By Jeremy McDonald
Jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club honored West Salem’s Dallin McDonald (Baseball), Salem Academy’s Adalin Narvez (Track and Field), McKay’s Isaac Ruiz Ortega (Boys Volleyball), South Salem’s Jacob Case (Boys Golf), Blanchet’s James Barnett (Track and Field) and South Salem’s Naomi Bogan (Track and Field) at this past Friday’s meeting.
Here’s the Press Release:
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from West Salem High School Baseball is Dallin McDonald.
The following was provided by West Salem Head Baseball Coach Taylor Blair:
Dallin, a senior utility player and pitcher for the Titans, has continued to demonstrate outstanding determination, leadership, and consistency for a West Salem team competing hard throughout the season. In his last two starts on the mound, Dallin posted an impressive 0.00 ERA despite tough-luck losses, showcasing both resilience and composure under pressure. Over 10.1 innings pitched, he recorded 9 strikeouts, stranded 10 baserunners, limited opponents to a .222 batting average, and threw strikes at a 60% clip.
Dallin also contributed offensively, helping his own cause at the plate by hitting .313 with a .353 on-base percentage during that stretch. His ability to contribute in multiple roles has made him an invaluable part of the Titans program.
Beyond the statistics, Dallin is recognized by coaches and teammates as an extremely hard worker both on and off the field. While balancing involvement in several school programs, he continues to compete at the varsity level with dedication. Coach Taylor Blair describes Dallin as a “program guy” who focuses every day on becoming the best version of himself. He has been an absolute pleasure to coach and represents everything positive about Titan Baseball.
—–
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from South Salem High School Boys Golf is Jacob Case.
The following was provided by South Salem Head Boys Golf Coach Josh Vanlue:
Jacob, a junior for the Saxons, delivered an outstanding season and established himself as the top golfer in the Central Valley Conference. He earned medalist honors three times during the year, but his most impressive performance came on the biggest stage at the high-stakes CVC Tournament held at Trysting Tree Golf Club in Corvallis.
Jacob opened the tournament with a steady two-over-par 73 on day one, then followed it with a clutch even-par 71 to capture the conference championship by a single stroke. His poise, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure helped lead the Saxons to both the regular season title and the team championship.
For his exceptional season and leadership, Jacob was named the CVC Golfer of the Year. Coach Josh Vanlue and the South Salem program have relied on Jacob’s competitive drive and steady play throughout the season, and he has consistently delivered at the highest level.
—–
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Blanchet Catholic School Boys Track is James Barnett.
The following was provided by Blanchet Head Track and Field Coach David Mucken:
James, a senior for the Cavaliers, has been dominating the discus and shot put this season in the PacWest Conference and beyond. His outstanding performances have already rewritten the Blanchet record book, as he has broken school records in both events during an exceptional senior campaign.
Currently ranked 2nd in Oregon 3A in the discus with a throw of 154 feet and second in 3A in the shot put with a mark over 51 feet, James continues to establish himself as one of the state’s elite throwers. This past week, he captured the discus title at the Jim Mucken Memorial Track and Field Meet while also earning a personal best and a silver-medal finish in the shot put.
James’ accomplishments extend far beyond the track. He excels academically, recently won a powerlifting competition, and is widely respected for his outstanding character and work ethic. Coach Dave Mucken describes James as one of the best young men you could meet — someone whose character stands tall in everything he does and who has a remarkable ability to create success wherever he goes. At this week’s meet, James was also awarded a scholarship recognizing athletes of great character and unmatched dedication.
A two-time SSBC Athlete of the Week honoree, after also earning the recognition during basketball season, James continues to represent Blanchet athletics with excellence in competition, leadership, and integrity.
—–
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from McKay High School Boys Volleyball is Isaac Ruiz Ortega.
The following was provided by McKay Head Boys Volleyball Coach Robin Caires:
Isaac, a junior captain and starting setter for the Scots, has been the steady leader and driving force behind a McKay team that has put together an outstanding 10-5 season and earned a place among the top-ranked teams in Oregon. Serving as the “quarterback” of the team, Isaac directs the offense with confidence, consistency, and poise while playing all the way around and rarely leaving the court.
A quiet but powerful leader, Isaac’s impact goes far beyond statistics. His work ethic, composure, and unselfish approach have made him the glue that holds the Scots together. Coach Robin Caires credits Isaac as a major reason McKay is heading into the playoffs in such a strong position, noting that when the Scots win, Isaac is almost always at the center of that success.
His outstanding season was recognized by the Central Valley Conference as he earned 1st Team All-District honors, a reflection of the respect he has earned from coaches as both a player and student-athlete.
Isaac’s leadership style may be quiet, but it is impossible to overlook. He leads by example every day and represents McKay Boys Volleyball with tremendous character, toughness, and dedication.
—–
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from South Salem High School Girls Track is Naomi Bogan.
The following was provided by South Salem Head Track and Field Coach Robert Salberg:
Naomi, a 9th grader for the Saxons, is putting together a remarkable debut season and has quickly established herself as one of the top young sprinters in the state. Her speed and versatility have made an immediate impact for South Salem both individually and in relay competition.
In the 100 meters, Naomi currently ranks 1st in the Central Valley Conference and 2nd among all 6A freshmen, while also sitting among the top overall sprinters in the state. In the 400 meters, she ranks 3rd in the CVC and 5th among 6A frosh, continuing to show her range and consistency across multiple events.
Naomi has also become a key part of the Saxons’ 4×400-meter relay team, serving as the anchor runner and delivering several dramatic come-from-behind victories on the final lap this season. Her competitiveness and ability to perform in pressure situations have helped South Salem earn critical wins throughout the year.
Coach Robert Salberg describes Naomi’s 9th grade campaign as a standout season, and her performances have already placed her among the elite young athletes in Oregon track and field. With her talent, determination, and poise, Naomi has a very bright future ahead.
—–
The Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Les Schwab Athlete of the Week from Salem Academy Girls Track is Adalin Narvaez.
The following was provided by Salem Academy Head Track and Field Coach Sam Kenyon:
Adalin, a junior sprinter and hurdler for the Crusaders, continues to establish herself as one of the premier athletes in the PacWest Conference and the Salem-Keizer area. She currently holds top-five conference marks in four individual events — the 100 meters, 200 meters, 100-meter hurdles, and 300-meter hurdles — while also contributing to Salem Academy’s 4×400-meter relay team.
At the Stayton Invitational this past weekend, Adalin delivered one of the best performances of her career by setting a new personal best of 15.95 in the 100-meter hurdles. Her current personal-record times of 15.95 in the 100 hurdles and 48.57 in the 300 hurdles rank 2nd and 7th in Salem Academy school history, respectively, and both stand as the top marks in Salem-Keizer this season among female athletes.
Beyond the stopwatch, Adalin is known for her toughness, leadership, and determination. Coach Sam Kenyon praises her remarkable grit and ability to rise to the occasion in both practice and competition. Whether facing adversity or supporting teammates, Adalin consistently leads by example through both her words and actions.
This marks the second Salem Sports and Breakfast Club Athlete of the Week honor for Adalin, who also earned the recognition as a 9th grader — a testament to her continued excellence and growth throughout her high school career.
