If one is a hardworking athlete, it is understandable that they would be eager to snatch a Panther of the Week award. To find out more about the Panthers of the Week selection process and experience, the Seattle Prep Panther sat down with athletic director, Brian Elsner, as well as a Panther of the Week, Caleb Cochran ’19. The Panther of the Week is a very important award at Seattle Prep, so why not learn some inside details about the selection process?

Athletic director, Mr. Elsner, answers some basic questions about the Panther of the Week. The selection process is very easy, despite the many talented athletes at Seattle Prep. When asked how he chooses the Panther of the Week, Mr. Elsner explains, “every Sunday, head coaches for the Varsity teams submit nominations with stats and or description of why they deserve Panther of the Week. Then, based on the nominations, we pick someone, trying to keep in mind balance of all teams.” In other words, the head coaches try their best to have each sport represented by an athlete. To be the Panther of the Week, one must have leadership qualities, a good attitude, spirit, and of course an outstanding performance in a game. Something that has repeatedly been asked is, between the athlete’s attitude and performance, which weighs more in the decision? Mr. Elsner mentioned that “it totally depends on coach nominations. Players have won based on just being that steadying presence or great spirit. Generally, we haven’t necessarily given it to someone who doesn’t play at all or really supportive of their teammates. That’s not really part of the criteria so it has to be someone who played well. I would hope that it is equal balance but not always. It really depends on the nominations.”

In addition to learning about one side of the selection process, Sophomore golf athlete, Caleb Cochran, talks about what it is like to be awarded Panther of the Week. The students chosen for Panther of the Week do not know that they have been chosen until it is announced over the intercom. “I was surprised, I guess,” said Caleb Cochran ’19, “because that week our team lost.” Referring back to something Mr. Elsner said about being chosen for the Panther of the Week, the athlete’s personal performance is more important than the overall results. Sure, winning is a major indication that someone deserves this award, but playing an outstanding match or game is much more honorable. Caleb proved to the Varsity head coaches he deserved this award by playing a great match against a tough opponent. “I played really well in that match. I had the best scores on my team and we only lost by one shot to the reigning state champs. It was a good match”.

An athlete must embody what it means to have Seattle Prep spirit, be skilled at their sport, and be actively engaged with their teammates to receive this special recognition. It is important to note that getting this award can be difficult and requires a lot of hard work. Something to look forward to as the winter season approaches, is the new “Fan of the Week” award. Come decked out in Seattle Prep spirit and support the Panthers! As always, good luck to those working towards receiving the Panther of the Week and congratulations to Caleb Cochran ’19 and the other athletes who were recognized so far this year!