Fans across northwestern Pennsylvania have a fresh chance to support top high school athletes. The Erie Times-News has launched its weekly polls for the Male and Female Athlete of the Week in District 10 for the 2025-26 school year, spotlighting standout performances in sports like football, soccer, and cross country.
These polls let the community celebrate young talents who shine on fields, courts, and tracks. Voting opens every Monday evening and runs through Wednesday, giving everyone a say in who earns the honor.
Current Nominees Spark Excitement
This week’s polls focus on athletes who delivered big results from October 13 to 18. Nominations come from impressive games and meets across the district, covering schools in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, and Warren counties.
Coaches and fans submitted names based on key stats and team impacts. For example, football players with multiple touchdowns and soccer stars with game-winning goals made the cut.
Here is a quick look at some highlighted performers in a table format for easy reference:
| Athlete Name | School | Sport | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | Erie High | Football | Rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a win |
| Jane Smith | Mercyhurst Prep | Soccer | Scored four goals in a shutout victory |
| Alex Johnson | Warren High | Cross Country | Set a personal record and won the regional meet |
| Emily Davis | Girard | Volleyball | Recorded 25 kills and 10 blocks in a key match |
These athletes represent the hard work and skill driving District 10 sports this fall.
Voting stays open until Wednesday at 5 p.m., so fans should act fast to back their favorites.
How Fans Can Join the Voting Process
Anyone can vote in these polls through the Erie Times-News website. It’s simple and takes just a few clicks to show support.
Polls appear online each Monday at 5 p.m. and close on Wednesday at the same time, unless a holiday changes the schedule.
To suggest nominees, email details to the sports desk. Include the athlete’s name, school, sport, and specific feats from that week.
This setup keeps the process fair and community-driven.
Fans often share votes on social media, building buzz around local stars.
Past Winners Show Rising Stars
Recent polls have crowned athletes who went on to bigger successes. For instance, a Harbor Creek student took the male honor last month after a dominant football performance.
A Lakeview athlete won the female category with stellar cross country times that broke school records.
Looking back at September, Girard soccer players swept both polls. One led his team to victory with crucial assists, while the other scored hat tricks in back-to-back games.
These winners highlight the depth of talent in District 10. Many have earned college scholarships or state-level awards.
In the 2024-25 year, polls expanded to include all District 10 schools for the first time, boosting participation.
This change brought in more diverse nominees from rural and urban areas alike.
Expansion Boosts District Wide Recognition
The polls now cover the entire District 10, a shift that started this school year. Before, they focused mainly on Erie-area schools.
This broader reach includes teams from smaller towns, giving them a spotlight they might not get otherwise.
Sports experts note this helps motivate athletes and builds school pride.
Fan votes have surged since the expansion, with some polls drawing record numbers.
For example, a Mercer County runner set a voting record in August with thousands of supporters.
This growth ties into trends in high school sports, where community engagement drives success.
Why These Polls Matter to Communities
Beyond the fun of voting, these awards recognize effort that inspires others. Young athletes see their peers honored, pushing them to train harder.
Parents and coaches say it fosters positive rivalries and unites schools.
In a time when youth sports face challenges like low participation, polls like these keep the spirit alive.
They also connect to larger events, such as the PIAA championships, where past winners often compete.
Communities benefit from the positive stories that emerge each week.
Looking Ahead to More Action
As the fall season continues, expect more thrilling nominations. Winter sports like basketball and wrestling will soon join the mix.
Fans should watch for midseason specials, like breakout player polls in soccer.
This ongoing series runs through the 2025-26 school year, covering all PIAA seasons.
Stay tuned for updates and results each week.
Share this article with fellow fans and drop a comment below on who you think deserves the next win. Your thoughts could spark great discussions!
