Weekly Spotlight of the Student-Athletes Who Are Competing this Season
by CHS Staff
In our second edition of “Hawkeye Spotlight,” we are highlighting the efforts of the following student-athletes and their contributions to not only their sport but also the high school community.
Boys Soccer – Junior Gavin Sabala
- Gavin scored not 1, not 2, but 3 goals to secure a hat trick in Hamilton’s win last week versus Saugatuck.
- This is Gavin’s second year on the varsity team and this year he is one of the team captains.
- So far this season Gavin has 5 goals and 1 assist.
- Gavin doesn’t just play soccer but also basketball.
Boys Cross Country – Senior Evan Kraker
- He placed 20th in the OK-Blue Jamboree at Spring Lake.
- His 5k personal record is 17:19.
- He also participates in Track and Field as well as the school’s Trap Shooting team.
- Evan has run Cross Country his entire high school career.
Girls Cross Country – Freshman Lydia Nelson
- She improved her lifetime 5k PR by 31 seconds at the Sparta Invitational.
- Lydia is a freshman and made the varsity team.
- So far she has been the first Hawkeye finisher in 2 out of the first 3 meets.
- Outside of running Lydia enjoys watching movies, baking, and playing with her dog.
Boys Tennis- Junior Seth Lapinga
- Seth has recorded some of the biggest individual wins in the tennis season so far.
- He plays #3 singles for the currently undefeated Boys Tennis Team.
- His record this season is 14-1.
Football- Junior Gabe Schrotenboer
- When Gabe kicks, opponents are averaging 11.5 return yards allowed per kick.
- Following his year off from football, he noted that his friends were the main contributors to the decision to return solely as a kicker.
- He stated that while he is not actively playing, he views his role on the team as a supporter and can congratulate other players on the team.
- In addition to Football, Gabe is also part of the Boy’s Basketball and Golf teams.
Girls Swim and Dive – Sophomore Joselyn Paskavan
- She has been diving competitively for 4 years.
- Placed 2nd in her age group, and 4th overall at the Allegan Invite (9/9/23).
- As well as diving, she is a huge contributor to the Hamilton girl’s basketball team and varsity soccer team.
- Part of the A-Team in her freshman year of high school.
Volleyball – Senior Emma O’Connor
- Emma had 12 kills against Coopersville.
- Emma is committed to Calvin University.
- She had 5 blocks against Coopersville.
- Emma is the starting middle for the varsity volleyball team.
Girls Golf – Junior Esther Lauer
- She has consistently been in the top 3 scorers in our program.
- A varsity returner who looks to use her experience to take a leap forward in her junior season.
- Esther was the top Hamilton golfer in the OK Blue Jamboree #6 at The Mines Golf Course on September 20th.
- Her subtle approach to the game has allowed her unique play to go to her advantage and lose a few strokes.