BATTLE CREEK — The fans have spoken.
The winner of the latest Bronson Battle Creek/Enquirer Athlete of the Week fan poll is DJ Wood of the Harper Creek boys track team.
Fans got behind Wood to help him edge finalists Angelia Palma, Dayton Ennis and Gabe Walliczek. Wood received 69 percent of the vote by the 5 p.m. Wednesday deadline. Thanks to his fans, he is being featured in this Enquirer Athlete of the Week Sunday spotlight.
DJ Wood became the first Harper Creek athlete ever to win back-to-back state titles in track. The defending state champ in the 110-meter hurdles won that event again at the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 state track championships. Wood, a senior, finished first in the 110 hurdles with a time of 14.20.
“After I won I realized I just made history at our school,” Wood said. “This means a lot.
“I was nervous coming in, even after I won it last year. But near the end, I knew I had. It means a lot to defend the title. More than when I first won it.”
Added Harper Creek track coach Larry Quick: “He’s the first one to ever do it. Win back-to-back state titles. It’s special. He’s special…He’s been nursing an injury the last few weeks. We thought we could get him through the 300 today. He just ran out of gas in the end.
“Can’t say enough good things about him. It’s been a blessing to be his coach the last four years.”
The Battle Creek Enquirer Athlete of the Week is presented by Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. To submit a nominee for Athlete of the Week, email bcesports@battlecreekenquirer.com.
Bill Broderick can be reached at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter: @billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: DJ Wood of Harper Creek is Bronson Battle Creek Athlete of the Week
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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By Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer | USA TODAY Network
