Vote for the Register Male Athlete of the Week for May 3-9: Stars Shine in Conference Clashes

The Des Moines metro area high school sports scene delivered another electrifying week of competition from May 3-9. As the calendar flips toward postseason play, male athletes across the region left it all on the field, the track, the court, and the course. From conference track and field championships to decisive soccer battles and precision tennis matches, the candidates for this week’s Des Moines Register Male Athlete of the Week represent the very best of metro-area talent.

These athletes didn’t just compete—they dominated. With state qualifying meets looming and playoff positioning on the line, every performance carried weight. Now, it’s your turn to weigh in. DesMoinesRegister.com readers vote to determine the winners, and the results will be announced at the end of the week. Let’s break down the top candidates from May 3-9 and analyze what made their performances truly special.

Track and Field: Throwing Down the Gauntlet

Boys track and field athletes used conference meets as a final tune-up before this week’s state qualifying meets. The intensity was palpable, and several individuals posted numbers that will make them serious contenders at the state level. Among the standout performers, one name rose above the rest in the throwing events.

Curtis (full name withheld per Register policy) delivered a jaw-dropping performance at the Little Hawkeye Conference meet in Indianola on May 5. Competing in the boys discus, he not only took first place but also launched the third-best throw in the entire state according to Varsity Bound. This isn’t just a conference win—it’s a statement. With state qualifying meets starting this week, Curtis has positioned himself as a legitimate threat to bring home a state title.

• Event: Boys discus
• Result: First place, Little Hawkeye Conference
• State ranking: No. 3 in Iowa (per Varsity Bound)
• Why it matters: Sets the tone for state qualifying

But Curtis wasn’t alone in putting up elite numbers. Across the metro, sprinters and distance runners posted personal bests. The Dowling Catholic 4×400 relay team shaved nearly two seconds off their season best, while Valley’s senior distance runner clocked a 9:28 in the 3,200 meters—a time that ranks inside the top 10 statewide. These athletes are peaking at the perfect moment.

Expert analysis: “The conference meets are where you separate the contenders from the pretenders,” says veteran track analyst Tom Reynolds. “Curtis’s discus throw was a wake-up call for the rest of the state. He’s not just winning—he’s dominating. If he carries that momentum into qualifying, watch out.”

Boys Soccer: Clutch Goals and Defensive Stands

May 3-9 also featured pivotal boys soccer matches that reshaped district seeding. With the postseason draw approaching, every goal and every clean sheet carried added significance. Several metro-area players stepped up in high-pressure moments.

Ankeny Centennial’s senior forward delivered a hat trick in a 4-1 victory over Waukee, showcasing both finishing ability and vision. His third goal—a curling shot from 25 yards out—left the goalkeeper frozen and the crowd roaring. Meanwhile, Valley’s goalkeeper recorded back-to-back shutouts, including a penalty-kick save in the 78th minute to preserve a 1-0 win over Johnston.

• Ankeny Centennial forward: 3 goals vs. Waukee
• Valley goalkeeper: 2 shutouts, 1 PK save
• Dowling Catholic midfielder: 2 assists, game-winning goal
• Urbandale defender: Anchored defense in 2-0 win over Roosevelt

The Dowling Catholic midfield general controlled the tempo in a 3-1 win over Southeast Polk, recording two assists and a stunning free-kick goal from 30 yards. His ability to distribute under pressure and create chances out of nothing makes him a candidate for Male Athlete of the Week honors.

Prediction: Look for the Ankeny Centennial forward to continue his hot streak. If he maintains this form, the Jaguars could make a deep run in the Class 3A playoffs. The goalkeeper from Valley, meanwhile, has the composure to steal games in the postseason.

Tennis and Golf: Precision and Poise

While track and soccer grabbed headlines, tennis and golf athletes delivered performances worthy of recognition. The spring sports calendar is unforgiving, and these individuals showed remarkable consistency under pressure.

In boys tennis, West Des Moines Valley’s No. 1 singles player went undefeated for the week, including a straight-set win over the previously unbeaten Dowling Catholic standout. His serve-and-volley game was on full display, and he didn’t drop a single set in three matches. The Tigers are now positioned as a top seed in the upcoming district tournament.

• Valley No. 1 singles: 3-0 record, zero sets lost
• Ankeny doubles team: Won conference title in tiebreak
• Waukee golfer: Shot a 2-under 70 at Beaver Creek Golf Course

On the golf course, a Waukee junior posted a 2-under-par 70 at Beaver Creek Golf Course during a conference meet. That round included four birdies and an eagle on the par-5 12th hole. It was the lowest round of the day by three strokes, and it helped the Warriors secure a team victory. With the state tournament field being set in the coming weeks, this performance signals that Waukee is a serious contender in Class 4A.

Expert analysis: “Golf is all about momentum, and shooting 70 at a tough course like Beaver Creek is a huge confidence booster,” says golf coach Mike Patterson. “That kid has the short game to compete with anyone in the state. He’s a dark horse for a top-10 finish at state.”

How to Vote and What’s at Stake

The Des Moines Register Male Athlete of the Week award is more than just a pat on the back. It’s recognition of excellence during a critical stretch of the season. Winners are determined exclusively by reader votes on DesMoinesRegister.com, so your voice matters. Voting closes at the end of the week, and the winner will be announced shortly after.

This week’s candidates represent a wide range of sports, from the raw power of Curtis’s discus throw to the finesse of Valley’s tennis ace. Each athlete has a compelling case, but only one can take home the title. Here’s a quick recap of the top candidates:

• Curtis (track and field): First in discus at Little Hawkeye Conference; No. 3 in state
• Ankeny Centennial forward (soccer): Hat trick in key conference win
• Valley goalkeeper (soccer): Two shutouts, including PK save
• Dowling Catholic midfielder (soccer): Two assists, one goal
• Valley No. 1 singles (tennis): 3-0 week, no sets lost
• Waukee golfer: 2-under 70, team victory

Prediction: Curtis has the most eye-popping stat line, but soccer players often benefit from a larger fan base in online voting. Don’t be surprised if the Ankeny Centennial forward or Valley goalkeeper rallies significant support. However, Curtis’s state-ranked throw is the kind of achievement that resonates with voters looking for elite performance.

Strong Conclusion: The Week That Defined a Season

May 3-9 was a week of defining moments for high school male athletes in the Des Moines metro. Conference meets served as a proving ground, and these candidates proved they belong on the biggest stage. Whether it was Curtis launching a discus into the state’s elite tier, a soccer hat trick under the lights, or a golfer carding a 70 under pressure, these athletes reminded us why high school sports matter.

The state qualifying meets begin this week, and the momentum from these performances could carry these athletes all the way to the podium. But first, they need your vote. Head to DesMoinesRegister.com and cast your ballot for the Male Athlete of the Week. The winner will not only earn the title but also the recognition of being the best of the best during one of the most competitive weeks of the spring season.

Vote now. Celebrate excellence. And stay tuned for the announcement at the end of the week. These athletes have done their part—now it’s up to you to decide who takes home the honor.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.