Normal U-High quarterback Alek Weiland and Washington swimmer Jenna Kozinski stood out from a talented crop of nominees and won CSM Fall Athletes of the Week Presented by Dominos for the week of Sept. 30-Oct. 6.
Weiland’s efforts on the football field wowed as the Pioneers took down conference foe and state-ranked Chatham Glenwood 33-13 on Oct. 4 while Kozinski brought home plenty of first-place finishes at a pair of meets, including the Richwoods Invite on Oct. 5.
Read more about our winners and get to know them in a Q and A’s below:
Weiland won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after earning 40 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The senior quarterback threw for 375 yards on 24-of-35 passing for five touchdown with two scores to Cade Cunningham, two to AJ Holden and one to Carson Stevens. Weiland also ran for 39 yards on nine attempts and led the Pioneers to a fast start as they led 26-7 at halftime. The win helped Normal U-High jump back into the Class 4A AP statewide rankings and a tie for first in the Central State Eight East Conference. Through seven games this season, Weiland has completed 64 percent of his passes (141-22) for 2,188 yards, 27 touchdowns and five interceptions while adding 199 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
Get to know Weiland in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
"Beating Glenwood in Week 6 for the first time."
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 would be stranded with Connor MacMillan because I think he would give us the best chance to be on the island and if we're being chased, he would be caught first with his crutches."
Favorite music artist?
"Rihanna."
Favorite food?
"Salmon."
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
"Walk out of the locker room listening to 'Killa' by Young Pappy."
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
"Shedeur Sanders."
Do you have any hidden talents?
"I have no hidden talents."
Who’s your role model and why?
"My role model is Tiger Woods because he inspires me to be the best."
Kozinski won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week with 51 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The East Peoria sophomore, who swims on Washington’s co-op team, put together a strong day at the Richwoods Invite on Oct. 5, which the Panthers won. She helped Washington win the 200 freestyle relay and take second in the 400 freestyle relay while taking third in the 200-yard freestyle. Earlier in the week, she won the 50-yard freestyle in a season-best 26.65 and the 100-yard freestyle in a dual meet with Richwoods while also helping Washington win in the 200 and 400-yard freestyle relays as well.
Get to know Kozinski in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“Putting up a personal best time of 2:02.07 in the 200 freestyle in our dual meet against Metamora.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“I would pick my teammate Maya Happel because she is smart and resourceful.”
Favorite music artist?
“I listen to a wide variety of music but if I had to pick it would be AJR.”
Favorite food?
“My favorite food is pizza.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“Before my races I always do some stretching. I also like to do some jumping jacks to keep myself warm especially if the pool is cold.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“Katie Grimes because I like to watch and analyze her swimming.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I dance for a studio but I also love to sing in my free time.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My sister Kara because she’s been my biggest supporter throughout my swim career. She is also the reason I began swimming.”
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