Readers Named Argus Leader Athletes of the Week

Anthony Patron and Ember Semmler secured the top honors following recent community voting.

Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Track & Field

Readers Named Argus Leader Athletes of the Week

Live Poll

Do you feel local high school sports programs strengthen the community in your area?

Sioux Falls readers have selected Anthony Patron and Ember Semmler as the Argus Leader Athletes of the Week. The two athletes earned their titles after a week of intense competition and fan voting.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights outstanding local performances and underscores the role of community engagement in celebrating area high school sports. These awards provide a platform for fans to acknowledge the significant efforts of student-athletes in their region.

Anthony Patron secured 41.4% of the boys' vote, while Ember Semmler earned 56.5% of the girls' vote. The tally reflects fan participation based on performances occurring from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3.

The players

Anthony Patron

He is a high school athlete recognized for his defensive and offensive contributions on the football field.

Ember Semmler

She is a student-athlete from Harrisburg recognized for her defensive consistency on the volleyball court.

The details

Anthony Patron tallied two sacks for 15 yards, seven total tackles, and a 1-yard rushing touchdown. Meanwhile, Harrisburg student-athlete Ember Semmler recorded 20 digs against Brandon Valley and 14 digs against Huron.

Nomination period for honors occurred from Sept. 28 to Oct. 3.
Ember Semmler recorded 14 digs in a match against Huron on Oct. 1.
Ember Semmler recorded 20 digs in a match against Brandon Valley on Oct. 3.

Season Trajectory

This recognition follows the established precedent of the Argus Leader Athlete of the Week reader poll. It highlights how fan engagement continues to track local athletic performance throughout the current high school sports season.

Patron contributed seven total tackles and a touchdown in his recent appearance, impacting his team's defensive and goal-line efficiency. Semmler maintained a high defensive output with a combined 34 digs across two matches, demonstrating significant court coverage.

The takeaway

Fan-voted awards serve as a vital connection between local communities and their high school sports programs. Residents can influence future honors by monitoring and participating in the weekly nomination and voting periods.