Who Will Be the Next Star Athlete?

The New Year kicks off with a fresh round of the Watertown Public Opinion-Aberdeen News Athlete of the Week Poll, covering the period from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4. This time, ten athletes from northeastern South Dakota are in the spotlight, showcasing their skills in boys and girls basketball, wrestling, and gymnastics. Voting is open until midnight on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to cast their votes for their favorite athletes. Last week, Malia Kranz from Watertown took home the title of 2025 Watertown Public Opinion-Aberdeen News Athlete of the Year, setting the bar high for this week's contenders. The preseason player of the year honors have already been awarded to some standout athletes. Olivia Anderson from Watertown Girls Wrestling, Blake Thompson from Mobridge-Pollock Girls Basketball, and Westyn Thorpe from Leola-Frederick Area Boys Basketball have all been recognized for their exceptional performances.For those who want to stay updated on the latest sports news, they can follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or send an email to rmerriam@thepublicopinion. com. The Athlete of the Week poll is not just about recognizing individual achievements but also about celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and competition. It's a chance for fans to show their support for their favorite athletes and to acknowledge the hard work and dedication that goes into every game and match. As the voting period comes to a close, the anticipation builds for who will be crowned the next Athlete of the Week. Will it be a familiar face or a new contender? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the competition is fierce, and the athletes are ready to give it their all.