Cobb Schools’ Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of male and female student-athletes performing at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.
This week’s winners are from Osborne and Pope. Melanie Presnal wrestles for the Cardinals, and Gavin Huey swims for the Greyhounds.
Melanie Presnal, Wrestling, Osborne
As wrestling begins its traditional schedule where wrestlers get to compete for an individual state title, Melanie is coming on strong. She recently became the Cobb County Champion at 155 and won River Ridge's Queen of the Castle Tournament at 155. As a senior student-athlete, she is a leader on and off the mat. Melanie was a high performer in the POPP Protect the Dream program and is a Cardinal Athlete Leadership Council member.
"Melanie has such a positive impact on the Osborne culture; she is an authentic leader who treats others with respect," said Athletic Director Ron Boggs. "She even attended our 2025 HOF induction ceremony to meet and greet the attendees!"
"Melanie competes hard in everything she does. Kit Cummings [from POPP] consistently mentioned how impressed he was with Melanie’s leadership," concluded AD Boggs proudly about his school's Athlete of the Week.
Gavin Huey, Swimming, Pope
Similarly, swimming is heading into the final part of its season, and everyone has their eye on qualifying for the state meet at Georgia Tech in early February. Gavin recently won the region championship in the 100-yard Fly and the 500-yard Freestyle. He also helped his team take 2nd place in the 200 Medley Relay and 1st place in the 400 Free Relay. A great student in the classroom, Gavin will attend Georgia Tech in the fall to study Computer Engineering.
"He is the emotional leader for the boys and one of our team captains," said Head Coach Zachary Schreer. "He was our MVP last season and is leading the charge again this year. Gavin broke the 100-fly team record this year, so I cannot overstate how much he has contributed to the team. He’s always supportive of his teammates and keeps everybody loose and laughing. When it’s time to go, though, he has a quiet intensity that affects the rest of the team."
"Gavin is an exceptional student-athlete," agreed Pope AD Josh Mathews. "He brings a humble confidence as a student and in his athletic endeavors. Our boys' swim team is accomplishing bigger things this year because of his leadership. His example is being witnessed by his younger teammates, and his legacy of excellence will set the standard for future Greyhound teams."
Congratulations, Melanie and Gavin! Great job on the mat, in the pool, and the classroom! Well done supporting these exceptional student-athletes, Osborne and Pope!
