SuburbanOneSports.com recognizes a male and female featured athlete each week. The awards, sponsored by Univest, are given to seniors of good character who are students in good standing that have made significant contributions to their teams. Selections are based on nominations received from coaches, athletic directors and administrators.
Univest’s SuburbanOneSports.com Featured Female Athlete (Week of April 24, 2012),
Karen Hranek is the lone returning starter on the Upper Merion lacrosse team’s defense. She has helped a young corps become a cohesive unit for a Viking squad that is on the verge of its second winning season. “Karen has solid footwork, good body position, and she really works well with other defenders,” coach Angie Yanocha said. “She’s not loud, not boisterous – even in her playing style, she doesn’t really do anything flashy. She’s just really solid and consistent as a player.”
The learning curve was a steep one for Hranek, who returned to the lacrosse field last year after two years away from the game. Her freshman and sophomore years, when girls’ soccer was played in the spring, Hranek chose to play soccer. But once soccer was moved to the fall during her junior year, Hranek, who played tennis her freshman and sophomore years, could finally play the two sports she truly loved. “The first game they put me in, ‘Go ahead and do your thing,’ and it was pretty tough because high school lacrosse and middle school lacrosse are pretty different,” Hranek said. It didn’t take long for Hranek to make the transition, and this year, despite having only one varsity season under her belt, Hranek was selected by her teammates to serve as a team captain. “She really did adapt quickly to taking on a leadership role,” Yanocha said. “That speaks to what the team sees in her after one year. There’s her athletic ability but also her commitment to school and to sports. Karen is one of those all-around solid student-athletes, and the kids look up to her and admire her.”
As much pride as Hranek takes in her efforts on the field, she takes even more in her work in the classroom. She is taking six AP classes this year and has been named one of three valedictorians for the Class of 2012. She is a member of Student Council, National Honor Society and the Varsity Club. She also participated in the Model United Nations.
Though she has yet to select a college, Hranek would like to study biomedical engineering, hoping to concentrate in tissue engineering and artificial organ development.
To view Hranek’s complete profile, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/featured-athletes/female/karen-hranek
Univest’s SuburbanOneSports.com Featured Male Athlete (Week of April 24, 2012)
Harris Boyes is described by his volleyball coach as an inspiration. The Council Rock South senior’s father lost his job, his mother is battling cancer, and his volleyball team is struggling to win matches. But Boyes hasn’t buckled under all the adversity he is facing. In fact, he’s remained positive. “He’s always looking out for the other kids, always looking out for the younger guys,” said coach John Wright. “He never complains; he just goes to work.” To help out at home, Boyes has taken a job at Giant Food Store to pay his bills. Last year when things were worse at home, his grades suffered, but he’s gotten his academics back on track and is now an honor roll student.
Boyes didn’t start playing volleyball until 10th grade. “It was something new and challenging because I wasn’t the tallest kid,” he said. Although he is only 5-10, Boyes has been playing weak side hitter. Boyes’ height is deceptive because he has a 30-inch vertical jump. “It’s very deceiving,” said Wright. “People look at him and go, ‘I can hit over this kid all day long,’ but he just kind of elevates and comes out of nowhere.” This year the team has been struggling. Both setters have gone down, and now Boyes has had to step into that position as well. “It’s not his favorite ting to do, but he’s doing it because that’s what the team needs,” said Wright. As a senior captain, Boyes has taken his leadership role seriously. “He’s good in a positive way,” Wright said.
One of the highlights of Boyes’ life has been earning his Eagle Scout Badge. “That tells you what kind of character he has,” Wright said. Boyes volunteers at the Gilda’s Club, a support center for kids and adults with cancer. For his merit badge, he refurbished a stone patio at the Gilda’s Club.
Next year Boyes plans on attending Bucks County Community College hopefully with either financial aid or a scholarship. He is interested in pursuing kinesiology and ultimately a teaching career.
To view Boyes’ complete profile, please click on the following link: http://www.suburbanonesports.com/featured-athletes/male/harris-boyes
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