The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator girls wrestling’s Addison Yacko

Capturing 227 of 422 votes cast, The Times Athlete of the Week is Streator girls wrestler Addison Yacko.

Yacko – who won on a ballot that also featured runner-up Leah Norris (Somonauk-Leland girls basketball), Raiden Terry (Seneca boys wrestling) and Dylan Long (Newark boys basketball) – put in an impressive performance at the inaugural girls edition of the Princeton Invitational Tournament (PIT), going 4-0 with four pinfall victories to capture the championship at 110 pounds.

Weekly ballots go online Mondays, with voting going through midday Wednesday.

Here is a Q&A with this week’s winner:

Do you have any nicknames?

Yacko: Everyone calls me Addi, but my sister calls me Clark since that’s my middle name.

How old were you when you started wrestling, and what got you into the sport?

Yacko: I started wrestling when I was around 6 years old. My dad did wrestling in high school and convinced my older sister to join when she was younger. I always looked up to my sister, and I loved watching her wrestle, so she was definitely a big inspiration to me. My dad also encouraged me to join the sport, and he’s the reason I’m still doing it today. My family have always been my biggest supporters and the reason I don’t give up!

What do you enjoy about it?

Yacko: My coach and teammates make sure to push me to try my hardest, so I’m very grateful for them even if it’s hard sometimes. I enjoy wrestling because it helps me stay healthy and in shape, the people you meet and the thrill you get before a match, but most of all the self-discipline you get from the sport.

You’re off to a strong start this season. What’s been working for you?

Yacko: I think working hard in the offseason and pushing myself to try harder.

What goals do you have for yourself as the season continues?

Yacko: I hope to keep getting better and make sure I do the best I possibly can.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Yacko: I love to learn about science, and I think it’s very fun to do the experiments.

If you could see any musical artist in concert anywhere in the world tomorrow night, all expenses paid, who would you choose?

Yacko: It would have to be SZA, because I love all of her songs.

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Yacko: The best Christmas present I’ve ever received would have to be my dog, Remi.

What’s one present you really hope to find under the tree this Christmas?

Yacko: I also would really like to get another dog this Christmas.

You and the team just scored a big victory and are going out to dinner to celebrate. Where are you going, and what are you ordering?

Yacko: If I had to pick somewhere for my team to eat after a tournament, I would definitely pick Texas Roadhouse and order steak, mashed potatoes and of course the rolls.

Do you have any college plans? Do they involve sports?

Yacko: I’m not 100% sure what I want to do, but I really love animals, so maybe something to do with that. And maybe if I get the chance I would definitely love to do wrestling in college too.