Athletes of the week

Josh Risko

Mentor»Boys cross country

Senior

On the course: Was Mentor’s highest finisher at the Medina Milt Place Festival. He ran a season-best 16:27to finish 10th.

Off the course: Plans on running in college. “This is my sixth year of cross country and I absolutely love it. I am so glad that I decided to run in middle school, I have made so many friends and memories within the sport.” Favorite food is macaroni and cheese. Counts Wii Basell and Wii Tennis as talents.

Sean Carr Chardon»Football Senior»Fullback On the Field:

Carried seven times for 117 yards in a win over Madison, including four touchdowns. Also caught one pass for 14 yards.

Off the field: “Football is my favorite sport and is everything to me. One of my favorite memories comes from winning state and celebrating with all my friends.” Enjoys lifting.

Ty Howard

VASJ»Football Senior>RB-LB

On the field: Ran for 204 yards and five touchdowns, and also had 15tackles and two sacks on defense in VASJ’s 46-28win over state-ranked Youngstown Ursuline.

Off the field: Cleveland resident’s favorite food is crab; lists watching movies as a hobby; favorite movie is “Zathura: A Space Adventure;” a favorite football memory from his youth football career was playing during a Browns halftime show: “That moment, I decided I will work hard and accomplish my goal to become an NFL player;” current favorite memory is playing with little brother Bo, a freshman for the Vikings — “Many people don’t get the opportunity to dominate with their little brother on the same field. There are many memorable moments, but at the end of the day I am very blessed and thankful.”

Alyssa Blackburn Mentor»Girls soccer Senior»Midfielder On the pitch:

She had a goal and an assist in each of the Cardinals’ games last week. She currently has 8goals and 3assists on the season.

Off the pitch: Enjoys binge-watching Netflix and is a huge Cleveland sports fan; favorite soccer memory is “playing with my four best friends since we were 8, growing up and playing the sport we all love is one of my greatest blessings.”

Brooklynn Vickers Brush»Girls soccer Sophomore»Forward On the pitch:

Scored one goal in a 4-2loss to Chardon, two goals in a 9-2win over Garfield Heights, and had one goals and two assists in a 4-2win at Cornerstone Christian. Leads the team with 12goals and six assists for the season.

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.