Joshua Mabry, Campus Carrier Asst. Sports Editor
Several Berry athletes have been recognized as Southern Athletic Association (SAA) athletes of the week this semester.
Two of these athletes are senior Tate Adcock and junior Meredith Herman. Adcock was named “Football Offensive Player of the Week” for the week of Sept. 3 for his work in the game against Maryville, while Herman was selected as “Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week” for the same week.
Adcock, a senior quarterback, said that it is good to receive the award and he is proud of it, but it was not his biggest concern.
Going into the Maryville game, the Vikings knew that it was going to be a tough game, according to Adcock. They had to work a lot on offense.
“My offensive line did their job, my receivers did their job, I just got it to the open guy,” Adcock said. “I came out with the award and it’s nice to have, but the biggest thing we got out of the game was a win and growing as our team.”
Adcock is optimistic about the rest of the season for the Vikings. “Speaking on the offensive side of the ball, we’ve really grown a lot. I feel really good about the future and what it holds,” Adcock said.
Tony Kunczewski, head football coach, said that he is very proud of Adcock for receiving the Player of the Week award. Kunczewski said that during Adcock’s sophomore year, there were two good quarterbacks including Adcock on the team. The other quarterback was unable to return this season.
“Adcock really assumed the leadership role,” said Kunczewski. “He came here and worked his tail off in the summer. I think he prepared himself to be the best he can be this year.”
Kunczewski said that he is proud of the work that Adcock has put into this leadership role.
“I think it has shown up not only in that first week against Maryville, but it showed up last week against LaGrange as well,” Kunczewski said. “He’s playing at a high level because he’s prepared himself to play at that high level.”
Being awarded “Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week” was very important to Herman.
“It’s my first time being named ever, even in high school and through my college running career,” Herman said.
Besides winning conference, this was the only individual award she has ever received for cross country, Herman said.
“Just being named something like this was really awesome,” Herman said. “I’m really grateful for it. I’m really proud of myself for it.”
Herman’s goals for this season include being in the top five in conference, top 20 in the region and making it to nationals.
Although in the past she has been really close, Herman said she would like to go all the way this season.
“I’m really excited for this season. I can feel that I’m so close and I just have to put in the work for it,” Herman said.
Paul Deaton, head cross country coach, was excited about Herman receiving the recognition of “Runner of the Week”.
Herman will be a significant part of the cross country team this season, according to Deaton.
“She is a wonderful runner,” Deaton said. “She has had a lot of success in her first two years and a lot of improvement. Meredith is competitive, as well as fast and competitive at the right times.”
Deaton said he believes that the same three teams that competed in the conference championship for women’s cross country last year, Rhodes College, Centre College and Berry, may compete again this year.
“We’re very fortunate to be one of those three,” Deaton said. “It will be quite a season to see how it all goes. My expectations are to be competitive.”