Pampa Harvester Athletes of the Week (August 24 - August 30)

Photos courtesy of Cartershots and Charla Shults

Yaritza Saenz is #4 and a Senior athlete on the Lady Harvester Volleyball team. She only plays volleyball but she did run track as a Freshman and Sophomore.

What is something people may not know about her?

“I love spending time with my family and friends. I love going to the lake in the summer,” Saenz said.

What does it mean for Yaritza to be named Athlete of the Week?

“Being named Athlete of the Week to me means I am being seen and I am working hard and showing people what I can do,” Saenz said.

Her goal for the rest of the season is to keep getting better.

“My goal for the rest of the season is to keep improving, keep being a good teammate, and just enjoy my senior year,” Saenz said.

What is her favorite subject and plans for after high school?

“I plan to go to college and major in Medical Diagnostic Sonography,” Saenz said. “My favorite subject is English because there is always something new to learn and it is just interesting.”

Here is what Lady Harvester Head Volleyball Coach Kaylee Samulowitz had to say about Yaritza:

“Yaritza has done a great job so far this year. She was locked in all weekend and came off the bench and was a game changer for us in a crucial time. I love how she is always focused, even when she isn't in the game. I have all of the confidence in the world in her because she is always giving 100% effort physically and mentally.” Samulowitz said.

Gunter Thomas is #15 and a Senior Wide Receiver and Defensive Back on the Harvester Football team. He also runs track for the Harvester Track team. He had a 21-yard touchdown reception during Week 1 against the Caprock Longhorns.

“Once football is over I always run track, I love going to track meets and being around my friends and I love the competition,” Thomas said.

What does it mean for Gunter to be named Athlete of the Week?

“To be named Athlete of the Week is very special for me. I have always wanted to be recognized for my abilities and it is nice to finally have that recognition,” Thomas said.

One thing people may not know about him is he loves to weld.

“When I’m not playing football or running track I am very much a homebody person, I love to just sit at home and rest,” Thomas said.

What goals does he have for this season?

“My true goal for this season is to really help the team as much as possible. I feel like if everyone is a team player and executes the job they are supposed to do we will have a great season,” Thomas said.

After high school, he plans to attend HVAC school.

“My plans after high school is to go into HVAC and eventually run my own HVAC company,” Thomas said.

His favorite subject is the Industrial Maintenance class he takes at Clarendon College.

“My favorite subject is the industrial maintenance class at Clarendon College. I love the teacher and it’s always a class I’m excited to go to because it really prepares me for my future,” Thomas said.

Here is what his positional coach Jason Burklow had to say about Gunter:

“Gunter has been an asset at both safety and receiver. He's tall and fast, which is a great combination for a skill player. I get to watch him do great things at practice every day on the defensive side of the ball which I know will translate to the field on Friday nights,” Burklow said.

Congratulations to Yaritza and Gunter on being what a great Harvester student-athlete is all about!