A pair of Mid-Illini postseason standouts broke records and took home the latest honors of CSM Fall Athletes of the Week Presented by Dominos, namely Washington girls swimmer Jessica Hermann and Metamora boys cross country runner Zach Born.
Born’s strongest performance of the year came at season’s end at the IHSA State Finals to earn a medal while Hermann qualified for state in two events in the pool and led the Panthers to taking home postseason hardware for the second year in a row.
Read more about the standout performances from our winners and get to know them in Q and A’s below:
Hermann won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 54 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Washington swimmer helped the Panthers win the Normal West Sectional title on Nov. 9 and made history by being the first Panthers individual swimmer to qualify for state in multiple decades. She was also a part of a record-breaking 200 medley relay team that qualified for the IHSA State Finals as well.
Get to know Hermann in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“Some of my favorite memories from this season have been making history with my teammates! My medley relay broke our school record from last year and I also broke the school record that I set last year in the 100 breaststroke. Our team won conference and sectionals again for the second time in school history (last year being the first!). I was the first individual to qualify for state in over 30 years and was on the first relay that qualified for state in school history!!”
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 one of my teammates, I would pick Finley Smith. She is the funniest teammate and I think between the two of us, we would find a way to survive and have a good time!”
Favorite music artist?
“My favorite music artist right now is probably Cody Johnson…really any country artist.”
Favorite food?
“My favorite food is salmon!”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“My coach always puts my cap on me before my races because she does it perfectly! I also smack my arms and legs before my races to get my blood pumping and the adrenaline flowing!”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“My favorite professional athlete is Lilly King, she is an amazing breaststroke Olympic swimmer!”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I’m a big procrastinator so I would say my hidden talent is being able to write an essay in 30 minutes!”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My role models are my Mom and my Dad. My mom is the strongest person I know and I aspire to be like her when I am older! My Dad is also my biggest supporter and always finds a way to be at all of my meets!”
Born won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week by receiving 46 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Redbirds’ sophomore finished 10th at the Class 2A State Meet at Detweiller Park on Nov. 9, the highest placement of any area runner in 2A. His time of 14:42.7 was a personal record and 11 seconds faster than his previous best time. Born helped Metamora finish in 15th as a team at the state finals.
Get to know Born in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“Finishing the state race.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“Wilbert Eppenger cause he’ll keep me company.”
Favorite music artist?
“J Cole.”
Favorite food?
“A spicy deluxe chicken sandwich from Chick Fil A.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“Pray.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“Cooper Koch, Iowa men’s basketball.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I can ride a unicycle.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My parents because they made me who I am and push me to be the best version of myself.”
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