Mason County Eastern Three-Sport Athlete Lance Niedzielski Named Athlete of the Week

September 18, 2026

Lance Niedzielski Recognized for Athletic Excellence

Mason County Eastern junior Lance Niedzielski has been named Athlete of the Week, recognized for his participation in cross country, basketball, and track and field. Currently in the cross country season, Niedzielski has been a key member of the Cardinals, contributing to both his own progress and his team’s continued success.

Progress and Goals in Cross Country

Niedzielski started the season with times in the low 17-minute range for the 5K, expressing a hope to reach the 16-minute mark this year. His personal record last year at regionals was 16:27. Niedzielski attributes improvement to dedicated daily practice and stresses the mental endurance required in long-distance running. He prepares for each course by studying the terrain and determining where to adjust his pace during races.

Teamwork and Coaching

As part of a team-oriented program, Niedzielski emphasizes that the primary goal is always team success. He points to the leadership of coach Ben, who has anchored the program for two decades, as a crucial factor in Mason County Eastern’s reputation for cross country excellence. Niedzielski noted the strong friendships among teammates and the collective effort to achieve team goals, including qualifying for and placing highly at the state level. This year, the team is ranked among the top in the state, with aspirations to finish in the top two.

Balancing Sports and Academics

Outside of cross country, Niedzielski plays basketball in the winter and runs track in the spring, but identifies cross country as his strongest and favorite sport. Academically, he is dual enrolled at Mason County Eastern and West Shore, managing college coursework alongside his athletic commitments. Niedzielski enjoys math and stands out as a focused, quiet student in the classroom.

Looking Ahead

With one more year of high school ahead, Niedzielski plans to intensify his training in preparation for his final cross country season and hopes to achieve new personal bests. While he intends to continue with his current sports, his future focus after graduation is likely to be academic rather than athletic.

Support and Inspiration

Niedzielski credits his family, especially his parents and older brother, as significant sources of motivation and support. He also participates in other sports recreationally, such as biking and ice hockey, and aims to be a positive, friendly presence to those around him.

Mason County Eastern’s Annabelle Zwagerman Named Athlete of the Week for Volleyball and Cross Country

September 7, 2026

Senior Balances Leadership in Multiple Sports

Mason County Eastern High School senior Annabelle Zwagerman was recently acknowledged as Athlete of the Week by Mason County Eastern, an honor featured by local radio stations. Zwagerman is currently participating in both volleyball and cross country, adding cross country to her schedule for the first time this fall while also continuing her commitment to volleyball.

Journey in Athletics

Zwagerman described her transition into cross country as influenced by the encouragement of her coach, Ben Nizaki, who had suggested the sport to her for years. She ultimately joined the team with the goal of improving her endurance for other athletic pursuits, notably track, which she counts as her favorite sport. She highlighted that volleyball has been a foundational sport since middle school, crediting early friendships for sparking her interest and noting significant growth and confidence over time. As a senior, she has taken on a leadership role, impacting the closely knit volleyball team predominantly comprised of her graduating class.

Academic and Athletic Balance

Zwagerman is dual-enrolled at West Shore and manages a demanding schedule by staying organized, using both paper planners and whiteboards to keep track of commitments. She emphasized the support and flexibility shown by teachers at her small school, which has allowed her to maintain a strong focus on both athletics and academics. Her current coursework includes corrections and microeconomics, completed online to fit around sports obligations.

Motivation and Mentorship

Zwagerman credits her mother, her coach Ben Nizaki, and other mentors including Patty Peterson and Casey Dieter for their support and guidance. She also acknowledged the positive influence of fellow students and teammates, citing the strong sense of community at Mason County Eastern. Zwagerman helps foster team spirit by motivating her peers and maintaining a positive outlook, especially during challenging moments in competitions.

Looking Forward

While undecided about her post-graduation path, Zwagerman expressed interest in pursuing college track and learning more about careers in law enforcement, inspired by personal connections. She also said she is working towards breaking the school’s 300 meter hurdle record and hopes to compete successfully at the state level in hurdles and long jump during her final high school season.

Zwagerman’s recognition as Athlete of the Week highlights her leadership, time management, and dedication as she continues to make a positive impact at Mason County Eastern in both academics and athletics.

Mason County Eastern Three-Sport Athlete Brailyn Johnson Named Athlete of the Week

September 3, 2026

Athlete of the Week Honors

A senior at Mason County Eastern has been named Athlete of the Week, recognized for her dedication to participating in seven different sports programs. Currently, she is actively competing in volleyball, cross country, and equestrian, balancing her athletic commitments alongside academic responsibilities.

Seven Sports, Busy Schedule

This student takes part in acting, cross country, volleyball, basketball, cheer, track, and softball. With some seasons overlapping, she often manages practices for multiple sports at once. She noted that while it can be challenging to juggle her schedule, she enjoys staying busy and maintains steady performance in the classroom.

Volleyball and Leadership

During the fall, volleyball is her primary focus, and she serves as the only setter and captain for her team. Having started the sport in eighth grade, she values her role in helping teammates and aims to lead by example on and off the court. Among her goals for this season are achieving high numbers of assists and digs, with aspirations for potential school records.

Equestrian and Cross Country

In addition to volleyball, she competes in equestrian events, currently training an Arab paint mix horse. She describes equestrian as particularly challenging due to the demands of working with large animals. For cross country, she is striving to surpass her personal record this year and emphasizes the importance of staying motivated throughout intense training and competition.

Academic and Future Plans

The athlete is described by teachers and peers as athletic, competitive, and funny. She plans to attend Westshore after graduation, with an interest in business-related studies. She credits supportive staff, particularly her gym teacher, for encouraging her progress in strength training and physical fitness.

Support and Inspiration

Family support plays a significant role, with her mother attending most competitions and events. She also finds inspiration from a former teammate who helped keep the team motivated. As captain, she strives to inspire others, emphasizing teamwork and positivity.

Looking Ahead

With a full schedule spanning fall, winter, and spring sports, she continues to be involved year-round. Grateful for the recognition, she expressed pride in her accomplishments and passion for athletics, hoping to continue her sports journey beyond high school.