RIVERS SHEEHAN, CATE
Sheehan, one of the area’s top track-and-field athletes, has compiled a grade-point average of 4.5, and plans to compete for Harvard University next year with plans to study public or global health, with minors in math and art. She won Cate’s Centennial Book Award, which is given out only on special occasions.
“We have a lot of conflicts with academics,” Rams coach Kyle Mason said. “We can only practice one hour a day with each athlete, so when you see a young athlete like Rivers succeed at the highest level, it’s because she’s putting in the work on Saturdays, putting in the work on Sundays, and she’s relentless.
“She won’t give up until she gets it done.”
Sheehan won the Russell Cup’s Most Valuable Athlete Award, winning last year’s girls triple jump with a leap of 34 feet, 7.25 inches, and she also captured the Santa Barbara County championship in that event. She holds several Cate jumping records and has qualified for the CIF-Southern Section Championship Meet every season since her freshman year.
The Frontier League has also honored her multiple times as its most valuable athlete. She’s competed in the New Balance National Outdoor Track and Field Championships and is a two-time National Strength and Conditioning All-American.
ATHLETES OF WEEK: MARCH 18-25
SYDNEY MARR
What: Westmont Track and Field
Highlight: She won the women’s hammer throw at the Westmont Classic while breaking the school record with a throw of 54.73 meters (179-6), which automatically qualifies her for the NAIA National Championships.
Honorable Mention: Laila Goodman, Santa Barbara Track and Field; Josy Uyesaka, Dos Pueblos Softball.
DEREK TRUE
What: Santa Barbara Baseball
Highlight: His two-run single broke a 7-7 tie in a 15-7 victory over visiting Santa Ynez. He also hit a home run and a triple while pitching an 8-2 victory at Santa Ynez three days later.
Honorable Mention: Victor Rinaldi, Carpinteria Track and Field; Nico Martinez, Dos Pueblos Baseball; Armani Smith, UCSB Baseball; Preston Foy, Santa Barbara Golf.
