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The Dunsmuir Lady Tigers were down 19-15 to Big Valley in game two of their recent volleyball match, when senior Jennifer Hope rotated to server. Ten serves later, Hope and her teammates had won the game 25-19, scoring 10 straight service points, including five aces and a kill by Hope. That’s the sort of thing that will get you consideration for an Impact Player Award.

Hope’s string of points weren’t a one time thing. She leads her team in both kills and aces this season. Last season, as a junior, she was first in kills and second in aces. Hope’s impact on the Lady Tigers isn’t limited to volleyball.

Last basketball season, she led the team in scoring. During softball last season, Hope led the team in RBI, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and was tied for first in runs scored. She also had the second highest batting average.

Hope’s career consistency in multiple sports and ability to come through when it counts the most has earned her an Impact Player Award.

The Impact Player Award is given on a monthly basis and goes to Siskiyou County high school athletes, male or female, that have had a significant impact on the success of their team. I select the players based on my own observations, often in consultation with the player’s coaches.

A total of four awards may be given each month and are not school specific; they can go to a player at any school that Siskiyou Youth covers. Winners receive Impact T-shirts that were designed by Golden Grotto. The T-shirts and award are cosponsored by SiskiyouYouth.com and NorCal Classic Hits radio, KCWH, 102.3/101.7

Watch a Dunsmuir Tigers’ basketball game and you’ll notice a presence—a player that demands your attention. That player is Erin Kirch.

A senior, Erin leads the Tigers in scoring and rebounding. He has 14 games in double figures for scoring and nine in rebounds. His high point total is 25, and his high in rebounds is 13. Erin has recorded eight double-doubles. And, oh yeah, he plays defense, too.

While Erin’s Impact Player Award is for basketball, he could also have won one for football. Erin led the Tigers in receiving yards and sacks. He was second in tackles and third in rushing (615 yards on a team that amassed 3168 yards total).

Add it all up and it equals an Impact Player Award.

The Impact Player Award is given on a monthly basis and goes to Siskiyou County high school athletes, male or female, that have had a significant impact on the success of their team. I select the players based on my own observations, often in consultation with the player’s coaches. (more…)