Matthew Waito and Lanie Overbeek have been named the Bronson Battle Creek Athletes of the Week for September 14-19, following standout performances in football and volleyball.
Waito, the Marshall High School quarterback, led the Redhawks to a 28-26 victory over Harper Creek, a rival and fellow unbeaten, state-ranked team. He rushed 25 times for 191 yards and passed for an additional 100 yards. Waito totaled four touchdowns, with two on the ground and two through the air, including the decisive go-ahead score. Marshall coach Scott Farley praised his quarterback’s performance, saying, “He had a tremendous game versus Harper Creek, running, passing and, most importantly, leading. His elusiveness and toughness make him a tough match up for any defense.”
On the girls’ side, sophomore Lanie Overbeek of Lakeview earned the honor after helping her volleyball team win the All-City Volleyball Tournament. Overbeek recorded 43 kills and 40 digs during the tournament, including the finals where Lakeview defeated Harper Creek. Earlier in the week, she contributed a team-high 12 kills in a sweep against Loy Norrix. Lakeview volleyball coach Renee Buchholz noted Overbeek’s impact this season, stating, “Lanie has been such a great boost to the team this season, bringing in a total of 201 kills and 169 digs. She also does a fantastic job supporting our offense with a 2.04 serve receive rating. Plus, her versatility, consistency, and calm presence really inspire her teammates and demonstrates her leadership on the court.”
The Battle Creek Enquirer, in partnership with Bronson Battle Creek Hospital, runs the Athlete of the Week fan poll, which once again produced two winners this year, one for boys and one for girls. Fans cast their votes based on performances from the past week, reflecting community recognition of local high school athletes.
Both Waito and Overbeek have helped their teams maintain strong starts to their seasons, with Marshall’s football squad still unbeaten after their narrow win against Harper Creek. Waito’s dual-threat ability as a runner and passer has clearly been a challenge for opposing defenses, while Overbeek’s offensive production and defensive work have been key to Lakeview’s tournament success.
The latest Bronson Battle Creek Athletes of the Week honours highlight individual excellence in a competitive high school sports landscape, as well as the enthusiasm of local fans who participate in the poll. The Enquirer encourages readers to submit nominations for future weeks by emailing bcesports@battlecreekenquirer.com.
This recognition adds to a growing list of achievements for both athletes this season, as they continue to contribute to their teams’ efforts on the field and court.
According to Yahoo Sports.