Derec Fedewa Named September Student-Athlete of the Month

Derec Fedewa, a senior on the St. Patrick School football team has been selected as the Portland Beacon and J-Dubb’s Signature Subs Student-Athlete of the month for September 2021.

In his nomination of Fedewa, Shamrock head coach Patrick Russman told the Beacon, “We had one forfeit win in September form Onekama but in the three games (played),” Derec’s stats were:

Against Tekonsha

Rushing 6-106, 3 touchdowns, 5 tackles

Against Fulton-Middleton

Rushing 17-218, 4touchdowns, 9 tackles, one sack

Against Merrill

Rushing 22-216, 4 touchdowns, 9 tackles, one fumble recovery

Derec's totals for September were 45 carries for 540 yards rushing with 11 touchdowns, 23 tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery.

To be nominated for this award, a student-athlete must attend either Portland High School or St. Patrick School, and be a member of a varsity sports program or school-sponsored athletic club at his/her school. Nominations may be made by a member of their high school coaching staff, athletic director, principal, or a school recognized student government organization at his/her school. Nominations are also accepted from The Portland Beacon contributing writers.

The monthly winner is selected by a panel of Beacon contributors. The winner receives a free sub thanks to our sponsor, J-Dubb’s Signature Subs.

Monthly winners are entered into the student-athlete of the year contest. The winner for the year receives a party platter from J-Dubb’s Signature Subs.

Other talented local athletes receiving nominations for September were:

Ethan Patrick – PHS Football

PHS coach John Novara said, “Ethan is a captain of the varsity football team. He plays WR and DB, and this is his 3rd year on the varsity football team. Ethan (at the time of nomination) leads the entire Lansing area with 7 interceptions on the year. As a wide receiver he has 13 catches for 261 yards and 4 TD's as well as the game winner against DeWitt. On defense he has 38 tackles, 7 Interceptions, and a fumble recovery. Ethan is a great kid that has a great work ethic!”

Natalee Teachworth – SPS Volleyball

Shamrock volleyball coach Nicole Easlick said of the junior, “Natalee is a hardworking, talented and dedicated athlete. She always gives 100% and has a great positive attitude. She leads the Varsity volleyball team in kills and blocks, and is in the top for aces.”

Total kills: 183 Average per set: 3

Total blocks: 54 Average per set: 0.88

Total aces: 29

Ellayna (Laynie) Meredith – SPS Cross Country

Shamrock cross country coach Dan Lawless said, “I would like to nominate Ellayna (Laynie) Meredith for the September athlete of the month. Here are the statistics for Laynie at 6 cross country meets.

Place Time Date Event

4 22:06.2 Sep 1 Saranac Invitational

15 22:37.7 Sep 11 Bret Clements Bath Invitational

46 23:36.8 Sep 17 2021 MSU Spartan Invitational

8 22:07.9 Sep 22 CMAC @Fowler

6 22:15.4 Sep 25 Carson City-Crystal (Don Baese) Invite

18 22:09.4 Sep 29 Pewamo-Westphalia Invitational

Laynie has been the number 1 runner for our girls cross country team at every meet this season. Laynie is a leader and motivator for the entire team, coming to every practice and meet with a positive attitude and encouraging her teammates to do their best.”

Photo by Lindsey Bos.