After a month of action, the candidates for September’s Allen County area athletes of the month are in, with a few surprise appearances.
Voting is through Oct. 7. Readers can vote online here or by calling the Register office at (620) 365-2111.
Ty Shaughnessy, Humboldt junior quarterback
One surprise this season has been the ascendancy of Humboldt quarterback/defensive back Ty Shaughnessy. After breaking his leg and missing the previous football season, Shaughnessy showed his athletic potential as an All-Tri-Valley League pitcher last spring. So far, the Cubs are off to a 3-1 record and Shaughnessy, a junior, is their leading passer, rusher and tackler with an average of eight tackles per game.
Damien Spurrier, Allen freshman runner
Another surprise nomination was Allen Community College freshman Damian Spurrier. If selected by Register readers, the award would be his second special recognition this year. Spurrier, who comes to Iola by way of Wildwood, Fla, finished 61st-place while competing against 309 runners from DI and DII universities at the Missouri Southern Stampede in late September. The finish prompted his immediate selection as Jayhawk Conference Cross Country Athlete of the Week.
Reed Clift, Iola junior
Junior quarterback/defensive back Reed Clift has been a bright spot so far this season for the 1-3 Iola Mustangs. Clift, a first-year starter, is growing into his game after seeing multiple starts as a sophomore last season. In the three games this year, he’s completed just over 50 percent of his passes for 694 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s also an integral part of the Mustangs’ rushing attack and a constant presence in defense.
Lynnex Allen, Crest freshman runner
When it comes to distance runners, Crest freshman Lynnex Allen may be the biggest surprise this season. She showed potential last year after placing in multiple middle school meets. But now, in her first year of high school, she’s competing against – and beating – runners from much larger programs. Allen shocked the area running community with her 28th-place finish at the Rim Rock Classic in Lawrence in mid-September and recently took second place at the Central Heights Invitational Wednesday.
Taylor Damme, sophomore outside hitter
Taylor Damme showed she was more than a powerful bat and reliable glove for the Allen softball team. For Allen volleyball this fall, Damme has redefined power hitting as a two-sport athlete and one of the Red Devil’s top outside hitters. She leads the team in kills with 276, which is 118 more than her nearest teammate. She also ranks third in digs for the Red Devils and fourth in blocked shots.
Brooklyn Holloway, senior golfer
As Iola High School’s only girl golfer this season, Holloway demonstrated the adage of quality over quantity, as she has medaled in multiple tournaments this season. After competing well last year, her nomination may not be much of a surprise, but her steady, impressive play has certainly turned heads. She continues to appear near the top of the leaderboards, opening the season with a third-place finish at the Labette County Invitational, followed by medals at the Columbus Invite, the Santa Fe Trail Invite and most recently a 10th-place finish at the Uniontown Invite.
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