The BLITZ Athlete of the Week Fan Vote attracted 9,781 total votes, with Commerce’s Mason Gaddis logging 4,741 to take the Fan Vote. BLITZ then picked Commerce’s Paden Bell as Co-AOW.

Feature Photo by GA Milesplit

MASON GADDIS – FAN VOTE

Commerce junior thrower Mason Gaddis qualified for state with a sectionals title in the shot put and fourth place finish in discus. He was the Region 8-A Public Runner-Up in both events. This is Gaddis’ second POW award this season (the other in football as OL of the Week).

PADEN BELL – BLITZ PICK

Paden Bell continues to dominate in distance running. She pulled off the rare feat of claiming four region titles, taking the top spot on the podium in the 400, 800, 1600, and 3200. She qualified for state in all four events, and will look to lead the Lady Tigers in the State Championships. This is Bell’s fifth-ever POW award as just a sophomore, putting her closer to the top level of most decorated among BLITZ athletes.