SBART Athletes of the Week: James Hale and Kristen Berlo



Kristen Berlo

San Marcos’ Kristen Berlo

James Hale

Santa Barbara High’s James Hale

Santa Barbara High’s James Hale and San Marcos’ Kristen Berlo were named Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Athletes of the Week at Monday’s press luncheon.

Hale stepped into his first start of the season in the Dons’ biggest game of the year and the junior backup quarterback had a better game than anyone should have predicted.

Hale completed 14 of 19 passes for 223 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Dons to a 24-17 victory at Dos Pueblos and the Channel League title.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Dons head coach Doug Caines. “A very impressive performance by him.”

Hale even drew praise from Dos Pueblos head coach Nate Mendoza.

“I got a lot of respect for tough players and he’s a tough one,” Mendoza said.

The Female Athlete of the Week also led her team to a Channel League title. Berlo was key in bringing home San Marcos’ first Channel League championship in girls volleyball since 2002. Berlo recorded a team-high 13 kills on 18 attempts in the Royals’ title-clinching victory over Buena last week.

Honorable mentions include Cecilia Instebo, SBCC Cross Country; Madison Hale-Megan Grant, Santa Barbara High Tennis; Tugce Canitez, Westmont Basketball; Emilio Gonzalez, Santa Barbara High Football; Jarred Evans, SBCC Football; Justin Brosnan, Bishop Diego Football.