Normal Community’s Weber, Bloomington Central Catholic’s Braucht win CSM Spring Athletes of the Week

Two Bloomington/Normal standouts having breakout seasons took home last week’s Clutch Sports Media Spring Athletes of the Week awards and are helping their respective teams gain momentum toward the postseason.

Normal Community’s Beckett Weber and Bloomington Central Catholic’s Caroline Braucht won the honors after receiving the most votes in their respective polls. Weber threw a no-hitter against a Big 12 rival to highlight his week while Braucht scored multiple goals in a pair of contests for a red-hot Bloomington Central Catholic girls soccer team.

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

Weber won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 57 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The two-way threat for Normal Community had his best pitching performance of the year against Normal West on April 29, throwing a no-hitter with eight strikeouts and two walks in five innings. Weber was perfect at the plate in a 7-4 win over Moline on May 2, going 3-3 with two RBIs and a double and added RBIs in the win over Normal West and a 7-0 victory over Richwoods on May 1. So far this season, Weber leads all qualified Normal Community batters with a .481 batting average to go with 27 RBIs, nine doubles and a home run. On the mound, he has a 2-0 record with a 1.00 ERA and 27 strikeouts in 21 innings pitched.

Get to know Weber in a Q and A here: 

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

“My favorite memory so far of my high school career was going to state last year.”

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

“Max Heineman because we probably wouldn’t make it off the island but it would be a good time.”

Favorite music artist?

“Zach Bryan.”

Favorite food?

“Steak.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Drink Pedialyte before each game.”

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

“I want to go to a Cubs playoff game at Wrigley.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My role model is my summer coach Todd Mitchel. He coached me since I was 8 or 9 and always set a good example on and off the field.”

Braucht won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 63 percent of the votes in the girls poll. Her efforts as of late have helped BCC win 11 of its last 12 games, including a 3-0 win over Peoria Christian on April 28 and a 5-1 win over IVC on April 30. Braucht scored two goals in each contest and the junior forward leads the Saints with 27 goals and seven assists on the season. 

Get to know Braucht in a Q and A here: 

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

“My favorite memory is from my freshman year. We played in the sectional semifinals and there was 2 rain delays, went into double overtime, and won in penalty kicks on our 5th kick. The game didn’t end until after 10:30 PM but it was the most exciting game I have ever played.”

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

“Kate Allen because she would have the best survival skills and she would be fun to be around.”

Favorite music artist?

“Megan Moroney.”

Favorite food?

“Pizza.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“I always go to the same spots and lines during warmups.”

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

“I want to play golf in Scotland with my dad and grandpa.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My parents because they both do so much to support my sister and I in all we do.”