LebCo Male Athletes of the Week: Will Parker & Jon Shay (Week Ending February 11, 2024)

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Will Parker

On Friday, February 9th, Lebanon’s Will Parker won gold in the 50 yard Freestyle at the Lancaster Lebanon League Swim Championships. The senior returned to the pool on Saturday and won the 100 yard Breaststroke with a dominant winning performance that also set Wilson’s pool record. For his performance, he was voted as a LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

Parker’s time in the 50 Free was 21.29, which he swam ahead of his blazing fast 55.75 Breaststroke, a race he won by nearly five full seconds. These were not his first League medals, nor was it his first climb to the top of the podium. Last season, Parker finished Leagues with a gold 100 Breaststroke and a silver medal in the 50 Free, losing to teammate Carlos Hidalgo’s League record time of 20.67. In the Breaststroke, Parker went on to earn a 5th-place medal at the PIAA State Swim Meet, a finish he hopes to improve upon this season. His goal: State gold.

New L-L Meet and Wilson Pool Record Holder in the 50 Freestyle Carlos Hidalgo pic.twitter.com/WXfDYjO6On

— Rooty Cedars (@cedars_rooty) February 11, 2023

When it comes to a difference between last season and this season, Lebanon Coach Anthony Hain-Shipkowski said, “Will puts in the extra work to be where he is this season. Comparing this season to last, Will has already swam a faster time in both events from last year’s states and is looking to add more hardware to his already medal-laden shelf.”

While Parker is making things look easy, his hard work and dedication to the sport cannot be discounted. Over the years, he has logged so much time in the water that he is now able to hold his breath for over five minutes. Parker began his journey when he was about four years old, joining the Annville-Cleona Otters. Fast forward to Covid restrictions. Parker and his family had to take him to the York YMCA to continue working on his skills. The long commute back and forth each way has paid off.

Hain-Shipkowski also spoke to Parker’s character, saying, “I have known Will since he joined the Otters Swim Team. He has always been a great athlete and competitor. His mindset is great, as he is always cheering on his teammates and friends.”

While most people might not realize that Lebanon High School even fields a team, it is definitely not a joke. There are four current members, who each train independently before coming together as Cedars. The hard work is paying off, and they are representing their school with pride; in addition to Parker’s individual wins, he was able to celebrate with his teammates as they each medaled at this year’s League Championship. Freshman Jomar Hidalgo earned silver and bronze, while junior Carla Hidalgo and senior Alexis Binkley each earned 8th-place medals.

Parker recently committed to continuing his swim career at Saint Bonaventure. He will be Lebanon’s second swimmer to go Division I, following Carlos Hidalgo, who is currently a freshman at Saint Bonaventure. Parker is not sure of a major but wants to find a career with which he can “be satisfied with the quality of life.”

We wish Parker all the best in finding success in reaching all of his goals. We will be on the edge of our seats as he competes at Districts and States over the next few weeks, especially recognizing how driven he is to reach the top of the podium.

Jonathon Shay

Annville-Cleona won two of its last three games to qualify for the 3A District 3 Championship Tournament. Jonathon Shay came up huge in those games for the Dutchmen, averaging 17.7 points per game while shooting 56% from the field. He was also made a bid to have his name pictured next to “hustle” in the dictionary, as the junior gave an all-out effort and led Annville’s defense as they defeated Tulpehocken and Susquenita. For his efforts in the final week of the regular season, Shay was selected by the LebCoSports.com voters as a LebCo Male Athlete of the Week.

The Dutchmen finished the regular season with ten wins, picking up enough points in the Power Rankings to nab the last available spot for Districts. The performance by Shay during the Week of February 5th was not uncommon. Through twenty-two games, Shay has averaged 15.6 points per game to serve as Annville’s second-leading scorer behind Elisha Slabach. He has also added 6.1 rebounds per game. His effort has been vital to the success of the Dutchmen.

Coach Jason Coletti said of Shay’s contributions, “Jon is one of our most consistent players. He always plays hard, and we can count on him to produce.”

Regarding Shay’s leadership, Coletti said, “Jon continues to be a great leader for us. Jon leads by example through his hustle and hard work.”

Shay knows his role as a team player. After his first two years, where the Dutchmen struggled, Shay told LebCoSports.com that he felt the off-season work was paying off. He hopes it transfers to his team qualifying for the PIAA State Championship Tournament, which will require finishing in the top three at Districts.

Shay’s hustle is not limited to the hardwood. During the Football season, Shay is a physical defensive end who has helped to anchor Annville’s defense. On the offensive side of the ball, he has done whatever is needed for the team to move the ball, serving as a tight end, running back, or blocker for his teammates. While he is not hitting people on the basketball court, the same mentality and athleticism he exhibits on the gridiron continue to shine through the winter months.

When his high school playing days are over, Shay would like to follow in his father’s footsteps in playing collegiate football. He is still determining exactly what he would like to major in at this point but sees himself someday working within a field relative to law and/or government.

The future can wait for now, as Shay and his Dutchmen are set to play Delone Catholic on Tuesday night. With the goal being a State Playoff appearance, Annville must win two games in Districts. We wish them luck in accomplishing their goal.

Photos provided by Annville-Cleona Basketball

Female Athlete of the Week: Riley Hatzfeld

For a full list of this week’s nominees, check out: Athlete of the Week Voting: January 29 – February 4

Previous Winners

Micah Gray (Week of 12/4) 

Elisha Slabach (Week of 12/4) 

Aaron Seidel (Week of 12/11) – Won gold at District 3 Sectionals.

Ashton Kriss (Week of 12/18) 

Daryan Rodriguez (Week of 12/18) 

Riley Clinger (Week of 1/2) 

Ben Stohler (Week of 1/8)

Leo Tirado (Week of 1/8) – Helped Cedar Crest win the LL League Championship over Warwick.

Tanner Feagley (Week of 1/15) – Finished 3rd at District 3 Sectionals.

Dallas George (Week of 1/15)  

Sam Wolford (Week of 1/22) – Won gold at District 3 Sectionals.

RJ Young (Week of 1/29) – Helped Cedar Crest win the LL League Championship over Warwick.