Dimond High School’s Skyler Coleman and East High School’s Ja’Sem Atonio were named co-winners of the Alaska Athlete of the Week award after leading their respective football teams to championship seasons.
Atonio put on a brilliant passing display in leading the Thunderbirds to a district championship and perfect 7-0 record with a 41-0 victory over Bartlett. The senior quarterback completed 15 of 20 passes for 238 yards and four touchdowns, showing off pinpoint accuracy and impressive arm strength in connecting with both the deep ball and short passing game.
The dynamic Coleman rushed for 104 yards, and caught three passes for 43 yards and a touchdown in Dimond’s 22-0 victory over West Anchorage to earn a district championship. The senior also threw a touchdown pass and played safety on defense and is on special teams. The previous night Coleman led the Lynx to a come-from-behind victory over #1 seed South High by racking up over 100 total yards and also completing both of her passes.
Coleman and Atonio were respectively named the girls and boys CIC offensive players of the year.
“Skyler is an amazing athlete and teammate,” said Dimond head coach Kathleen Navarre. “She gives 100% every day in practice and in games.”
Due to Covid-19 there were no state championship football games this year.
“Whether someone wants to call them state champs, region champs, district champs….they’re just champs” East head coach Jeff Trotter said of his Thunderbird squad after the game.
The athlete of the week recipient is selected by a panel each Friday and announced Saturday at 11 a.m. on the Sports Guys on CBS Sports Radio 590AM and 96.7FM.
View past winners here.