A pair of Central Illinois high school athletes led their teams to big postseason victories and won CSM Fall Athletes of the Week Presented by Dominos after receiving the most votes in their respective polls.
Morton cross country runner Isabella Grieder helped pace the Potters as they won the Class 2A Metamora Sectional and Peoria Notre Dame’s Lawson Alwan made multiple game-deciding plays in the Irish’s 59-58 first round playoff win over Rochester.
Find out more about each of our winners’ strong performances and get to know them in Q and A’s below:
Grieder won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 41 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Morton senior was the top-placing runner on her team at the Class 2A Metamora Sectional on Nov. 2, finishing in 10th with a time of 18:28.6 at the 2.94-mile course. Because of her strong showing, the Potters were able to win the sectional title by six points over Washington. Grieder finished her season by placing 63rd at the Class 2A State Finals at Detweiller Park, running a season-best 3-mile time of 18:36.3.
Get to know Grieder in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“I would say my favorite memory so far this year was a long run at Farmdale that I did with my teammate Avery. The boys decided to show us a place to jump off some tall rocks about 7-8 ft tall into a stream. It was a nice way to cool off after a run since this was in the summer.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“If I was stranded on an island I probably would want to be stuck with my teammate Brielle [Hopkins]. I would choose her because she’s pretty smart and responsible so she could help us stay alive (plus we could joke around a ton).”
Favorite music artist?
“My favorite artist currently would be Tate McRae, however it changes pretty often.”
Favorite food?
“My favorite food is salmon with lemon juice sprinkled on top. I love all seafood in general but this is probably my favorite.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“I don’t have many pre-race rituals, but I would say for sure I always eat 2-3 peaches two hours before race time along with a bottle of water. I also always listen to Christian music on the drive over to our bus. Both of these things are a must.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“My favorite idol/athlete is Steph Curry which sounds strange since I’m a runner but I really love his work ethic and how he proves people wrong time and time again. Also he openly glorifies God which is something I look up to and try to demonstrate as an athlete.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“A hidden talent of mine is that I'm pretty good at drawing. I found it as a way to decompress plus it’s pretty relaxing.”
Who’s your role model and why?
My role model is probably my mom. She used to be a runner as well all the way through college. She’s now a doctor and I see how hard she works every single day.
Alwan won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 49 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The senior tailback and defensive lineman for PND was responsible for nearly every big play down the stretch the led to the Irish’s 59-58 overtime win over Rochester in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Alwan kicked a 30-yard field goal with just seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game at 52-52 and force overtime, then blocked Rochester's extra point attempt after a Rockets touchdown in overtime. He went on to tie the game with a rushing touchdown and then kicked the game-winning point after to seal the thrilling victory.
Get to know Alwan in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“Favorite memory of the season was definitely hitting the game-winning extra point to beat Rochester in the first round of the playoffs.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“If I was stranded on an island with a teammate I would be with Ben Mullens because we have known each other since we were very little and we work well together.”
Favorite music artist?
“Zach Bryan for sure.”
Favorite food?
“A bacon cheeseburger.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“Mass with the team and dinner before playing some music in the locker room.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“My favorite collegiate athlete is Ashton Jeanty.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“My hidden talent is that I can do a cart wheel.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My role models are a number of people including my mom, dad, and stepdad because they all support me regardless of what happens in life and they have always been there to help me in any way I need when it comes to sports and life in general.”
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