By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club honored West Salem’s Lucy Duvall (Softball), Salem Academy’s Ava Hacke (Softball), Salem Academy’s Somto Nwaele (Track and Field), Sprague’s Cameron VanKampen (baseball), and Sprague’s Carly Skogstad (Track and Field) at this past week’s meeting.
Here’s the Press Release:
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from West Salem Softball is Lucy Duvall.
The following was provided by Coach Jamie Yeaney:
Lucy, a senior, is the starting pitcher for the Titans who are 16-2 and 3-0 after their first pass through league play. Lucy continues to help her cause from the plate as well, leading the team in hitting. She has a .523 batting average with a .795 slugging percentage. “She is our starting pitcher who has been an outstanding leader for our team, on and off the field.”
Recognizing excellence through high school athletics.
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The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Salem Academy Softball is Ava Hacke.
The following was provided by Coach Derek Imig:
Ava, a freshman, plays shortstop for the Crusaders who are 7-6 on the season. Ava helped the team to a 3-1 record last week as they split with Gaston and beat Eddyville and Taft. Ava hit .500 during the week, going 6 of 12 with a .667 on base percentage. She recorded 7 RBIs and 10 runs scored, earning free passes on 3 walks and 3 times was hit-by-pitch. She also helps the cause in the field, recording 6 assists and 6 putouts from short. “Ava has stepped up as a freshman and is playing SS for us, but has the ability to play most any position on the field.”
Recognizing excellence through high school athletics.
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The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Salem Academy Track and Field is Somto Nwaele.
The following was provided by Coach Sam Kenyon:
Somto, a junior, is a sprinter, hurdler, and jumper for the Crusaders. After 3 weeks of league competition, Somto holds a top 5 mark in the PacWest conference in 6 events, and a top 3 mark in 4 of them. He holds a top 10 mark in 3A in the 200-meter sprint and currently has the top 200 and 300-meter hurdles marks for all Salem-Keizer athletes in the class of 2027. Additionally, he runs the anchor leg for both of the Crusader’s relay teams. “Somto’s marks also come after having not competed at all during his sophomore season, and has shown tremendous growth from his freshman year as well as throughout this junior season. He is also a three-sport varsity athlete in soccer and basketball and regularly spends time volunteering at Salem Hospital.”
Somto is a two-time SSBC athlete of the week, having also earned the honor in soccer.
Recognizing excellence through high school athletics.
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The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Sprague Baseball is Cameron VanKampen.
The following was provided by Coach Luke Buccheit:
Cameron, a senior and 3-year starter, plays outfield and pitches for the Olys who are 10-6 on the season and 2-1 in the Central Valley Conference. Last week Cameron led the team to a 2-1 record versus some quality opponents. His week was highlighted on Friday when he pitched a complete game 4-hitter on the road at Sherwood for the 5-2 win. He recorded 7 strikeouts against just 2 walks. Cameron is 3-0 on the mound and leads the team in hits and stolen bases this year and “he is as solid as they come defensively as well.”
Recognizing excellence through high school athletics.
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The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Sprague Track and Field is Carly Skogstad.
The following was provided by Coach Brent Charles:
Carly is a senior for the Olys. She is currently #2 in the Central Valley Conference in the 100 and 200-meter distances and leads the CVC in the long jump. She is also a member of the CVC-leading 4×400 team. “Carly is multi-talented on the track and is a great basketball player as well. But her biggest strength is in the classroom and as an overall teammate. She is the type of student/athlete that you want on your team. Always positive and always bringing others with her.”
Carly is a five-time SSBC athlete of the week, having earned the honor in both basketball and track and field.
Recognizing excellence through high school athletics.
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