Bay City's Fall Sports Stars Shine: Meet the Athletes of the Week
BAY CITY, MI — Every week during the 2026 high school fall sports season, we're putting a spotlight on the standout performers who make Friday nights and weekday afternoons unforgettable. From gridiron heroes to swimming sensations, these athletes are proving that hard work, dedication, and a little school pride go a long way.
This week's lineup features ten remarkable young people from across the Bay City region, each nominated by their coaches and athletic directors for going above and beyond. And here's the fun part: you get to decide who takes home the weekly honor. Cast your vote as often as you'd like until the poll closes at 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 11.
Coaches and athletic directors can nominate athletes by emailing lthomps2@mlive.com. Remember, there's no voting by email — only through the poll.
Who are the top athletes this week?
Luke Abraham, Bay City Western
The Western boys tennis team is off to a strong start, and senior Luke Abraham is a key cog in that success. A four-year varsity singles player, Abraham's experience is shining through. He helped Western capture the team trophy at the Warrior Quad while winning flight honors, contributing a 3-0 record at No. 3 singles to the championship effort.
Aiden Bell, Whittemore-Prescott
Bell was virtually untouchable while powering the Whittemore-Prescott football team to a 56-0 victory over Bay City Academy. The big-play back rushed the ball six times and took it to the house four times, rolling up a stunning 140 yards with an average of 23.3 yards per carry. He ran for a 40-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, then added four tackles on defense and a 35-yard kickoff return on special teams.
Lauren Bontekoe, Bay City Central
The Central girls swimming team is competing shorthanded with very low numbers, but the Wolves have a strong leader in senior Lauren Bontekoe. She rose to the occasion to lead Central to a 74-50 win over Saginaw Arts & Sciences, taking first place in four events: the 200 individual medley, the 100 breaststroke, and as part of the winning 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. Bontekoe was a state qualifier last year when she was part of the school-record 400 freestyle relay.
Navir Cleveland, Bay City Central
The junior delivered a solid night on both sides of the ball for the Central football team in its 34-13 victory over Flint Kearsley. Cleveland caught one pass and rushed five times for 68 yards, putting an exclamation point on the win with a 46-yard touchdown dash. He also notched one tackle and had a pass breakup on defense.
Ashton Enciso, Pinconning
Enciso is an on-the-go athlete for the Spartans, competing in both cross country and soccer during the fall sports season — sometimes on the same day. The junior pulled double-duty when he competed in a soccer game right after leading Pinconning to the team title at the Rifle River Invitational. Enciso was his team's pacesetter at 21:29.94, good for third place individually.
Jake Fernelius, Ogemaw Heights
The Ogemaw Heights football team does well to follow the lead of Jake Fernelius. The Falcons were on his tail all game in a 33-13 win over Traverse City St. Francis. The 5-foot-10, 240-pound right guard was a road grader in the contest, leading the way to a stunning 432 yards in the ground game.
Lucas Lesoski, Laker
Lesoski was a dominant force on defense but also delivered perhaps the biggest play of the game on offense in the Laker football team's 12-6 win over Ubly. The senior touched the ball just once offensively, but it resulted in an 8-yard touchdown catch that gave the Lakers the lead. He and the Laker defense took care of the rest, with Lesoski registering a team-high nine tackles in the near-shutout.
Zach Shoultes, Pinconning
The first-year starting quarterback enjoyed a breakout performance while leading the Pinconning football team to a 26-0 victory over Flint. Shoultes engineered the short, quick passing game with efficiency for the first win of the year, connecting on 16 of 21 passes for 103 yards and firing a pair of touchdown tosses. He also ran once for an 11-yard gain.
Daniel Strasz, All Saints
The All Saints football team is banking on big things this season from Daniel Strasz, and he showed he's ready to deliver. The senior defensive lineman loomed large, leading the Cougars in a 40-0 shutout of Carsonville-Port Sanilac. Not only did he come through with a 12-tackle performance — including two tackles for loss — but he got in the end zone, scooping up a fumble and rumbling 76 yards to paydirt.
Mason Wald, John Glenn
Wald delivered in eye-popping — and pad-popping — fashion while leading the Glenn football team to a 35-7 victory over Essexville Garber. The defensive lineman tallied a tackle for loss on the first play of the game, setting a dominant tone. He never relented, making key tackles and big hits throughout the game as the Bobcats hoisted the Cross-River Rivalry trophy.
How does the Athlete of the Week voting work?
MLive player polls are non-scientific ventures, designed to promote fun, fandom, and discussion. The winners receive no prize, and the results have no bearing on postseason awards. Use of any form of automated voting is contrary to the intent and is not allowed.
Votes are not always tabulated immediately. If you receive a 'Thank you for voting' message, your vote will be counted.
Why community recognition matters in high school sports
High school athletics are more than just games. They're a reflection of community values: teamwork, perseverance, and the belief that every kid deserves a chance to shine. Recognizing these athletes isn't just about celebrating wins — it's about affirming the importance of youth sports in building character and fostering a sense of belonging.
In an era where so much divides us, these moments of collective pride remind us what we share. So go ahead, cast your vote, and celebrate the young people who make our communities stronger.