The Santa Barbara County Athletic Round Table gathered Thursday to celebrate the week’s top high‑school athletes across the region. The ceremony, hosted by the county’s sports officials, highlighted individual excellence in cross‑country, football, and water polo, underscoring the dedication of student‑athletes and the supportive role of families and coaches.
Girls Athlete of the Week – Elsie Tuttle (San Marcos Cross Country)
Elsie Tuttle earned the Girls Athlete of the Week honor after finishing third individually in the 3‑mile race with a time of 18:29 at the Santa Barbara County Championship. Her strong performance helped the San Marcos Royals secure first place overall, showcasing the depth of the program’s talent and the hard work of the team’s coaching staff.
Boys Athlete of the Week – Caeden Lee (Dos Pueblos Football)
Dos Pueblos quarterback‑receiver Caeden Lee was recognized for his pivotal role in a 16‑15 rivalry victory over San Marcos. Lee caught six passes for 66 yards, including a crucial fourth‑down reception that kept the Chargers’ game‑winning drive alive in the final minute. The win clinched a playoff berth for Dos Pueblos, and Lee’s composure under pressure was praised by coaches and teammates alike.
Special Olympics Athletes of the Quarter
The Round Table also honored four Special Olympics athletes for their dedication and sportsmanship: LaMarcus Briggs, Adam Ernst, Manny Gorgita, and Arturo B. Montano. Their achievements reflect the inclusive spirit of the county’s athletic community.
Northern Santa Barbara County Highlights
Girls Athlete of the Week – Paige Reynolds (Santa Ynez Water Polo)
Paige Reynolds broke the Santa Ynez school record with 178 career steals and led the Pirates with 74 goals this season, while also contributing 54 assists. Her defensive prowess and scoring ability have made her a cornerstone of the team’s success.
Boys Co‑Athlete of the Week – Joey Duarte (San Marcos Football)
Defensive lineman Joey Duarte recorded eight tackles, three for loss, and a quarterback sack as the San Marcos Pirates shut out Santa Maria 47‑0, securing the Ocean League title. Duarte’s impact on the defensive front was highlighted by the coaching staff as a key factor in the dominant performance.
Boys Co‑Athlete of the Week – Ulises Muñoz (Santa Maria Water Polo)
Ulises Muñoz tallied 16 goals across two games last week, demonstrating his scoring touch despite missing the Round Table luncheon. His contributions helped Santa Maria maintain a competitive edge in the league.
These recognitions illustrate the vibrant high‑school sports culture in Santa Barbara County, where student‑athletes balance academics, family commitments, and community support. Parents, coaches, and school administrators expressed pride in the achievements and emphasized the importance of continued investment in youth athletics.
Looking ahead, the county’s schools will host several playoff contests in football, water polo, and cross‑country, offering more opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents and for local fans to rally behind their teams.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
