Olympia’s Prestegaard, Normal Community’s Pyle win CSM Winter Athletes of the Week

Olympia’s Lucy Prestegaard and Normal Community’s Wade Pyle both achieved performances that they won’t forget anytime soon and as a result, won Clutch Sports Media’s Winter Athletes of the Week.

Prestegaard continued a freshman breakout season by scoring over 50 points combined in a pair of games for a recently-improving Spartans team while Pyle added on to his decorated career by breaking multiple records at the Ironmen Invite. Both players earned the most votes in their respective polls.

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

Prestegaard won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 45 percent of the votes in the girls poll. The Olympia freshman was unstoppable in a 70-64 win over LeRoy on Jan. 8, scoring 38 points in the victory. She converted 17 shots and four of seven free throws with 23 points coming in the first half and 15 after the intermission. Prestgaard also added 15 points in a 46-38 loss to Tri-Valley on Jan. 5. After a slow start for the Spartans, she has helped her team win four of their last seven games.

Get to know Prestegaard in a Q and A here: 

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

“My favorite memory of my high school career has been every second of my freshman season so far. With there only being 15 of us total in the program, it has allowed for this group of girls to become super close, making every practice and game super enjoyable!”

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

“If I had to choose one teammate to be stranded on an island with I would choose Hannah Church. Hannah is one of the funniest people I know and she is so fun to be around so I know I would have a good time with her.”

Favorite music artist?

“Megan Moroney or Ella Langley.”

Favorite food?

“A Chipotle bowl.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Before every game, we have a team meal that is provided by our supportive parents!”

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

“I would love to travel to Italy!”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My biggest role models are my parents. My parents sacrifice a lot of their time to always be there for my siblings and I’s activities and never fail to always show up.”

Pyle won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after receiving 80 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The Normal Community ace set a pair of school and pool records at the Normal Community Iron Invite on Jan. 10, winning the 50 free (20.79) and 100 free (45.68) in record times. He also swam on the Ironmen’s 200 free relay and 200 medley relay that both took first place, helping them team finish second overall.

Get to know Pyle in a Q and A here: 

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

“Making the A final with mono.”

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

“Layne Wills because at least I would die laughing.”

Favorite music artist?

“J Cole.”

Favorite food?

“Pizza.”

Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?

“Pray before every race.”

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

“I’d love to learn how to surf.”

Who’s your role model and why?

“My parents because they’ve always been there for me.”