Between rivalry games and the start of postseason play, local athletes shone and led their teams to wins and strong placings in various games and tournaments. Here are this week’s selections for Athletes of the Week:

Anniston Clark, Free State

photo by: David Rodish/Journal-World

Free State’s Annika Lintecum, left, Tessa Nover-Estes, middle, and Anniston Clark talk before a serve in a 3-1 win over Lawrence on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, at Free State High School in Lawrence.

Free State volleyball beat rival Lawrence 3-1 on Oct. 2 behind a strong performance from junior middle blocker Anniston Clark. Her attacking throughout the four-set win powered the Free State offense.

Oliver Schwartz, Lawrence

Oliver Schwartz

Oliver Schwartz and the Lawrence cross-country team competed in the Seaman Invite on Saturday, and Schwartz finished with the third-best time for the boys with a 16 minute, 46.27-second run.