Ames Tribune named Sophia Hatcher and Paul Marpe as the female and male Athletes of the Week for the period of April 13-19. Hatcher secured the female title with 84% of the votes after setting a new high jump record for Ames girls during the Jim Duncan Invitational at Drake Stadium, with a jump of 18 feet, 9.5 inches. This broke the previous record of 18-5 set in 2004 by Kersten Thorgaard. On the other hand, Marpe clinched the male Athlete of the Week award with 57% of the votes by winning the boys 200 and contributing to Gilbert's victory in the boys distance medley relay at the Gilbert Invitational.
Hatcher's exceptional performance in the high jump event led to her recognition as the female Athlete of the Week, while Marpe's victories in the boys 200 and the relay contributed to his selection as the male Athlete of the Week. These recognitions were based on their outstanding achievements during the specified week, as voted by the readers of the Ames Tribune. High school sports coverage in the area is overseen by Joe Randleman, who can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @JoeRandleman.