With the century a quarter done, the Holland Sentinel is selecting its top 25 athletes from the past quarter century.

We will start with the top 25 from each school and move on to the top 25 overall male and female high school athletes from the past 25 years.

Athletes must be graduated to be eligible. There are extra spots on the team for the top club gymnasts and those who did their best swimming on the club scene, not taking away from other West Ottawa spots.

Today: West Ottawa

Tabahn Afrik

Class of 2015

Ushering in a new era in West Ottawa swimming, Tabahn Afrik spearheaded a resurgence for the Panthers as a state power. He won the Division 1 state championship in the 100 freestyle twice, also claiming state titles in the 50 freestyle and 200 freestyle once each. That doesn’t include relay state titles. Afrik was a national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Notre Dame and became an All-American for the Fighting Irish.Isabel AnayaClass of 2025Anaya was a four-time all-state wrestler and became the first female wrestler in area history to claim a state championship. She went undefeated as a senior and claimed a title. She will wrestler next year in college.Nicole ArtzClass of 2013Since West Ottawa does not have a varsity gymnastics program, and very few do anymore, Nicole Artz made her presence known on the club gymnastics scene. Artz was a Level 10 national qualifier and national champion before moving on to the University of Michigan where she was a multiple All-American and NCAA qualifier and one of the top gymnasts in the history of the Wolverines.Tyler BosmaClass of 2018One of the most well-rounded athletes the area has ever seen, Tyler Bosma made a huge mark in multiple sports for West Ottawa. On the basketball court, he earned all-state honors as a senior and led the Panthers to the Class A state championship game, the school’s best finish. He was perhaps even better on the mound, earning all-state baseball honors and pitching at Miami (Ohio) and then the University of Kentucky.Jessi BuisClass of 2012A national qualifier in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she became a MAC champion in the vault.Taylor BuisClass of 2016A national champion in club gymnastics, competing for Champion Gymnastics, Buis went on to compete at Western Michigan where she helped the Broncos win a MAC title. She also was a star track athlete for West Ottawa.Spencer CarlClass of 2017One of the most powerful athletes in the pool, Spencer Carl used his strength to claim multiple state championships during his career. He won the Division 1 state title in the 500 freestyle twice and won the 200 IM and 200 freestyle once each on his way to four state titles. He was a USA national and junior national qualifier and went on to swim at Louisville and Michigan.Ato CondeleeClass of 2013It didn’t matter what the sport was, Ato Condelee was going to show his athleticism. In track and field, he was the Division 1 state champion in the long jump as a senior after multiple all-state finishes in the long jump and high jump. He also played football and basketball for the Panthers and ended up playing football at Ferris State University.Natalie DunnClass of 2019One of the most athletic multi-sport athletes in recent memory, Natalie Dunn helped transform the volleyball and basketball programs at West Ottawa. She was an all-state volleyball player and all-state guard in basketball, setting multiple school records in both sports. She also starred in track and field but decided to play volleyball in college, earning an NCAA Division I scholarship at Furman.Ameer IsmailClass of 2002One of the top football defenders in the state, Ameer Ismail was a one-man wrecking crew as a linebacker. He also rushed for 1,544 yards and 25 touchdowns as a sophomore before setting the career mark at 2,920 yards and 44 touchdowns. He finished with 12 varsity letters and broke six school track and field records before playing football at Western Michigan where he was an All-American linebacker. He also played basketball and was one of the leading scorers in the OK Red.Shelby LacyClass of 2011The fastest breaststroker in area history, Shelby Lacy claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 100-yard breaststroke, a feat no one has matched at Division 1. She also was part of West Ottawa’s state champion 200 medley relay. She went on to swim at Michigan State where she broke the school record in the 100 breaststroke.Raegan LantzClass of 2024Lantz was on the Miss Volleyball watch list and was named Sentinel Player of the Year twice. She went on to play at Miami (Ohio) at the NCAA Division I level where she starts and is an outspoken advocate for diabetes awareness. Was also a strong hurdler on the track team.Stephanie LebsterClass of 2022Was a national champion club gymnast before heading to Michigan State where she led the Spartans to back-to-back Big Ten titles and the program’s first trip to nationals.Cortney Lokker NaberClass of 2004Making her home on the court, Cortney Lokker was a two-time all-state volleyball player for the Panthers, amassing several school records along the way, becoming one of the top players in school history. She also was a strong basketball player, earning three varsity letters and Holland Sentinel Dream Team honors in both sports. Played volleyball at Grand Valley State and led the Lakers to the 2005 NCAA championship.Derek MaasClass of 2019In one of the biggest performances in the pool, Derek Maas claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 200 IM and 100 butterfly, plus was part of two winning relays as West Ottawa won the team state title in 2019, capping a spectacular career. Maas went on to swim at Alabama and was the SEC champion in the 100 breaststroke as a junior and an NCAA All-American after qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. He transferred to NYU and won a Division III breaststroke national title.Kevin MaasClass of 2022Following in the footsteps of his older siblings, Kevin Maas claimed back-to-back Division 1 state championships in the 50 freestyle and led the Panthers to a winning 200 freestyle relay during his fast career with the Panthers. He also was a junior national qualifier and earned a scholarship to swim at the University of Michigan. Kyle Maas Class of 2016Overshadowed by teammates and one of the best swimmers in the history of the state, Kyle Maas proved to hang with the best as a four-time individual state runner up in Division 1. He was a junior national and national qualifier before heading to Alabama. He qualified for the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials in 2016 and 2020. Mike McClureClass of 2009Making his noise on the mat, Mike McClure was one of the top wrestlers in the history of the state. As a senior, he went undefeated (55-0) at heavyweight on his way to the Division 1 state championship and national runner-up finish. He was a multiple all-state athlete and went on to wrestle at Michigan State, where he earned All-American honors. Also played football for the Panthers.Adam MenaClass of 2008One of the few athletes of the series still active as a professional, Adam Mena was one of the top soccer players in the history of West Michigan. He earned all-state honors on the pitch, playing all over the field, before moving on to play soccer at Notre Dame, then on the professional level for nearly a decade.Sarah MorawClass of 2022After winning the national championship in vault at the club high school level, Moraw went on to Minnesota where she became a Big Ten champion on the balance beam.Desmond MorganClass of 2011One of the top defenders in the state, Desmond Morgan was a dynamite linebacker and an all-state performer in Division 1. He also was the leading rusher for the Panthers on the offensive side of the ball and played hockey and lacrosse at West Ottawa before heading to the University of Michigan where he was a four-year starter at linebacker for the Wolverines.Spencer NadolskyClass of 2002One of the top wrestlers in area history, Spencer Nadolsky was a state champion and multiple state finalist on the wrestling mats to earn multiple all-state honors. He was also all-state honorable mention in football before going on to wrestle at Michigan State and then North Carolina.David NykerkClass of 2004One of the top arms in local history, David Nykerk was an all-state pitcher who led the Panthers to their first state championship in baseball. He was the Sentinel Player of the Year and earned a scholarship to pitch at the University of Michigan.Arianne OlsonClass of 2023The elite distance runner claimed multiple state titles and state runner-up finishes during her career and was all-state in both track and cross country, leading the Panthers to a state cross country title. She now runs at Notre Dame.Gabby ReynoldsClass of 2024The top girls basketball player in the history of the area, Reynolds was named Miss Basketball of Michigan as a senior. She led the Panthers to a regional championship and became the area’s all-time leading scorer. She starts at George Washington.Helen SachsClass of 2025Overcoming an eating disorder that brought her career to a halt, Sachs battled back and claimed the Division 1 state championship in the 3,200 meters as a senior. She was a state runner-up multiple times in track and won the D1 cross country state title as a sophomore, leading the Panthers to the team title. She will run at Notre Dame next year.Mackenzie StephensClass of 2011A powerful force at the net, Mackenzie Stephens was one of the top middle hitters in area history. As a senior, she was a Miss Volleyball of Michigan finalist on her way to breaking school records for kills and blocks. Landed an NCAA Division I scholarship at Marist University where she was a captain and all-conference performer. Natalie StittClass of 2006Doing her best work on the boards, Natalie Stitt was the Division 1 state champion in diving as a junior. She was all-state three times and was a multiple regional champion. She also earned all-state honors in the pole vault before heading to Notre Dame where she became one of the top divers in school history, as an NCAA qualifier and school record holder.Liz SundburgClass of 2006The all-state middle hitter was the Sentinel Co-Player of the Year as a senior before earning an NCAA Division I scholarship to play at the University of Toledo, where she was a starter at middle hitter.Cooper TerpstraClass of 2023One of the top offensive linemen in area football history, Terpstra was a first-team all-state selection as a senior and went on to play at Michigan State.Ryan VerhelstClass of 2013The all-state defensive back was one of the top defensive players in Holland-area history. He went on to play cornerback at Saginaw Valley State and was an All-GLIAC selection. Was also a standout baseball and basketball player at West Ottawa.Dani VanderZwaagClass of 2014Continuing the success of the West Ottawa diving program, Dani VanderZwaag was one of the tops in school history, claiming the Division 1 state championship in 2013 to help the Panthers win their first ever girls state title in swimming and diving in one of the biggest upsets in state swimming history. VanderZwaag went on to dive at the University of Michigan and was one of the top platform divers in the Big Ten.Jake Van TubbergenClass of 2017A first-team all-state basketball player in Division 1, Jake Van Tubbergen was arguably the best basketball player in school history. He led the Panthers to a resurgence and a regional final berth, where they lost a heartbreaker his senior season. He went on to play at Grand Valley State and was an NCAA Division II All-American and one of the all-time leading scorers and rebounders in GVSU history.Tyler Van TubbergenClass of 2009One of the top quarterbacks in area history, he led the Panthers to multiple playoff appearances and went on to become an NCAA Division I starting quarterback at Western Michigan.CJ Van WierenClass of 2003A multi-sport master, CJ Van Wieren was an elite all-around athlete. On the football field, he was an all-state quarterback that set eight school records. He also earned all-state honors in basketball, playing at Ferris State in both sports, still the second-leading rusher by a quarterback in school history. Van Wieren also earned all-state baseball honors as a senior, making him one of the rare three-sport all-state athletes in Holland area history.Xavier WadeClass of 2018One of the fastest and most explosive athletes in West Ottawa history, Wade was all-state in multiple sports. He led the football team to the best finish in school history as an all-state wide receiver. He also was all-state in basketball, helping the Panthers reach the state title game, also the school’s best finish. He went on to play football at Ferris State, helping the Bulldogs with the NCAA Division II championship this year.Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’Addona@hollandsentinel.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as  Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.   

This gallery, curated by AP photo editors, features photo highlights from the semifinals of the Club World Cup soccer competition in the United States. The tournament ends Sunday with a final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

Wednesday is United Way Day on Oldies 1013 and this week Executive Director Jason Duren was joined by Larry Murray of the Fire and Emergency Services Department who talked about the recently completed Fire Academy.

Before Murray was introduced, Morning Show host Greg Horne told Duren that the severe flooding in Texas is a severe tragedy and asked Duren if there is anything the United Way can do to try and help.

Horne then asked Duren if someone is in need of a fan and is not part of Meals on Wheels can they just call the United Way?

Horne then turned to Murray and said there was a lot going on with the fire department and Murray responded this way.

Wooster High alum and cyclist Greg LeMond, the only American to win the Tour de France three times, received a Congressional Gold Medal on Wednesday.

It’s the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow on par with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Congress approved the medal in 2020, but the pandemic forced a delay in awarding it.

“It is the highest honor that we can bestow in this institution,” Republican U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said. “It honors citizens whose contributions have shaped our country, enriched our history and lifted the spirits of the American people. And much like the American Dream itself, this honor is not reserved for any one person and profession, it can be earned and won by anyone who’s deserving.”

The 64-year-old LeMond is also the first American to win the cycling event.

“After winning my first race, I became passionately obsessed with cycling. And as an American, I believed that if I worked hard enough, anything was possible. So I set my dream of becoming the best cyclist in the world and that meant moving to Europe at the age of 19. I brought an American attitude to the world of cycling. I was open to new ideas, bringing innovation and technology to a very traditional sport and that was a huge competitive advantage.”

Lance Armstrong previously held the record for most Tour de France wins at seven, but later was stripped of those wins in 2012 due to a violation of doping rules – leaving LeMond as the only American to have won the tour.

LeMond was born in California but grew up near Reno attending Wooster High School. At age 18, he became the youngest cyclist in the history of the sport to be selected for the U.S. men’s Olympic team. Greg first competed in the Tour de France in 1984. 

He won in 1986, 1989 and 1990.

In 1987, while recovering from a broken wrist and collarbone, LeMond was shot during a turkey hunting accident, leaving him in intensive care and requiring the removal of over 40 shotgun pellets from his abdomen.

“The honor is more than I ever expected, and I accept it with deep gratitude and also with a profound sense of humility,” LeMond said. “Today isn’t just about reflecting on my own journey. It’s about honoring the people, places and the moments that shaped it.”

The Tour de France is more than 2,000 miles long and takes about three weeks to complete.

“I’m thrilled that Nevada’s own Greg LeMond – an icon to cycling fans worldwide – has been recognized for not only his contributions to the sport, but to his community,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). “Exemplifying both Nevadans’ independence and a devotion to community, he has contributed his time and effort to so many important causes, from childhood sports to victims of sexual assault to those suffering from childhood illnesses. Greg is the model for what the Congressional Gold Medal should stand for.”

A Look Back at LeMond’s Roots in Our Area

As Greg LeMond is honored on the national stage, we here at 2 News Nevada were reminded of his deep local ties. Former KTVN Chief Photographer Jon Gay, who captured much of LeMond’s early racing days in the 1980s, recently reached out to remind us of a special archive: a 1986 video compilation produced by our team showcasing Greg’s rise in the sport.

The footage includes rare clips of LeMond training and competing in Northern Nevada – a powerful reminder of his beginnings right here in our community.

Take a moment to look back at this piece of local sports history and see how far one Wooster High grad has come.