Sequim’s Velarde named WIAA Athlete of the Week for football

By Sequim Gazette Staff • October 26, 2016 4:00 pm
Sequim’s Gavin Velarde scored nine touchdowns between two games in one week to become WIAA athlete of the week in football. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell
Sequim’s Gavin Velarde scored nine touchdowns between two games in one week to become WIAA athlete of the week in football. Sequim Gazette file photo by Michael Dashiell

One week, nine touchdowns.

Gavin Velarde made a big impact on the field last week and it didn’t go unrecognized. The Sequim High junior football star was selected by Washington Interscholastic Activities Association staff as their Athlete of the Week for football.

Velarde had three rushing touchdowns, a 75-yard kickoff return for a score and a 97-yard interception touchdown return in a 48-26 Sequim win against Olympic on Oct. 17, then added four touchdowns in a 49-9 Sequim rout of Port Angeles on Oct. 21.

Each week throughout the school year, WIAA recognizes 12 varsity athletes — a male and a female from each of the six classifications — who exhibited an outstanding performance for the previous week.

In recognition of their accomplishment, each Athlete of the Week winner receives a congratulatory letter from WIAA Executive Director Mike Colbrese, a commemorative WIAA State Athlete of the Week T-shirt and a certificate. Winners are also posted to the WIAA website at www.wiaa.com.