One of the most important positions on a soccer field is the center-midfielder. The center-mid needs to be able to pass, shoot, and play defense, as well as act as a “quarterback” on the field. Great conditioning is a must.

Because of its importance to both defense and offense, the center-midfielder has a major impact on how a game is played and the success of the team. For the Yreka Miners, Ross Perry plays the center-midfield position.

In Northern Athletic League play, Perry leads the Miners in goals and is second in assists, as well as third in steals. Perry takes the majority of free kicks, and penalty kicks for the Miners.

Add it all up and it equals an Impact Player Award for Yreka Miner Ross Perry.

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 are 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 Siskiyou Youth and NorCal Classic Hits radio 102.3/101.7.