Morton’s Carter, Eureka’s Payne win CSM Fall Athletes of the Week

Morton’s Max Carter and Eureka’s Ellie Payne are both key factors in their teams being among the best in the Central Illinois area and both of them won Clutch Sports Media’s Fall Athlete of the Week honors after milestone showings.

Carter ran a personal-best time in a competitive field at the Peoria High Invitational to lead Morton boys cross country to a strong finish while Eureka volleyball’s Ellie Payne reached her 1,000th career assist in a strong tournament performance for her and her team.

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

Carter won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 36 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Morton senior led a large pack of Peoria and Bloomington/Normal-area runners at the Peoria High Invitational on Oct. 3 by finishing third in the Class 1A/2A race in a personal-best time of 14:33.4. It marked Carter’s best finish of the season as well and helped the Potters finish second in a field of 41 teams.

Get to know Carter in a Q and A here: 

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

“My favorite memory was when I placed 6th at state in the 3200 [in] my first year of track, sophomore year.”

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

“Keyston Beyer because his fishing skills will come in handy.”

Favorite music artist?

“Katy Perry.”

Favorite food?

“Eggplant Parmesan.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Shakeout run and Bicarb.”

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

“Complete an Ironman.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My dad because he got me into running.”

Payne won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 40 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Hornets’ setter had a full week, capped off by receiving all-tournament honors at the Pekin Volleyball Invite on Oct. 3. Payne’s efforts included her 1,000th career assist in a three-set win over IVC in Eureka’s first game at the tournament and helped the Hornets finish second. She put up 20 assists with three kills and three digs in a sweep of El Paso-Gridley on Sept. 29 and had 16 assists, seven digs and three aces in another Heart of Illinois Conference win on Oct. 1. 

Get to know Payne in a Q and A here:

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

“My favorite memory has been winning the regional championship last year. We had a lot of supporters at the game and a big student section. There was so much energy in the gym, which helped carry us to a win.”

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

“I would want to be stranded with Krissa Agnew because I know she would keep me entertained the whole time. She is one of the funniest people I know. “

Favorite music artist?

“Bruno Mars.”

Favorite food?

“Oreo Balls & Emily Sauder’s pumpkin muffins.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I always listen to music with my teammates and then we do a quick cheer. I also do a quick prayer during the national anthem.”

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

“I want to go to Bora Bora.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My role model is one of the teachers at our school Mrs. G. She always has a positive attitude and doesn’t care what people think about her. She is also a very honest person too!”