Metamora’s Cox, Brimfield’s Nelson win CSM Fall Athletes of the Week

The two most recent Clutch Sports Media Fall Athletes of the Week earned their well-deserved honors with strong postseason performances on the gridiron and the volleyball court.

Metamora’s Brayden Cox won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after his late-game heroics boosted the Redbirds’ football team to a narrow playoff win on the road. Brimfield’s Anja Nelson won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after putting up consistently strong performances in the Indians’ route to winning the Class 1A ROWVA/Williamsfield Regional title

Read more about our winners’ impressive performances and get to know them in Q and A’s below:

Cox won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 44 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Metamora junior wide receiver and cornerback made a huge impact on the Redbirds’ 21-20 win over Breese Central in the Class 4A second round, scoring two touchdowns and making an interception. He scored a touchdown from 45 yards out early in the game before Metamora trailed 20-13 entering the final minute. He capped off a Metamora drive with a 27-yard touchdown before the Redbirds’ two-point conversion gave them the lead. On Breese Central’s final drive, he sealed the game with an interception. Cox finished his season with 20 catches, 282 yards and three touchdowns through the air and eight rushes for 142 yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, he added 53 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. 

Get to know Cox in a Q and A here:

What’s been your favorite memory of your high school career so far? 

“My favorite memory is hanging out and swimming with the football team after a long practice.”

If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?

“I would probably bring Mark [Aeschliman], he is a best friend of mine and we both would work really well by ourselves.”

Favorite music artist?

“I like all artists but if I had to pick one, it would probably be Future.”

Favorite food?

“My favorite food is steak.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I like being distant from everyone when warming up or getting ready.”

What’s one thing that’s on your bucket list?

“One thing on my bucket list is probably sky diving.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My role model is definitely my dad, he works hard everyday and has an insane amount of discipline.”

Nelson won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 77 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The versatile captain for Brimfield volleyball helped lead the Indians to their third consecutive Class 1A regional title. She began her week with six kills, three aces and three digs in a regional quarterfinal sweep over Annawan on Oct. 26, then put up 12 kills, 12 digs and seven aces in a win over Princeville in the regional semifinals on Oct. 28. She then powered Brimfield with 11 digs, 10 kills and an ace in its regional championship win over ROWVA/Williamsfield on Oct. 29. Nelson finished her season with a team-high 283 digs, 250 kills and 69 aces, all of which were team highs. She recently earned Illinois Volleyball Coaches Association Class 1A Second Team All-State honors as well.

Nelson had not responded to a Q and A inquiry as of time of publication. This story will be updated with the Q and A if answers are received.