Every year, Westminster Athletics bestows two awards to senior student-athletes.
The first award is the "Senior Athlete" award, given to one boy and one girl for excellence in athletics. Many criteria are considered when selecting the yearly winners, including but not limited to multi-sport participation, team success, and individual recognition throughout the St. Louis Metro area and the state. This year's winners are Allie Branstetter and Cal Leighton.
Allie Branstetter came to Westminster her sophomore year, and her impact was felt immediately. On the softball field, she was an instant contributor, helping lead the Wildcats to a 20–7 record and the program's first Final Four finish since 2011. She continued her dominance on the diamond her junior year, finishing with 39 hits, 45 RBIs, and a .582 batting average on her way to being named to the Post-Dispatch All-Metro Second Team.
Allie capped off her Westminster softball career on a high note during her senior season, setting many individual program records while leading the team to a 27–11 record and a third-place finish at the Class 4 State Tournament. After the season, she was named the All-Metro Batter of the Year and to the All-State First Team.
During her time at Westminster, she also spent two years in the lacrosse program, helping the team reach the Sweet Sixteen last year and earn the No. 7 seed in the state tournament this year advancing to play in the quarterfinals this Tuesday.
Allie will continue her softball career at Saint Louis University.
Cal Leighton was a rotational player for the varsity baseball program his sophomore year but thrust himself into the starting role behind the plate his junior year. Since then, he has helped the Wildcats to two consecutive 20+ win seasons. This season, he has accumulated 30 hits and 19 RBIs while holding a batting average of .366. The team is currently slated as the No. 2 seed in their district tournament.
In the fall, Cal was a member of the football program, where he saw considerable playing time on both sides of the ball starting his sophomore year. He played as a receiver and defensive back combo and also took snaps under center.
Cal experienced a surge in success going into his senior year when he spent all of his offensive snaps at receiver. The move proved to be a massive success, as he led the team with 646 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns. He was also an anchor for the Wildcat defense, accumulating 36 total tackles and 2 interceptions.
Cal will continue his baseball career at Bradley University.
The second award is the "Senior Ten Pillars" award. This award is given to one boy and one girl who exemplify the Westminster Athletic Ten Pillars while participating in athletics and interacting with the community. This year's winners are Brooke Brasfield and Peter Kats.
Brooke Brasfield was a three-sport athlete during her time at Westminster. She was a four-year member of the basketball and lacrosse programs. She added her third sport, cross country, during her senior year. In her own words, she "ran cross country to get in shape for basketball." This not only shows her dedication to her sport and willingness to learn, but also serves as yet another example of how Brooke exemplifies the Ten Pillars.
In season, she was a driving force on both the basketball and lacrosse teams. On the court, she delivered a masterclass in selfless defense and effort, serving as the glue that helped push the team to a District Championship. On the turf, her leadership propelled the team to the Sweet Sixteen last year and the No. 7 seed in this year's state tournament advancing to play in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.
Off the field, she excelled in the classroom. Brooke also devotes her time to serving at her church, where she is a small group leader.
In the fall, Brooke will attend Samford University to study Sports Medicine.
Peter Kats competed in three sports during his time as a Wildcat. He began playing football and basketball his freshman year, competing in four seasons on the gridiron and two on the court. Peter used the friendships he formed through football to encourage athletes to join the lacrosse program in the spring of his junior year, helping to revive the program after a year-long hiatus due to low numbers.
His impact on the football field was immense. On offense, he served as a blocker and receiver, hauling in 22 catches and 5 touchdowns his senior year. On defense, he was all over the field, accumulating 61 total tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery, and an interception from his position as an inside linebacker.
Off the field, Peter was as impressive in the classroom as he was on the field. He also devoted time to being a key member of the Student Council.
In the fall, he will attend the University of North Carolina to study Biology on a Pre-Med track.
Congratulations to this year's winners! Your lasting impact on Wildcat Athletics and the Westminster community will be felt for years to come!
