The Capital Gazette is honoring one boys and girls high school student-athlete each week as Athletes of the Week. To submit nominations, email kfominykh@baltsun.com or direct message @capgazsports on Instagram.
Boys athlete of the week
Nick Melfi, Severn
Melfi became only the third Admirals wrestler in program history to claim an individual title at the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association championships on Saturday. Melfi (26-3) mounted a 17-1 technical fall over Spalding’s Henry Gessford in the 144-pound final.
“Nicky has been working toward this postseason for the past 365 days,” Admirals coach Tom Wheeler said. “He’s been building momentum and when a wrestler with his skillset peaks at the right time, he can be very dangerous. I look forward to seeing what’s in store for states and national preps.”
Girls athletes of the week
Broadneck 4×400 relay
The team of senior Katelyn Curley, junior Nya Williams, junior Natalie Crooks and freshman Ashlyn Coates overcame illness and recent injuries to claim third in the Class 4A Central Region 4×400 relay on Feb. 5. Their time of 4 minutes, 9.45 seconds, smashed their program record by more than one second. Williams and Curley set that record two years ago.
“We knew we had a special group this winter and were just waiting for it all to come together at the right time. Katelyn set the pace and the expectation with a great first leg,” Bruins coach Josh Webster said. “The girls followed her lead and gave Ash a chance to chase the school record. It helped running in a fast heat against top competition. The girls refused to back down and it earned them a spot in the state championship and put their names on the wall at school.”
Got a sports news tip? Email kfominykh@baltsun.com or DM @capgazsports on Instagram.