Athletes of the Week Sept. 22
Tyler Cohen-Kreis
The only player who is sure to touch the ball on every offensive snap is the center. Not only that, but most centers make calls to alert other linemen whether the defense is an odd or even front. Tyler is that unsung guy for Cape. The junior first-year starter wears No. 73. Coach Mike Frederick, when asked about his 6-foot-1, 285-pound center, noted that he was often injured in the past but dropped at least 30 pounds to get himself in a position to play for the team. He said, “[Tyler won] the starting center spot, very football smart – sets all protections and strengths, grading well in our AATE metrics – alignment, assignment, technique and effort. If he continues getting better at this rate, he will become an invaluable asset to Cape football. [He] comes out early to snap and has even stayed out after practice to work on his game.” Frederick smiled and added, “There are more big siblings on the way.”
Halle Geiger
Smyrna's senior field hockey goalie Halle Geiger had an awesome game versus Cape Sept. 14 at Champions Stadium, as she was credited with 14 saves (a personal best) in the Eagles’ 2-1 win. “I’m vocal when it comes to moving defenders so I can have a clear vision of the ball,” Geiger said. Coach Loveita Moffett responded by text: “Halle is an awesome student-athlete. She leads with a strong presence of skill, but also with her voice and hockey IQ. She excels in school and significantly contributes to our team goal of having the highest GPA of any sports team at Smyrna High.” Halle plans to attend Drexel University and major in mechanical engineering while playing hockey for the Dragons. Off the field, she loves spending time with her friends. When she is having fun, she is the loudest personality in the group. She is also working two jobs while playing sports and going to school.
Connor Pencek
Cape Henlopen unified flag football senior Connor Pencek wreaked havoc like only a Viking could during the team's season opener against Caesar Rodney Sept. 20 at Legends Stadium. Pencek's relentless efforts in the pass rush and defensive backfield forced untimely throws and drops on key plays. He registered two sacks, got two tackles for losses and deflected a pass. The 17-year-old began playing unified flag football in 2022. He has liked football since he was 10 years old. The senior really enjoys the defensive aspects of the game. Pencek is good in coverage, but he also enjoys rushing the passer just a bit more. When not hitting the books or disrupting backfields, he enjoys riding his bike around Milton, watching sports and spending time with his family.
Louise Rishko
Lulu is a smooth operator; she is an electric vehicle on a field of gas-powered athletes. In hockey, Lulu plays center midfield running up and down the field. She is dangerous on offense and a locked-in gnat on defense – the no-see-um you can really see. Coach Kate Austin said of Rishko: “She has controlled the play through our midfield in each game so far. Lulu makes smart decisions with the ball, and her on-ball defense is exceptional. She’s working on her leadership skills on and off the field to bring her teammates up to her level.” Lulu can always be found leaving the pitch after practice or a game with a smile on her face, win or lose. The senior is heading to Virginia Tech next year to join her sister Ella on the Hokies lacrosse team. Younger sister Mairead is a freshman on the Cape varsity team.
