Athletes of the Week Oct. 29

Robert Payton

This Mariner Middle School eighth-grader does it all for the Milton Vikings football team playing linebacker, center as well as defensive line, punts and placekicks, making him too important to be taken out of the action. "Robbie is a tough, hard-nosed player who goes above and beyond what we coaches ask of him," said Mariner head coach Billy Collick. "He's a leader on and, more importantly, off the field. He leads from the front, makes no excuses and is always willing to put the needs of the team and his teammates above his own.” An honor roll student for the Mariner Vikings, he also wrestles in the winter season and plays baseball in the spring. "I really appreciate my teammates," he said. "They really help each other and support each other no matter how the games go."

Lindsey Smith

A seventh-grade honor roll student at Beacon Middle School, this volleyball player is making her mark in the gymnasium with her prowess on the court. "Lindsey is a hard worker at practice and is stability for her team," said Beacon coach Lori Celia. "She has the most consistent serve and handles her setting duties well." A natural setter on the Vikings’ squad, she also can play back line, outside hitter and powers in serves when needed. She also plays for the Atlantic Lacrosse Club and participates in camps at The Factory. When not doing sports and studying, Lindsey is a budding artist who loves to draw and write. She can also be found on the beach with her family in the warmer months or practicing volleyball with her sister Megan.

Sasha Tigue 

A member of the gifted and talented program at Mariner Middle School, Sasha helped lead the Mariner volleyball squad to a 2-0 victory over Beacon this week. "Sasha is a fantastic leader on the court," said Mariner coach Alison Herman. "She leads by example and is a hard-working player who always wants to do something extra to better herself on the court." Sasha is a player who can play any position on the court, from outside hitter to the back row position and can slam jump serves for aces. When not on the hard courts, she plays with the Sandsharks beach volleyball team in Dewey Beach. Sasha swam for six years at the Sussex Family YMCA, where she broke records in the 50, 100 and 200 freestyle.

Jameson Tingle

An eighth-grade honor roll student at Beacon Middle School, this humble young man is the epitome of a team player. "Jameson is a great student-athlete," said Beacon coach John Parker. "He has a great attitude and a strong work ethic. He is also a great teammate." He went 7-for-8 for 108 yards, a touchdown and a pair of two-point conversions for Beacon Middle in its recent 29-6 win over Mariner. He also rushed for a five-yard touchdown. "I think my team is a good group of guys and I believe we'll make something happen when we move up to Cape," he said after their victory. In the off season, he plays for the Aces travel baseball team and the Running Rebels basketball squad.