Athletes of the week

Clare Valenza GILMOUR>>GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY JUNIOR

On the course: Finished fourth at the Kenston Gibas Invitational in 19:39in her first-ever varsity race to help Lancers take third as a team.

Off the course: Lyndhurst resident’s favorite sports memory is going to the state meet last year and attending the NEO cross country camp with her teammates this summer. Favorite food is stir fry.

Billy Dennison MENTOR>>BOYS CROSS COUNTRY FRESHMAN

On the course: In his first varsity meet, took 16th at the Riverside Kickoff in 16:37.22, the fastest-ever start for a freshman at Mentor. It was the fastest time for a freshman in Ohio.

Off the course: Favorite sports memory is winning the mile at the middle school state meet in 4:35. Hobbies include fishing, hiking, golfing and skiing. Favorite subjects are history and art. Favorite show is “Outer Banks.”

Ryleigh Robinson CHARDON>>GIRLS SOCCER SENIOR>>MID/CENTER BACK

On the pitch: Against Wickliffe, had an assist and the match-winning goal with under 15minutes remaining.

Off the pitch: “One of my favorite memories from soccer is winning the Ohio State Cup championship when I was playing for my club team. It was a huge accomplishment for my team to advance to regionals in Chicago. It was such a fun experience!”

Andy Kavcic

GILMOUR>>FOOTBALL SOPHOMORE>>QB/DB

On the field: Carried for 56 yards and a TD and passed for four TDs. He also had five tackles on defense in a win over Warrensville Heights.

Off the field: “Kravic” is a Kirtland resident. Also plays baseball and basketball. “Two of my favorite sports moments are when we beat University School last year, and in eighth grade I had a game-winning catch to go to the championship game.”

Benjamin DiMarco Jr. KENSTON>>FOOTBALL JUNIOR>>INSIDE LINEBACKER

On the field: Had 15 tackles, one sack and a tackle for loss in a win over Perry. Off the field: “Big D” says his favorite sports memory is when he was in sixth grade: “Lucas Simmons was my nose guard and now he’s my outside linebacker.” Favorite show is “The Bachelor.” Favorite movies are “The Notebook” and “The Incredibles.” Enjoys the music of Justin Bieber.

Ellie Znidarsic NDCL>>GIRLS SOCCER SENIOR>>MIDFIELD/FORWARD

On the pitch: Scored a hat trick in each of the Lions’ past two games.

Off the pitch: “EZ$” is a Kirtland Hills resident, and she will attend Ohio State. “My favorite soccer memories are winning nationals with my club team this year in Colorado, winning the district my sophomore year, and Edinboro camps with NDCL.”

Calvin Cackowski WICKLIFFE>>BOYS GOLF SENIOR

On the course: Helped Blue Devils to a 3-1 record for the week with scores of 37, 37, 35 and 39.

Off the course: Plans on playing baseball in college. Is a lifelong baseball player, and has been playing golf since he was 10. “My grandpa, dad, and uncle taught me how to play.”

Jack Dominish MAYFIELD>>BOYS SOCCER SENIOR>>CENTER DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER

On the pitch: In a 2-1 win over Brecksville-Broadview Heights, scored the game-winning goal. In a 2-2tie against Aurora, scored the first goal. In a 2-0win over Gilmour, scored the first goal.

Off the pitch: Wants to play soccer in college. Loves to hang out with friends and family and go to concerts. Favorite rapper is Kanye West. Loves watching the Browns. Is involved with student council, the world affairs club and tennis. Loves to run, science class and sushi.

Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.