Hoya Runner and Indian Pitcher Win AOW Award
Cobb Schools' Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of a male and a female student-athlete that perform at high levels in their sport, in the classroom, and in their school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.
This week's winners are a freshman distance-runner from Harrison and a junior fast-pitch player from McEachern.
Riley Comstock, Harrison, Cross Country
Freshman Riley Comstock is tearing up the cross country courses this season for the Hoyas. He finished as the individual Boy's Cobb County Champion and led his team to the overall County Championship. Riley has been running competitively for years. Last year, he won the Middle School cross country nationals and was an 8th grade state champion in the 800, 1600, 3200, and 4x800 relay. Riley is also a great student that teachers enjoy having in class and is actively involved with FCA.
"He has been a great addition to our team this year," said Harrison coach Kent Simmons. "He is a fierce competitor and led the team to wins at Pickens Preview, Starr's Mill, Carrollton, and the Cobb County meet. He listens well and executes workouts perfectly. It is highly unusual to have a 9th grader performing at this level, but Riley is an amazing athlete. He has a bright future ahead."
"Riley is an incredible runner and has already made an immense impact in our Cross Country community," agreed Hoya Athletic Director Wes Ellis. "He pushes himself to the limit and we look forward to watching him continue to develop as a runner and leader at Harrison."
Catherine Lewis, McEachern, Softball
Three-sport athlete Cat Lewis is having a remarkable year on the mound and at the plate for the Lady Indians. In two recent games she averaged .750 at bat (6 for 8) with two singles, two doubles, a solo homerun, and a grand slam. She batted in five runs and scored four. She also pitched eight innings with a 3.5 ERA and seven strikeouts. Cat has been playing softball since her t-ball days when she was four years-old. She also plays flag football and runs track while taking mostly honors and AP classes at McEachern.
"Cat is an integral part of our team. She is our number-one pitcher and this season she has been one of our top hitters," said her coach Zachery Smith. "Every game she pitches, no matter who we are facing, she gives us a chance to win. At the plate, she has the ability to drive the ball out of the ballpark, but also has the speed to lay down a bunt for a hit at any time."
"One of the most important things she brings to the field that the stats won't show is her competitiveness. She never backs down from a challenge and you can see that in the way she approaches the game. With her athletic ability, Cat has made herself an extremely tough out," concluded Coach Smith proudly about his Athlete of the Week.
Well done, Riley and Cat! Your performances on the course and the field—as well as in the classroom—are great examples of what it takes to be an Athlete of the Week in Cobb Schools. Good luck to both of you, your teams, and your schools as you continue your sporting and educational careers at Harrison and McEachern.