Vote Now: Who Will Be Fort Walton Beach's Male Athlete of the Year?

Fort Walton Beach, USA - The excitement is palpable as the countdown begins for this year’s Male Athlete of the Year award in the Fort Walton Beach area. With a few days left to cast your votes, the competition is fierce among a group of incredibly talented young men who have excelled in their respective sports. The selection process is both complex and subjective, taking into account factors such as multi-sport participation versus specialization and performance in individual versus team sports. It’s all leading up to an exhilarating finish, and already, we can feel the camaraderie and support that high school sports instill in our community.

Currently, voting is open until 2 p.m. on June 16, which adds to the thrill of this year’s nominations. Reflecting on last year’s triumph, where Cole Tabb clinched the honor by shining in three sports, including being a state champion in two and securing a scholarship to Stanford, it’s clear just how esteemed this award has become among high school athletes in the region. They all strive for excellence, and it’s nothing short of inspiring.

Meet the Nominees

This year’s nominees are a testament to the breadth of talent found in our schools:

• Coleman Borthwick, South Walton rising senior – With a commitment to Auburn and hopes of entering the MLB draft, Borthwick has achieved a staggering batting average of .628 over 35 games. Additionally, he’s a force on the mound, allowing only one earned run across 33 innings while striking out 55 batters.
• Connor Mathews, Niceville ’25 grad – This young man made waves with his football season, racking up 1,406 yards and 15 touchdowns, alongside dominating in state weightlifting where he holds three Florida records. An upcoming Air Force Academy cadet, Mathews truly epitomizes hard work.
• Nathaniel „NuNu“ Krider, Niceville rising senior – On the football field, he notched 11 sacks and 67 tackles, propelling his team to the Final 4. His prowess is also notable in shot put, where he claimed a state championship with a throw of 61 feet, 10 inches—setting the bar high.
• Julius Miles, Freeport rising senior – Miles boasts nearly 30 college offers as he dominates both football and basketball. With over 900 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns, plus averaging 27.5 points in basketball, he’s a multi-sport athlete on the rise.

As highlighted by the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards, this initiative recognizes the outstanding achievements of athletes across 19 regions in the U.S., culminating in a grand national ceremony in August. Such honors are not just about winning; they celebrate the heart and soul of student-athletes who embody dedication and hard work, fostering community pride along the way. The entire program serves as a reminder that sports—and the values they teach—are pivotal in education and beyond USA TODAY reports.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Supporting our athletes extends beyond the playing field. Community engagement is at the core of high school sports awards. They provide a unique opportunity for athletes to receive recognition not only for their performance but for their leadership, academic excellence, and contributions to their schools.
As stated by Rocket Alumni Solutions, awards like the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards encourage motivation and showcase role models within our community. This recognition boosts morale and strengthens community ties by celebrating the athletes who inspire and uplift their peers.

The nominations and voting take place online, inviting public support for these exemplary students. It’s a wonderful way to engage the community and highlight the hard work that comes with being a student-athlete. Engaging with digital platforms ensures that we keep the spirit of sports alive, encouraging local support and involvement in a holistic manner Rocket Alumni Solutions emphasizes.

As we gear up for the final moments before voting closes, it’s essential we rally together to support these outstanding athletes. No matter who takes home the title, one thing is certain: these young men have shown remarkable dedication and passion to their sports, embodying the spirit of competition and camaraderie.

So, let’s raise a cheer for our nominees and make our votes count! Who knows? The next Male Athlete of the Year could be just a click away!