-
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Thomason Burkett has been a key defensive player for the Graham Steers this season. The sophomore has grown with his team this season and will continue to grow into next season. Burkett was on both the varsity basketball and soccer teams and was invaluable to both teams. -
(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Olivia Pettus was one of four Lady Blues seniors that were recognized Tuesday, March 4 during the senior night game against the Mineral Wells Lady Rams. Pettus has been a powerhouse for the team and one of the key players that has helped them to make strides throughout the season.
All four Graham High School soccer teams had to brave strong winds and cold weather this week as they closed out their district schedule and now look at what comes next.
The varsity Steers and Lady Blues teams held their senior nights Tuesday, March 4 and honored those students and the season as a whole. Both teams had standouts players from their respective games this week.
This week, The Graham Leader recognizes Thomason Burkett of the Steers and Olivia Pettus of the Lady Blues as Athletes of the Week.
Thomason Burkett, Steers soccer
The spring sports season can be a difficult one for athletes that have to juggle more than one sport. Burkett is one such athlete who was on the Steers basketball and soccer teams and was necessary for both.
“He actually would play with us whenever he could, if they didn't have a game, or we played on Monday,” Steers head coach Tim Wankowicz said. “...He's been as committed as he could to two varsity programs so he's been great.”
Burkett is in his second year with the soccer program and has been able to grow with the team and become a valuable asset.
“He's been invaluable to us in the back and he's done a really good job heading up that defensive mid,” Wankowicz said.
Burkett plays a key role for the team on defense and has been able to jump from one sport to another and into his position for the soccer team. He continued to play his role well for the Steers in their district finale against Mineral Wells held Tuesday, March 4.
Despite the team falling in the match, the determination seen by Burkett and the other players has been consistent on the field throughout the season.
Olivia Pettus, Lady Blues soccer
While Tuesday’s game against the Mineral Wells Lady Rams was a promising footnote to the district season for the Lady Blues, it was also a time to recognize its seniors.
Among its seniors was Pettus, who has been an offensive force across the field all season and continued that momentum Tuesday night. Pettus, along with the rest of the team, had to fight harsh winds and cold weather to their senior night victory.
“Olivia is a strong player. She leads by example, she plays with heart. She puts her body on the line every time she steps foot on the field. She plays with relentless effort and determination,” Lady Blues head coach Casey Weil said. “Olivia puts in countless minutes on the field and never complains of being tired or wanting to come out of the game. She has a great attitude and is willing to do whatever it takes for her team to be successful.”
Pettus has held strong each game, pushing plays down the field and assisting with goals and fought alongside her team to push down the field Tuesday. She broke through the Lady Rams defense and assisted with multiple plays in the game.
During the first half of the game, Pettus, Adi Pinkson and Marisa Bueno pushed an offensive front and broke through, but wind played a factor all game.
Whether it's through her participation in other sports or her efforts through soccer, Pettus has made an impact for four years for Graham High School. Her resilience will continue to be an asset for the team as it looks to make a playoff run.
