As a new feature on MileSplit Illinois, we are honoring top athletes each week by naming a male and female athlete of the week award. This award will go to athletes who were star performers in the week prior. An athlete may only win the award once per season.
BOYS WINNER: Mark Balmes - Senior @ Hersey
Mark's Athlete Profile
GIRLS WINNER: Savannah Carson - Junior @ Neuqua Valley
Hersey senior Mark Balmes continued his streak of shot put marks above 50 feet at the York Invitational. Balmes unleashed the implement 54-8.5, the 47th farthest throw indoors in the nation. The mark is also second best in Illinois this season and betters his indoor performances from last year by over three feet!
Last year as a junior Balmes missed out on the indoor state championships, but finished 23rd outdoors. Balmes rapid improvement leaves a lot to be excited for the rest of 2012.
GIRLS WINNER: Savannah Carson - Junior @ Neuqua Valley
Neuqua Valley junior Savannah Carson went wild for the Wildcats at the Plainfield North Relays. Carson finished second in the 55 meter dash with a blistering time of 7.13 and an impressive win in the long jump with a mark of 19-6. Her long jump is the 10th best leap indoors so far for 2012. Those 18 points were enough to give Neuqua Valley the edge over runner-up Plainfield North.
She has season bests of 7.02 in the 55 meter dash and 19-8 in the long jump. Last year she finished third in both the 55 and 200 meter runs and did not compete in the long jump. Expect big things from the junior the remainder of the season and as outdoor season rolls around.