Elite Athletes of the Week
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE WEEK. Each week, all five local schools will name an Elite Athlete of the Week and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
Recipients for the week ending September 24, 2016:
McKenzie Cochran, Adairsville High School Tess Cochran, Woodland High School
Antoine Jefferson, Cartersville High School
Taylor McDaniel, Excel Christian Academy Derrick Smith, Cass High School
McKenzie Cochran is the Elite Athlete of the Week representing Adairsville High School.
Cochran, the daughter of Rusty and Judy Cochran, is a senior flyer for the Tigers’ competition cheerleading squad.
Cochran is a third year varsity competition cheerleader and is the team captain. A tremendous athlete, she is hard working, motivated, dedicated, and shares a positive attitude with her team.
In addition to being a great competitive cheerleader, she is also an honor student enrolled in all advanced placement and honors courses at Adairsville.
Distance runner, Tess Cochran, is the Woodland High School Elite Athlete of the Week.
Tess, the daughter of Josh and Nicole Cochran, runs cross country and track for the Lady Cats. Only a freshman, Cochran is already the school record holder in 5K cross country with a time of 19:10. She was also the winner of the Run at the Rock Invitational this year hosted by the Lady Cats and Wildcats cross country teams.
Antoine Jefferson is the Elite Athlete of the Week for Cartersville High School.
A senior wide receiver for the Canes, Jefferson had 10 receptions for 153 yards last week in a 44-6 victory at Cedartown and returned a punt for a touchdown in Cartersville’s win over Hapeville Charter the week before. Jefferson leads the Canes this season in total receptions and receiving yards.
“Antoine is a phenominal kid,” shared Canes' head football coach Joey King. “He was also just recognized as our school’s D.A.R.E. recipient.”
Taylor McDaniel is the Excel Christian Academy Elite Athlete of the Week.
Taylor is the son of Carol and Joe McDaniel, and is a senior at Excel. He has attended ECA the past two years.
McDaniel is a multi-sport athlete. He is captain of the cross country team, a member of the basketball team, and a pitcher and shortstop for the Eagles’ baseball team.
An honor student, McDaniel serves as a mentor and positive role model for the younger students in the elementary and middle school. He tutors and works with other students to improve their academic skills.
He is a member of the Church at Liberty Square and has given back to the community for the last five years as an active participant in Splash Bartow.
Coach Boulier and Coach Taylor nominated McDaniel for Elite Athlete of the Week due to his strong work ethic and leadership skills. “Taylor has really stepped up to the plate and delivered this season,” noted Boulier. McDaniel’s favorite subject is Science because he finds it intriguing and interesting. His hobbies include running and spending time with his family.
His future planning includes attending college and then attending medical school to become a pharmacist.
Derrick Smith is the Elite Athlete of the Week for Cass High School.
The son of Waldo and Patrice Smith of Cartersville, Derrick is a 15-year-old sophomore member of the Colonels’ cross country team.
Smith, in his second year with the varsity squad, has already improved his personal record time this season.
Cass cross country coach David Rawlins is appreciative of Smith’s contributions. “He is a leader and he is always looking to make a difference in every race,” said Rawlins. “We look forward to Derrick propelling the boys’ team to the state meet this year.”
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments.
