Girls Athlete of the Week: Hayleigh Palotti

Name: Hayleigh Palotti

School/class: Livonia/sophomore.

Sport: Cross country.

Family: Parents, Kristy and Michael; brothers, Andrew, 6, and Nathan, 4.

Academics: 96 average.

Last week: In her first season running cross country, the former soccer midfielder finished third in the state in Class C. Her time of 19 minutes, 13.27 seconds on Saturday was the fastest among Section V's runners and qualified her for this Saturday's Federation meet.

About me: Dethroned Wayland-Cohocton’s Megan Curtin, the three-time defending champion, a few weeks ago at the Section V Class C meet in Victor ... A two-time All-Greater Rochester pick in track, she won sectionals last spring in the 1,500 and 800 meters. Was second at states in the 800 and fifth in the 1,500 ... This fall she also won the Victor Invitational and was fourth in the seeded race at the McQuaid Invitational ... Started running in seventh grade (modified track) ... Taking two languages in school: French and Spanish ... Enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading, hanging out with friends. "Running is definitely something I do want to do in college," she says ... Palotti also wants to maybe pursue a career in counseling. She likes talking to be people and listening.

Boys Athlete of the Week: Dahmir Pross