils are 4-0. She holds school records in the 200 free, 100 IM, 100 free and 400 free relay. Coach Amy Haycisak’s quote: “Jensen is a very versatile swimmer and a great ...

Male Athlete of the Week: Karter Quick

Name: Karter Quick School: Central Cambria Age: 17 Grade: Senior Sport: Wrestling Athlete of the week achievement: Quick won the 215-pound championship and was named Most Outstanding Wrestler at the 51-team Penn Cambria Panther Classic this past weekend. Season update: Quick has a 6-0 record with four pins. Coach Matt Niebauer’s quote: “I’m excited to see what Karter can accomplish this year. He made the decision to move down in weight this year and really focus on improving his wrestling skills. Hopefully, he can build on his early success.’’ Favorite teacher: ...