Dual-athlete Mason Van Gieson and Basketball’s Julissa McBarron named Spartan Athletes of the Week
Dual-Sport Athlete Mason Van Gieson (wrestling and indoor track) and Basketball’s Julissa McBarron have been named by The Spartan Times and Sanford Athletics as “Athletes of the Week” for their performances in late February.
Van Gieson, a senior dual-athlete, predominantly wrestled this season but was able to participate in a few indoor track meets when schedules allowed. This season in wrestling, he earned his 100th career win and he placed 7th in the state in Pole Vault at the state championships over February break.
“Mason made history by being the first athlete to compete in two state championships,” said head wrestling coach, Nate Smith, “and he won a match at all-states after getting in as the alternate, so technically he competed in three state championships!”
“He was in one of the most difficult weight classes in the state (120) and still remained competitive all season,” Smith added. “Not only that, he made the podium in track after only having one competition in the season and only one meet with his pole vault coach there.”
McBarron, a senior captain, has been a leader on the team in her tenure at SHS as well as a dominant court presence, being named a player to watch this season by the Portland Press Herald. In the home playoff game against Thornton Academy on Feb. 15, she scored a team-high 21 points despite early foul trouble that kept her out most of the 3rd quarter.
“Julissa showed why she is one of our leaders during our 63-59 victory over Thornton Academy,” said Coach Kearson. “Despite being in foul trouble and having to sit during all of the 3rd quarter and part of the 4th, Julissa managed to come back and score the last 10 points of the game to help lead us to a thrilling victory.”
Congratulations to our Spartan Athletes of the Week!
The Spartan Times 