The OSAA spring sports season is heating up, and with the postseason just around the corner, Salem-area boys athletes are making their final pushes in baseball, track and field, golf, volleyball, and tennis. Every week, you have the chance to vote for the Maps Credit Union Athlete of the Week, and this week's nominees are packed with standout performances.
From the baseball diamond to the track, these athletes delivered results that demand attention. Here are the nominees, with details on what made their week special. Cast your vote at statesmanjournal.com/sports before the poll closes at 9 a.m. Thursday.
Baseball
- Buckingham (South Salem, junior): Pitched a full six innings, striking out nine batters and allowing just one hit in an 11-0 win over Sprague on May 5.
- Kline (Kennedy, senior): Posted three hits, including a grand slam, in a 10-0 victory over St. Paul on May 6.
- Redel (Sprague, senior): Threw a six-inning shutout, striking out four in a 4-0 win over South Salem on May 6.
Track and Field
- Cloutier (Delphian, senior): Ran a 1:59.64 in the 800 meters for second place, marking the third-best time in Class 2A this season at the Amity Invitational on May 2.
- Cook (St. Paul, senior): Jumped 6 feet, 2 inches in high jump for first place, the top mark in Class 1A this spring at the Jewell HS Jam on May 2.
- Elston (McNary, senior): Ran a 48.5 in the 400 meters for first place, the third-best 6A time of the season at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite on May 2. He also anchored the Celtics' 4x400 relay (with Yosef Picazo, Mason Bowlby, and Adam Ellis) to a 3:19.89, earning silver and second on the 6A season list.
- Hagen (West Salem, senior): Clocked a personal-best 3:54.89 in the 1,500 meters for second place, the fifth-best 6A time this spring at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite on May 2.
- Olivo (McNary, junior): Threw 208-7 in javelin for first place, the top 6A mark this season at the Rose City Championship Track and Field Invite on May 2.
These athletes are proving that hard work pays off as the season reaches its climax. Who gets your vote? Make it count!