Athletes of Week for October 29, 2009

Michael Gilliam

Football, Osan American

International School of Brussels

Last week: Played a significant role on both sides of the ball as the Cougars took a two-touchdown lead, then held off a late rally to edge Daegu American 28-26 on Saturday at Cougars Field.
The victory evened the best-of-three series to determine the host of the Class A championship. Game 3 is at 6 p.m. Friday at Camp Walker’s Kelly Field. The Class A title game is on Nov. 7 against Zama American of Japan.
Gilliam, a senior, rushed for 122 yards, including two touchdowns, the second of which proved to be the game-winner in the third quarter. On defense, he was moved from line to linebacker to replace an injured player and had 10 tackles and four assists.
At 6 feet and 240 pounds, Gilliam “stands out on the football field,” coach Mike Miano said. “He has been and continues to be a dominant force. His combination of size and speed have allowed him to play six positions for me this season.”

Gabby Falco

Volleyball, Kubasaki

Vicenza

Last week: Proved the key difference-maker at the net and the service line as the Dragons rallied from a two-set deficit to beat Kadena 23-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-13, 17-15 on Thursday at the Dragons’ Den.
The Dragons clinched the Okinawa Activities Council best-of-five season series title; the series had been tied 2-2, with Kadena having won the last match in straight sets the previous week.
Falco, a senior, racked up 23 spike kills and seven stuff blocks at the net. Employing a jump serve as she has all season, Falco recorded five service aces.
“She is always staying after practice for a little extra technical work on her volleyball skills,” coach Mike Hogen said. “Most importantly she worked very hard this last week to create chemistry on the court with all six of the players and make them play confidently.”

Selected by Stars and Stripes staff