Vote Now: Berkley Athlete of Fall Season

There were a lot of great individual performances from athletes this fall and we want to hear from our readers which one they thought was the best.

Here are some candidates:

Sebastian Betzer (sophomore, cross country) – Betzer was one of four Berkley runners to and helped the team tie for second place in its division behind Royal Oak. He finished a team-best sixth place at the league meet and at regionals he finished in 30th place with a 17:44 in the 5,000-meter run. Next year, coach Jared Purcell said the sophomore has a great chance at qualifying for the state finals.

Noah Kretchmer (freshman, tennis) – Kretchmer stepped in as a freshman for the and only lost three times this season. “It’s hard to step up (as a freshman) and do that,” his head coach Lenny Waldman said. His strong effort helped Berkley finish a perfect 5-0 in the Oakland Activities Association Blue division.

Omar Sitto (senior, football) – The two-way starter was Berkley’s leading rusher, one of the team’s top tacklers at linebacker and a co-captain. He rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and had 12 touchdowns. Sitto was voted to the for the second time this season at running back.

Karsyn Baker (senior, volleyball) – Baker was the starting librero – a defensive specialist – for a Bears team that reached the district finals this season. The senior is a multisport athlete being recruited to play hockey at Division 1 schools. She missed the district finals and Berkley didn’t have an answer for

Your nominees

Kristin Dona (sophomore, girls swimming/diving) – "Only girl on the team to qualify for an individual event at state meet, also placing receiving 27th place, going for the teams relay as well, and making 4th on the Berkley High school all time top 6 record board for the 200 yard individual medley with a time of 2:18.33 as only a sophomore." – Timber Dona

Nicole Buccalo (senior, girls swimming/diving) – "Senior Captain of the Girls Swim/Dive team, qualified as all OAA in the 100 Butterfly, was also a state qualifier in the 200 Freestyle relay. Also during the long season, 13 hours a day spent at school including practice and learning, she maintained a 4.03 Grade Point Average." – Amy Berry

Nate Vertel (senior, soccer) – The senior captain "has always displayed great leadership both on and off the field." – Pamela Mack

Want to write in your own candidate? Go ahead! But be sure to explain your pick in the comments and cast your vote by 9 p.m. Dec. 7. Final results will be posted Dec. 9.

And make sure to vote for athletes in other areas...