All-Area Athletes & Teams
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/1470169
www.yoursun.com Page 13 FINALISTS JORDAN SHIRLEY LEMON BAY, SENIOR A team co-captain, Shirley played at both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles for the Lady Mantas. Shirley went 11-7 in singles play, but was nearly unstoppable with senior team- mate Marie L'Abbe in doubles as the tandem went 14-3 and won a district championship. NICOLE CIERNIAK VENICE, JUNIOR Cierniak has been the top player for Venice since she joined as a freshman. Playing at No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles this season, she wasn't needed in every match of the regular season, but showed up when it mattered most. Cierniak lost just two matches — in No. 1 singles at districts and states. BOYS WEIGHTLIFTING LIFTER OF THE YEAR CHRISTIAN KREEGEL CHARLOTTE, SENIOR When Kreegel announced he would stay at 199 pounds this season, everyone scattered. No one thought they had a chance against him, and they were right. The Tarpons senior cruised to the state title with a bench of 345 pounds and a clean-and-jerk of 320 pounds for a total of 665 pounds. FINALISTS WYETT RIGHTMIRE IMAGINE, SENIOR In October 2021, Rightmire snapped his lower right leg in half. On April 23, he nearly won a state title. How's that for a comeback? The rebuilt Rightmire roared through 154-pound regionals and came within 10 pounds of a state title with a bench of 285 and a 245 clean for a total of 530 pounds. CHARLES VANAMBURG PORT CHARLOTTE, SENIOR The Pirates' 219-pounder put himself in great position at the regionals when he swept bot the Traditional and Snatch competitions. At State, he finished third in Traditional, but brought home a state title with a 240-pound lift in the Snatch, 20 pounds better than second place. ATHLETES FROM PAGE 12A SUN PHOTO BY TIM KERN As Lemon Bay's volleyball team rose through the state ranks and ignited school pride, it caught the attention of perennial power Venice, and the two programs arranged a meeting in November. Venice won the match but both teams made deep playo runs. adno=3847406-1