Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week: Kentlake

Published 1:30 am Monday, November 24, 2025

The Kent Reporter Athletes of the Week for Nov. 21 are from lake High School; Erick Kelley (Sr.) wrestling and Mesgana Petros (Fr.) volleyball.

What do you value in your sport or about your team?

Kelley: I value that wrestling brings us together not just as a team but as a family.

Petros: I value the friendships that I’ve made from this team.

What have you learned from your sport that you can take with you throughout your life/future?

Kelley: I learned mental toughness and the ability to push my limits.

Petros: I think one thing I have learned is that it’s really helpful to encourage each other.

What do you do when you aren’t motivated and what helps you stay motivated?

Kelley: If I am not motivated, I often think back to the feeling of wrestling in the Tacoma Dome.

Petros: I talk to my teammates and they give me advice and help me get through it.

Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?

Kelley: After weigh-ins I have a frozen PB&J uncrustable.

Petros: No

What advice would you give to a teammate that is struggling?

Kelley: When a teammate is struggling I tell them about early years full of loss that lead me to where I am.

Petros: Talk to your teammates and your coach about what you need.

From the sidelines

Kelley: Erick has made steady improvements every year and he has been in the program and has grown into a leader on the team. He does all the right things. He’s a great student, teammate and an incredible big brother. Getting to see so many sides of Erick has been an incredible honor. He is a walking definition of grit, overcoming birth complications that affected his early childhood to win 30 matches as a junior and be a state qualifier. He kept pushing over the summer and fall, we can’t wait to see what does this winter.

Petros: Mesgana led Kentlake’s offensive attack on the outside during the regular season. Mesgana will was voted NPSL 2nd team as an outside hitter. Mesgana will go into postseason leading the team with 210 kills. Mesgana brings great talent to both Kentlake’s program and the NPSL. Petros will be a top player to watch in the NPSL.