GAYLORD ― The Gaylord Herald Times has officially kicked off its Athlete of the Week poll for the 2026-27 season, inviting fans to participate in recognizing outstanding local athletes. Each week, nominees from Gaylord, St. Mary, and Johannesburg-Lewiston will be highlighted based on their impressive performances on the field or court.
The voting process is straightforward: polls will open every Monday morning and close the following Friday morning. For this week, however, the poll will conclude on Sunday, September 6, allowing fans an extended opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite athletes.
This week’s nominees showcase a range of talents across different sports. Joey Smokevitch from Johannesburg-Lewiston football made a notable impact by rushing for 177 yards and scoring a touchdown during his team’s opening night victory against Tawas. His performance has certainly set the tone for the season ahead.
In volleyball, Mady Peppin also made headlines for Johannesburg-Lewiston. She led her team with an impressive 35 kills and 5 blocks at their home tournament on August 21. Unfortunately, Peppin suffered a knee injury during the tournament, which may affect her participation for the rest of the season. As a two-time Gaylord Herald Times Volleyball Player of the Year, her contributions to the team have been invaluable.
On the football field, Calvin Cosby, the new starting quarterback for Gaylord, threw for 97 yards and a touchdown while also leading the team in rushing with 41 yards and another touchdown, despite a tough loss to North Branch. His dual-threat capability will be crucial as the Blue Devils navigate their season.
In soccer, Levi Dubie from Gaylord showcased his skills as a goalkeeper, putting forth a strong effort against Petoskey on August 25. Although the team eventually lost, Dubie’s performance was commendable, especially as he recorded his first career shutout in a previous match against Midland Calvary Baptist.
Freshman Joey Wieczorek also made a significant impact on the Gaylord soccer team, scoring two goals in their 2-1 victory over Glen Lake on August 19. His early contributions highlight the promising future he has in the sport.
Meanwhile, Nathan O'Connell from St. Mary football had a standout performance in their season opener, throwing for 173 yards and two touchdowns in a dominant 68-0 victory over Pellston. His teammates also shone, with Cal Royce leading the rushing attack with 74 yards and a touchdown, while Cash Wcisel emerged as a key receiving threat with 74 yards and a touchdown of his own.
Fans are encouraged to participate in the voting process to help determine who will be recognized as the Athlete of the Week. The engagement of the community in this poll not only celebrates individual achievements but also fosters a sense of pride in local athletics.
For any inquiries, sports editor Dylan Jespersen can be contacted at Djespersen@gaylordheraldtimes.com. Follow him on social media platforms for updates and more sports coverage.
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