March 2022 Elite Athletes of the Month
Elite Stone Supply, in conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, presents the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools are provided the opportunity to name an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and present the information on their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3FM and AM1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
The Adairsville High School Elite Athlete of the Month is Tristin Alford.
A senior and the Line 3 singles player for the Tigers’ tennis team, Alford accomplished a six match win streak during Region 6-AAA play this season.
“Tristin plays every point like it is his last,” said Adairsville head tennis coach Chris Davidson. “He is my varsity senior that plays harder than any player I have ever coached.”
The son of Glenn Alford, Tristin carries a 3.5 GPA and plans to attend technical school after graduation to become an electrical technician.
Aidan Larkin is the Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for March.
The son of Michael and Rachel Larkin is a sophomore and a two-year starter for the Colonels varsity baseball team at shortstop.
Larkin currently leads Cass in multiple offensive categories including batting average (.314), OPS (1.015), and extra base hits (9). He also plays baseball with his club team, 6-4-3 DP Cougars, and was recently named a Perfect Game 2022 Preseason Underclass All-Region Player.
In addition to his stellar play, Aidan has also taken a greater leadership role with the team despite his youth and moving in from Connecticut just two years ago. The coaching staff credits Larkin for his passionate play and effort to improve every day.
He carries a 3.9 GPA and continues to make tremendous strides toward realizing his goal of playing baseball at the collegiate level.
The March 2022 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Woodland High School is Jaeden Smith.
A junior this school year, Jaeden is a member of the Wildcats’ football team and is a first year competitor in sprints and jumps for the Woodland track and field team.
One of the team’s leaders this season although he is new to track, Smith has broken his personal records at every meet. His improvement has been expedient and has been willing to try new tasks without any complaints. He has become a vital member of the team in long jump and sprints.
“Jaeden is a role model in the classroom and on the field,” said Woodland coach Rebecca Beard-Arndt. “The younger athletes and the veterans look up to him for support. We are very fortunate to have him on the team and represent us as a true Wildcat.”
The son of Maranda Smith, Jaeden is an A/B honor student and plans to pursue a degree in engineering or sports medicine.
The March 2022 Elite Athlete of the Month for Cartersville High School is Eric Toviave.
A senior, four-year letterman in both football and track and field, Toviave is the son of Ameyo Agassi and Opportun Toviave.
Toviave was a defensive back and special teams player for the football team and competes in the 110M and 300M hurdles on the track. He also runs a leg on the Canes’ 4x100M relay team, and the 4x400M relay team.
As of April 1 this season, Toviave is ranked 13th in Georgia in all classifications at the 100M hurdles; 5th in Class 5A; and 126th nationally. In the 300M hurdles, he holds a 39th ranking in Georgia in all classifications; 12th in Class 5A; and 348th nationally.
His 4x100M relay team now holds the school record and last season as a junior he placed third in Class 5A in the 110M hurdles at the GHSA State Track and Field Championships.
“Eric is the senior leader of our sprinters,” said assistant track coach Christina Long. “He is an outstanding hurdler and sprinter that is ranked both state-wide and nationally. Eric’s happy, outgoing personality is infectious and makes him the emotional leader of our entire team. Eric has had a challenging path growing up to include many things that would have caused most people to become cynical and even depressed, not Eric. He is optimistic, happy, an encourager, a team player, builder, and a leader. Whatever needs to be done, Eric will offer to do it. We are lucky to have him as part of our team. I am proud to have known him and to play a very small part in what he is becoming.”
Toviave plans to run collegiate track and would like to pursue track and hurdles for as long as possible. He also plans to pursue a degree in industrial or electrical engineering with a dream to begin his own company as an independent contractor.
Editors Note: Photos and bios are supplied to Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF by the respective schools and their athletic departments. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque along with recognition during a radio feature on WBHF.
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