October 2026 Elite Athletes of the Month
Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com
In conjunction with WBHF and Bartow Sports Zone, Elite Stone Supply presents and celebrates the ELITE ATHLETES OF THE MONTH. Each month, local high schools select an Elite Athlete of the Month from their varsity programs and share information about their honoree through Bartow Sports Zone and on 100.3 FM and AM 1450, WBHF in Cartersville.
Jake Barszcz is the October 2026 Elite Athlete of the Month representing Adairsville High School. A senior linebacker on the Tigers' football team who has contributed in all three phases during the 2026 campaign.
Through nine games, he has 64 tackles (47 solo), eight tackles for loss (including six sacks), two quarterback hurries, two interceptions, and one fumble recovery.
On offense, he has 64 yards rushing on nine carries and one pass reception for 31 yards.
"Jake has impacted our games on defense with his play and special teams with his blocking and tackling," said Tigers' head football coach Jon Cudd. "He has had multiple tackles for loss and a pick-six this month, plus several tackles and key blocks on special teams."
He is the son of Joel and Morgan Barszcz.
Clayton McArdle is Woodland High School's Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2026.
A senior and three-sport athlete who plays football and basketball and competes in track & field, he is the son of Beth and Scott McArdle.
He plays wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner for the Wildcats' football team. He is a guard on the basketball team and a sprinter and jumper for the track & field squad.
McArdle, who carries a 3.5 GPA, leads the Wildcats in receptions and return yards this season.
"Clayton has become one of our better leaders," Woodland head football coach Andy Scott noted. "Along with being an outstanding player for us on both offense and defense, he also excels in special teams. There is not much he cannot do on the football field."
He plans to attend college and either play football or basketball.
Mckenzie Wilkie is the Cartersville High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2026.
The daughter of Scott and Keisha Wilkie, Mckenzie has been a four-year starter and libero on the Lady Canes’ volleyball team. She holds the school’s career record for aces and digs, and helped Cartersville earn three consecutive Final Four appearances and one state runner-up finish.
Wilkie is a three-time AVCA All-State selection and was named to the All-Region team in all four of her seasons. She added an AVCA Best and Brightest selection. She has committed to continue her education and volleyball career at Coastal Carolina University in Conway, South Carolina.
“Kenzie has been an incredibly important part of our program, and I feel truly fortunate to have had the opportunity to coach her since the 6th grade,” said Cartersville coach Kyle Lundberg. “Watching her grow over the years through her hard work, perseverance, and dedication has been one of the greatest blessings of my coaching career. While we will certainly miss having her in our program, I am even more proud of the young woman she has become. Her character, leadership, and the way she carries herself have left a lasting impact on those around her. As she begins her next chapter.”
Lundberg continued, “Kenzie has helped shape our program through the example she set every day. She has challenged me to be a better coach, and for that I am incredibly grateful. The bond built over these years goes far beyond volleyball. Kenzie, along with the other seniors on this team, has become like family to me. They are like my own daughters, and seeing them prepare for the next stage of life is both bittersweet and rewarding. I will miss coaching her, but I could not be more excited for what lies ahead. Kenzie has a bright future, and I have no doubt she will continue to make a positive impact wherever life takes her.”
The Cass High School Elite Athlete of the Month for October 2026 is Shyia Woods.
A sophomore shortstop and daughter of Ken and Jamie Woods, she was a key part of the Lady Colonels' success this season.
Woods finished the year with a .398 batting average while posting a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. During the Lady Colonels' playoff run to the Sweet Sixteen, she elevated her game even further, hitting .542.
"Beyond her statistics, Shyia is a fierce competitor and vocal leader who brings energy, toughness, and confidence to the field every day," said Cass coach Steve Spell. "Her leadership and competitive spirit make her an invaluable part of the Cass softball program."
Editor's Note: The respective schools and athletic departments supply Bartow Sports Zone and WBHF with photos and bios. Elite Stone Supply Co., LLC is the monthly sponsor. Athletes receive a plaque and recognition during a WBHF radio feature.
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