Vote for the high school athletes of the year

Here are the seniors nominated for Boys Athlete of the Year and Girls Athlete of the Year. You can vote for your choices below.

The Herald’s 2017 High School Athletes of the Year, selected by the Sports staff, will be announced later this month. The winners of the online voting also will be recognized at that time.

Voting closes at noon on June 14.

Nominations were made by the schools.

BOYS

Connor Antich, South Whidbey

Antich was an All-Cascade Conference selection in football and baseball.

“Connor was a captain and glue-guy for a football team that experienced some unique challenges,” Falcons athletic director Paul Lagerstedt said. “Connor was courageous in baseball. He was the unofficial captain, leading the Falcons to a district playoff berth. In the classroom, Connor is just as stellar, maintaining a 3.74 grade-point average. Connor always finds a way to make things happen. He never backs down from a challenge.”

Tanner Belcher, Sultan

Belcher was a first-team All-Cascade Conference pick on both sides of the ball for the Turks’ football team, also earning team defensive most valuable player honors. On the wrestling mat he was a conference, district, regional and state champion at 182 pounds. On the baseball field, he earned second-team all-conference honors.

Brock Bradley, Glacier Peak

Bradley was a member of the Grizzlies’ football and basketball teams and carries a 3.8 grade-point average.

“His whole value as a teammate was (being) willing to do what was best for team. In that sense he was a true teammate,” Glacier Peak athletic director Mark Albertine said. “He is a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club. Brock also volunteers at Evergreen Medical Center and the University of Washington Medical Center.”

Drew Bryson, Arlington

Bryson was named to the All-Wesco 3A, Herald All-Area and Associated Press 3A all-state basketball teams.

Micah Campbell, Cedar Park Christian-Mountlake Terrace

Campbell served as captain for the Lions basketball and track and field teams while maintaining a 3.8 grade-point average.

“Micah is a good friend, and his drive and focus to achieve a goal should inspire us all,” CPC-Mountlake Terrace track and field coach Bob Davis said. “He is a leader and helper.”

Added Lions boys basketball coach Scott Moe: “I have been a head coach for 20 years and I would be hard-pressed to find a tougher kid or better leader. Micah is a special kid, and I will miss him greatly.”

Christian Clausen, Kamiak

Clausen was a co-captain for the Knights’ basketball team. He set school records for 3-pointers in a game and career. He maintained a 3.4 grade-point average.

“Being in a leadership role allowed him to blossom as a vocal leader and leader by example,” Kamiak athletic director Sean Monica said.

Rudy Engstrom, Granite Falls

Engstrom was a first-team All-Cascade Conference selection in football and baseball. He sports a 3.8 grade-point average and is involved in Granite Falls’ leadership class.

Edmund Havener, Everett

Havener was a three-sport athlete in cross country, swimming and track and field while maintaining a 3.95 grade-point average. He was a candidate for the Dwayne Lane’s Athlete of the Year award.

Jacob “JJ” Jerome, Monroe

Jerome was one of the best football players in Snohomish County, earning All-Wesco 4A and Herald All-Area honors after rushing for 2,485 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns. He was also a member of the Bearcats’ basketball and baseball teams.

Ryley Johnson, Lynnwood

Johnson was named to the All-Wesco 3A second team on both sides of the ball for the Royals’ football team, and finished the season with 43 receptions and 10 touchdowns. In soccer, he was selected to the All-Wesco 3A first team after scoring 25 goals.

Josh Johnston, Snohomish

Johnston, a multi-sport standout, served as captain of the Panthers’ football and baseball teams and was a member of the basketball team. A two-way football star who holds numerous school receiving records, Johnston posted 915 yards receiving and 18 touchdowns last fall and intercepted two passes on defense. He was a first-team Herald All-Area selection at wide receiver and earned first-team All-Wesco 3A North honors at defensive back. In baseball, Johnston was a first-team All-Wesco 3A North outfielder who batted .291 with seven doubles and 16 stolen bases. He also maintained a 3.93 grade-point average.

“Josh has excelled in football, basketball and baseball,” Panthers athletic director Mark Perry said. “His athleticism has been evident in his play. Josh holds nearly every receiving record imaginable here at Snohomish. Josh is a gifted student, coachable athlete and natural leader. While he is highly involved in our athletic programs, Josh continually maintains high grades, and above all he is a man of character.”

Devan Kirk, Shorewood

As a member of the Thunderbirds’ track and field team, Kirk won the 3A state championship in the 800-meter run. He placed 43rd at the 3A state cross country meet.

Corey Kispert, King’s

Kispert was named the most valuable player of the Cascade Conference in basketball and is headed to Gonzaga on a basketball scholarship. He maintains a 3.98 grade-point average.

Tim Kukhotskiy, Mariner

Kukhotskiy was a member of the Marauders’ football, swimming and diving, and baseball teams while holding a 3.9 grade-point average.

“Tim is a great kid,” Mariner baseball coach Ryan Otto said. “He does everything that is asked of him. Tim was one of the top hitters and defenders on the baseball team this year. He made at least 10 diving catches this season, some of which saved games. Effort and toughness are his strengths. Tim is someone who always makes good decisions and uses his work ethic to get ahead.”

AJ Martinka, Stanwood

Martinka was selected to the All-Wesco 3A North and Herald All-Area basketball first teams and was a second-team all-state selection by the Associated Press. He was also a member of the Spartans’ football team.

Brandon Mitchell, Edmonds-Woodway

Mitchell was The Herald’s Baseball Player of the Year, batting .432 with four home runs and 15 doubles to help lead the Warriors to a fourth-place finish in the 3A state tournament. Mitchell also was a regional qualifier in wrestling and has a 3.79 grade-point average.

Andrew Raymond, Cascade

Raymond was named to the All-Wesco 4A second team as a football player, placed sixth at 4A Mat Classic and was a 4A state meet qualifier in the shot put. He also volunteered at the Cascade High School blood drive.

Charlie Tait, Marysville Getchell

Tait was a member of the Chargers’ football, basketball and baseball teams. He was a second-team All-Wesco 3A North wide receiver in football.

Andrew Tingstad, Meadowdale

Tingstad was the captain on the Mavericks’ football and basketball teams, earning All-Wesco 3A North honors in both sports. He has a 3.80 grade-point average and was selected as an Edmonds School District scholar-athlete.

Gerrit VanBeek, Grace Academy

VanBeek won the 1B state title in the 400 meters with a 1B state-record time of 49.95 seconds. In addition, he placed second in both the 100 meters and 200 meters and led the Eagles to a third-place finish in the 4×100 relay. VanBeek also was a first-team all-district soccer selection and plays percussion and piano while maintaining a 3.77 grade-point average.

Noah Wallace, Lake Stevens

Wallace qualified for the 4A state cross country meet, was the co-captain for the Vikings’ basketball team and placed second in the 800-meter run at the 4A state meet.

Matthew Watkins, Jackson

Watkins finished second at the 4A state cross country meet. A few months later he finished second in the 1,600-meter run and won the 3,200 at the 4A state track and field meet. His time of 8 minutes, 48.84 seconds in the 3,200 is the fourth-fastest in Washington history.

Matt Williams, Archbishop Murphy

Williams was named as the Cascade Conference’s soccer player of the year after registering 37 goals and 19 assists. He holds a 3.8 grade-point average.

“On the field, Matt is the team captain and a true role model for the underclassmen on the team,” Wildcats athletic director Jerry Jensen said. “I have been more than impressed by Matt’s skill and growth over the last four years. He continually strives for excellence and worked hard every time he was out on the field. His motivation, encouragement and inspiring attitude fueled the team to success throughout the season. Matt also has the ability to emphasize ethical competition, sportsmanship, leadership and citizenship among coaches, athletes and the community.”

Cooper Young, Darrington

Young was a three-sport standout, playing quarterback on the Loggers’ football team and captaining the basketball and baseball squads. He was a second-team All-Northwest 2B/1B selection in baseball.

GIRLS

Bailey Bierbrauer, Sultan

Bierbrauer was a second-team All-Cascade Conference pick for the Turks’ soccer team and was named the team’s defensive most valuable player. On the basketball court, she was named Sultan’s offensive most valuable player.

“Her leadership truly developed over her four years at Sultan,” Turks athletic director Scott Sifferman said.

Katie Brandvold, Snohomish

Brandvold placed 56th at the 3A state cross country meet and was a key contributor to the Panthers’ basketball and track and field teams. She also holds a 3.57 grade-point average and has volunteered at youth golf clinics and by assisting with trail maintenance at county parks.

“Off the athletic field, Katie has served in a number of leadership positions around the school,” Snohomish cross country coach David LeWarne said. “She is just as driven in the classroom as she is in athletics.”

Alexa Coglas, Cedar Park Christian-Mountlake Terrace

Coglas was an All-Northwest 1B selection in volleyball and a state track and field meet participant in three events, breaking the school record in the long jump. She also participated in cheerleading and held a 3.7 grade-point average.

“Alexa’s strong work ethic, determination and natural athleticism make her a leader on the field,” Lions track and field coach Bob Davis said.

Said CPC-Mountlake Terrace volleyball coach Christina Nelson: “Alexa was one of our captains and did a wonderful job leading and pushing the team. She gave 100 percent at every practice and game and did whatever was asked of her. She out-hustled everyone on the team and benefited our team greatly both offensively and defensively.”

Cassie Collinge, Granite Falls

Collinge was a member of the Tigers’ soccer and track and field teams. She maintains a 3.99 grade-point average.

“She is very involved in leadership at the school,” Granite Falls athletic director Joey Johnson said. “She was very involved and led a food drive for the holidays that fed over 200 families for several days, and raised over $20,000 for Christmas gifts for the children in Granite Falls.”

Kendra Cooper, Edmonds-Woodway

Cooper was a three-sport starter this year in volleyball, basketball and softball while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average. She was a co-captain on the softball team and earned first-team All-Wesco 3A South honors. She also is captain of the school’s sports medicine team and was a top scorer for Edmonds-Woodway at the state competition.

Jaime Cymbaluk, Archbishop Murphy

Cymbaluk was named to the All-Cascade Conference first-team in volleyball, and also played on the Wildcats’ basketball and track and field teams.

“Jaime volunteers in the community locally and abroad, participating in the school mission overseas last year and at Camp Prov locally,” Archbishop Murphy athletic director Jerry Jensen said. “She also served as our program chaplain for two seasons. She mentors the young athletes in our program as well helping them on the court and in the classroom. She has been the inspiration for our program for four years.”

Lauren Dowdell, Cascade

Dowdell was an All-Wesco 4A second-team pick as a soccer player, and qualified for district tournament competition in bowling and tennis. She was a member of Link Crew and Young Life, volunteered at Madison Elementary School, served as a coach for Casino Road Soccer Camps and was involved with the Cascade High School food drive and blood drive.

Gabrielle Grandbois, Marysville Getchell

Grandbois was a first-team All-Wesco 3A North defender in soccer and a first-team All-Wesco 3A selection in basketball.

Kacie Hanson, South Whidbey

Hanson earned All-Cascade Conference honors in volleyball, girls basketball and softball.

“Her leadership on and off the competitive field is borne out with her having been a captain for all three sports, leading volleyball and fastpitch to state competitions her senior season,” Falcons athletic director Paul Lagerstedt said. “Despite the time dedicated to her athletic passions, she also gets it done in the classroom with a 3.30 grade-point average. Kacie constantly challenges herself and is driven to compete at the highest level.”

Paisley Johnson, Glacier Peak

Johnson was one of the best girls basketball players in the area, earning All-Wesco 3A and Herald All-Area honors. She was also a member of the Grizzlies’ volleyball team and carries a 3.4 grade-point average.

“She’s a tremendous teammate, true leader, willing to serve others, active and involved, cares more about team than self,” Glacier Peak athletic director Mark Albertine said. “She’s one of the hardest working athletes ever at Glacier Peak. She truly is a student-athlete. She’s particularly involved with outreach programs for disadvantaged youth and adults through her church. She’s very active in ASB and leadership, involved in working with or leading a number of committees.”

Nicole Limberg, Jackson

Limberg went undefeated in dual-meet and postseason competition as the leader of the Timberwolves’ swimming and diving team. She capped off her season by defending her 4A state meet titles in the 100 breaststroke and 200 individual medley. She was also part of Jackson’s 200-medley relay state championship team and earned swimmer of the meet honors at the state meet.

Alexie Morris, Kamiak

Morris was an All-Wesco 4A first-team pick for the Knights’ soccer team, registering nine goals and five assists. She was also a key contributor to Kamiak’s basketball team.

“She is a gifted athlete and always gives 100 percent,” Knights athletic director Sean Monica said. “She is an impact player you want on the (soccer) field the entire game. (On the basketball court), she always brings an intensity to the floor. Alexie leads with her effort and determination and is always counted on to be solid on both ends of the court.”

Maddie Nielsen, King’s

Nielsen was named to the All-Cascade Conference soccer first team, and placed third in the high jump and fourth in the triple jump at the 1A/2B/1B state track and field meet. She holds a 3.86 grade-point average.

Malia Pivec, Lynnwood

Pivec finished sixth at the 3A state cross country meet. She then placed third in the 3,200-meter run and fifth in the 1,600 at the 3A state track and field meet.

Karlie Rimat, Stanwood

The Spartans’ top swimmer, Rimat placed second in the 200-yard individual medley and seventh in the 500 freestyle at the 3A state meet. She maintains a 3.9 grade-point average.

Lily Ross, Darrington

Ross was the captain of the Loggers’ volleyball, basketball and softball teams, earning All-Northwest 2B/1B honors in volleyball and basketball.

“She’s a strong student, active in Honor Society and other clubs in the school and community,” Darrington athletic director Buck Marsh said.

Taryn Shelley, Shorewood

Shelley was a first-team pick for the All-Wesco 3A South and Herald All-Area basketball teams, averaging 16 points and 16 rebounds per game. She also earned all-conference honors as a volleyball player.

Hannah Taylor, Meadowdale

Taylor was a member of the Canadian national women’s soccer team. She also participated on the Mavericks’ track and field team.

“She is an outstanding student and has been a Link Crew coordinator for the past three years,” Meadowdale athletic director Elizabeth Marriott said. “She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is equally supportive of other students and their athletic performances, supporting students from the stands and sidelines. Part player, part coach, Hannah helped develop our young team this year and was instrumental in guiding our freshmen starters to feel comfortable on the field.”

Meredith Teague, Monroe

Teague was one of the best outside hitters in Snohomish County, earning All-Wesco 4A first-team honors for the Bearcats’ volleyball team.

Sydney Trinidad, Arlington

Trinidad qualified for the 3A state cross country meet, then won the state championship in the 100-meter hurdles, placed second in the 300 hurdles and was part of the Eagles’ 4×400 relay team that took fifth place at the 3A state track and field meet.

Marlena Urvater, Everett

Urvater played basketball and was a captain on the track and field team, placing 12th in the Class 3A state long jump. In addition to maintaining a 3.81 grade-point average, she is the school’s Medical Careers Club vice president and has volunteered at Providence Regional Medical Center’s Camp Prov. Urvater was the girls recipient of the Dwayne Lane’s Athlete of the Year award.

Carlita Vilchez, Mariner

Vilchez was a member of the Marauders’ soccer and basketball teams while maintaining a 3.77 grade-point average.

“Carlita is an amazing and talented individual,” Mariner girls basketball coach Corey Gibb said. “She participated in the orchestra, where she plays the viola. Carlita is a terrific role model for the students and athletes at Mariner. Her positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile for classmates and teammates sets her apart. She is a leader in and out of the classroom, gym and field. She has volunteered on numerous occasions helping to organize fund-raisers, conditioning sessions, tutoring and coaching younger athletes.”

Marissa Walton, Lake Stevens

Walton received honorable mention All-Wesco 4A for basketball and placed fifth at the 3A District 1 track and field meet in the shot put. She holds a 3.81 grade-point average.