Readers Vote Local Athletes of the Week
David Ihediwa and Elizabeth Bitnerowska secure top honors after recent standout athletic performances.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Track & Field
Live Poll
Should local athlete of the week honors be decided by fan voting instead of expert evaluation?
Reporter-Telegram readers have selected David Ihediwa and Elizabeth Bitnerowska as the latest Athletes of the Week. The winners were chosen via online fan voting following recent standout performances in football and swimming.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights top local talent after standout defensive football play and dominant pool finishes. These awards reflect community support for high school athletes excelling at the regional level.
Ihediwa recorded 13 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two interceptions, while Bitnerowska won the 200-yard individual medley and 100 breaststroke. YWLA secured the invitational with 749.50 points compared to Arlington Martin's 623 points.
The players
David Ihediwa
He is a junior linebacker at Midland Lee who recorded 71 points in the defensive coaching staff grading system.
Elizabeth Bitnerowska
She is a senior at the Young Women's Leadership Academy who competes for the school's swim team.
The details
Midland Lee linebacker David Ihediwa earned his recognition after a strong defensive showing during a 32-27 game against San Angelo Central. Meanwhile, Young Women's Leadership Academy senior Elizabeth Bitnerowska topped the podium at the Midland Invitational in her two swimming events.
Timeline
Voting for Athlete of the Week occurred from Oct. 12-17.
Midland Lee faced San Angelo Central on Oct. 16.
The Midland Invitational swim and dive meet took place Oct. 16-17.
Bitnerowska plans a state title defense in Spring 2027.
Season Trajectory
These honors serve as benchmarks for athletes aiming to extend their success into upcoming postseason competitions. The performances position both individuals as key contributors for their respective programs as they eye the 2026 UIL Class 4A state title defense.
Ihediwa's defensive output in the game against San Angelo Central earned him a 71-point score from coaching staff. Bitnerowska's times of 2:16.82 in the individual medley and 1:12.18 in the breaststroke set the standard for the YWLA team win.
The takeaway
Fan-voted awards provide a snapshot of which high school athletes are currently driving team success in the Midland area. Readers can continue to follow these athletes as they transition from invitational play toward state championships.
What happens next
Elizabeth Bitnerowska and the Game Changers are scheduled to defend their UIL Class 4A state title in the spring of 2027.
Further reading
Follow the latest performances in regional sports on the Track & Field section.
More information
View the current standings and vote in upcoming polls on the Reporter-Telegram athlete voting page.
Live Poll
Should local athlete of the week honors be decided by fan voting instead of expert evaluation?
