Vote for Peoria Journal Star boys athlete of the week for April 6-11, presented by CEFCU

After plenty of solid sports performers over the last week, here are the Journal Star high school boys athlete of the week nominees for April 6-11, presented by CEFCU.

Head to www.pjstar.com/sports to vote. The poll closes at noon Friday. Information about the nominees is below.

If you have a nominee for the honor, email us at sports@pjstar.com or tag us on X @pjstarsports. Last week, Josiah Kniep of the Peoria Christian baseball team was named JS boys athlete of the week.

Truman Tyra, Dunlap baseball

The senior put together an all-around effort last week. In four wins, Tyra hit .583 (7-for-12) with two doubles, five RBIs, five runs and three stolen bases. His RBI double proved to be the go-ahead run in Dunlap's 3-1 win over Pekin on Wednesday, April 8. Tyra also made a relief appearance, stranding a pair of runners as the Eagles beat Normal West, 7-4 on Saturday, April 11. He came in with no outs and struck out the side as Dunlap won its 11th in a row.

Jarek Quinn, Richwoods baseball

The senior twirled a no-hitter last week. Quinn didn't allow a hit as Richwoods beat nonconference host Illinois Valley Central, 3-0, on Tuesday, April 7. He struck out 10 and walked two on 92 pitches, 55 of which were strikes. Quinn retired 13 in a row as well as the final seven batters he faced. His run support came in the form of one run in each of the second, sixth and seventh innings highlighted by Vince Hayes stealing home in the second.

Richwoods’ Jarek Quinn (23) stands at second base after doubling against Limestone during their high school baseball game Monday, March 23, 2026 at Richwoods High School. The Rockets prevailed 4-3.

Daniel Nathan, Richwoods tennis

The sophomore secured a pair of victories last week. In two matches at the Troy Triad Invite on Saturday, April 11, Nathan claimed wins in No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles. His singles victory came over Carbondale freshman Kai Manzano, 7-6, 6-1. Nathan then teamed with junior Sean McGary to beat Batavia doubles partners Kush Adhvaryu and Lucas Hubert, 6-3, 6-2. Richwoods lost both matchups, 3-2, but did secure four wins on the day.

Trae Brickner, Peoria Christian track & field

The senior clocked a personal-best in his best event last week. Brickner won the 300-meter hurdles in 38.49 seconds at the Chuck Danner Coed Invitational on Saturday, April 11. His time was 0.59 seconds faster than his Class 1A 300 hurdles state title win last May. The reigning Journal Star boys track athlete of the year also finished second in the 110-meter hurdles (14.73 seconds, personal best). Brickner was also sixth in the high jump (5 feet, 8.5 inches).

Jaiduan Cranford, Metamora track & field

The senior was a three-event winner on his own track last week. Cranford won the 100 (10.63 seconds) and 200-meter dashes (22.21 seconds) at the Chuck Danner Coed Invitational on Saturday, April 11. His two individual races came in personal-best times. The Northern Illinois football recruit was also a part of the winning 4x100-meter relay in 42.98 seconds with Kylan McMillen, Brayden Cox and Mason Perry. Metamora won the meet over Morton, 117-114.

Metamora’s Jaiduan Cranford sprints to victory in the 100-meter dash during the Mid-Illini Track and Field Championships on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at Memorial Stadium in Pekin.

Adam Duvall is a Journal Star sports reporter. Email him at aduvall@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @AdamDuvall.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Vote for Journal Star boys athlete of the week for April 6-11