Mason County Central Cross Country Captain Jackson Poll Named Athlete of the Week

September 16, 2026

Senior Cross Country Captain Honored

Jackson Poll, a senior at Mason County Central and captain of the Spartans cross country team, has been named Athlete of the Week. Poll participates in both cross country during the fall and track in the spring for the school.

Team Development and Leadership

This season, Poll notes an improvement in the team’s depth, with more students joining cross country and increased competition for varsity spots. In previous years, the team sometimes struggled to assemble enough runners to score as a team, but now teammates support one another, allowing for stronger overall performances. Poll has played a role in recruiting new runners and supporting their integration into the team.

As a senior and team leader, Poll shares encouragement and advice with teammates before races and aims to create a positive and motivating environment. He emphasizes consistency and dedication as important qualities for athletes at Mason County Central.

Competition and Academic Aspirations

Poll recently achieved a personal record of around 17:25 in cross country and is aiming to go below 17 minutes this season, with hopes of qualifying for the state meet. He credits his coach with running challenging practices to help the team improve and stay competitive with rival schools.

Outside of athletics, Poll takes his education seriously and is considering a future in the healthcare field. He is exploring several colleges and is interested in continuing to compete in track and cross country at the collegiate level.

Teamwork and Future Goals

Reflecting on his experience, Poll values teamwork and likes to see younger athletes develop and succeed. Despite initially joining the sport for friendships, he now finds motivation in seeing the team grow and compete together. Poll hopes his legacy will be defined by leadership and encouragement for his teammates as they continue in the program.

Mason County Central Football Player Brandon Peters Named Athlete of the Week

September 9, 2026

Brandon Peters Recognized for Athletic Excellence

Mason County Central High School has named junior Brandon Peters as the school’s Athlete of the Week. Peters, who has been playing football since elementary school, credits his love of competition and teamwork as key motivators in his athletic career.

Multi-Sport Athlete

In addition to football, Peters also participates in basketball and plans to return to track, having previously competed in the sport during his freshman year. He noted that running track helps him improve his speed for football, while his dedication to basketball remains strong as his second favorite sport.

Leadership and Academic Involvement

Peters attributes his drive and work ethic to guidance from his coaches and his father, and aims to lead by example on the field. He is known for encouraging accountability and supporting his teammates, both vocally and through his actions. Academically, Peters enjoys his government class and values his relationships with teachers and peers, who describe him as a hard worker and positive influence.

Athletic Highlights and Future Plans

Recently, Peters cited a memorable football run aided by strong teamwork as a standout moment in his season. He plays both slotback and outside linebacker for the Spartans. Looking ahead, he is considering pursuing a career in the trades, possibly in construction management, following a path familiar within his family.

Community and Personal Interests

Away from sports, Peters enjoys outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. As the season progresses, he remains focused on both academics and athletics, and looks forward to future opportunities with his team and in other sports throughout the year.

Mason County Central Runner Merrick Tacktor Named Athlete of the Week After Strong Start to Season

September 2, 2026

Freshman Runner Achieves Personal Best

A Mason County Central freshman cross country runner has been named Athlete of the Week after an impressive beginning to the season. The athlete recently ran a personal best of 19:31 in the 5K, placing her within 19 seconds of the school’s record for girls.

Strong Summer Preparation

To prepare for the season, she logged over 300 miles during the summer months. Her training included both long runs, typically between six to eight miles, and speed workouts aimed at building both stamina and finishing strength.

Balancing Athletics and Academics

In addition to cross country, she also participates in track, basketball, and soccer. As a freshman, she emphasizes maintaining a balance between academics and sports, often completing homework while traveling to and from competitions. Math is her favorite subject, and she credits several teachers with making learning enjoyable.

Leadership and Team Support

Although new to high school, she strives to motivate teammates, encouraging them during races and celebrating their achievements at the finish line. She aspires to be a role model for younger runners, much as her experiences with her mother’s middle school track team inspired her when she was younger.

Looking Ahead in the Season

Her goals for the season include breaking the school record, aiming to lower her time into the 18-minute range, and qualifying for the state meet as a freshman. She believes that focusing on maintaining speed, especially during the middle mile of races, will help achieve these aspirations. Support from her coach and team continues to motivate her as the season progresses.