Allison Ortiz-Rivera

Cape Henlopen freshman Allison Ortiz-Rivera moved her running career from the 3K to the 5K this fall, running cross country for coach Matt Lindell and the Cape Vikings. Allison began the season just inside the top seven, but ended as the Vikings’ No. 1 runner for the state championships at Killens Pond State Park, finishing 14th overall in a season-best time of 20:45. Allison has competed for the Seashore Striders since third grade at 8 years old. She took part in three national championships, finishing as a top 25 All-American twice. “Allison has quickly adapted to the 5K race distance,” said Lindell. “She shows up every day with a smile and is always ready to run. For only being a ninth-grader, she is not afraid to get out and go, and she does not get overwhelmed in big meets.”  

Andres Romero Nieto

Unanimously voted a captain in his sophomore year, Andres ended his senior year by scoring all four of the Seahawks’ goals during their playoff run to help Sussex Academy clinch back-to-back state titles. Andres opened up the scoring in the title game versus St. Andrew’s by battling through a sea of Saints to get a magnificent touch on a set-piece ball that floated into the heart of the box. While he was the lone finisher during the Seahawks’ run, he said he didn't feel pressure and trusted his teammates to fulfill their duties. Andres enjoyed watching his fellow captain C.J. Norton make the stop to clinch the championship. The emotional senior sought out Aleks Danilenko, who converted during penalty kicks, to celebrate on the field, and embraced his younger sister Miranda once the team exited the locker room into a wave of support.

Austin Taylor

Austin was thrust into action in penalty kicks during Sussex Academy's 2-1 win over St. Andrew's in the Division II title game Nov. 16. The junior stepped up in a major way with a save that would help the Seahawks win PKs 3-2 and clinch back-to-back state championships. Picking up the sport his freshman year, Austin has been under the guidance of starting keeper C.J. Norton in 2024 after two stellar years on JV. Hoping to help Sussex Academy make it three in a row in 2025, Austin will soon begin his club career with Delaware Futbol Academy. He said his friends peer pressured him into playing, and he has grown to love the sport. He thinks Norton's tutelage has helped his progress. Austin’s favorite aspect of goalkeeping is knowing his team depends on him to come through as the last line of defense. 

Melissa Wiley

Melissa, 38, was the Seashore Striders Summer Racing Series champion this past season. Her combined total time from five 5Ks and one five-miler was 2:17:41.8 for a three-minute win. Her best 5K time was 20:14.1 at the Beebe Heroes 5K. She also clocked a time of 34:24.2 at the Masser Five-Miler. Melissa is a nurse practitioner by profession. She is a relentless road runner and the Wiley Coyote of the women’s division. Meep! Meep! Melissa was female champion and second overall at the Nov. 16 Tunnel to Towers 3.43-mile run. In 2020, Melissa won the prestigious Daisy Award for going above and beyond for a patient in crisis. Melissa would no doubt stop racing to attend to an injured runner, except almost all of them are behind her.