By Mal Boright

Observer correspondent

Two Champlain Valley Union High athletes are in the running for the Vermont Athlete-of-the-Month for October, the sponsoring Vermont Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association has announced.

Mike Clayton, the top scorer for the CVU boys soccer team, and Zach Pete, Vermont cross country titleholder, are among seven vying for the honor.

Clayton, who led the state champion Redhawks with 21 goals, fired in at least three game-winning tallies in October, including a penalty kick in a tense 1-0 Division 1 quarterfinal victory over Mount Mansfield Union.

Earlier, the CVU junior had notched winning goals in a 1-0 victory over defending champion Burlington High and a vital 2-1 triumph over Essex High, which earlier had handed the Redhawks their only loss of the season.

Pete captured three cross country events in the month, including the Vermont boys crown at Thetford. Pete won by a shoulder in a time of 17 minutes, 44 seconds over the 5-kilometer course. He became the top boys qualifier for the New England competition.

Pete’s earlier victories were at Middlebury and Mount Mansfield Union. It was the senior’s second season at the varsity level.

Other nominees are Castleton State College running back Tyler Carpenter, Middlebury College quarterback Brad McKillop, Norwich University quarterback Kris Sabourin, Mount Mansfield Union halfback Ian Shaw and Essex High wide receiver and place kicker Pat Nee.

The winner will be a nominee for Athlete of the Year and be honored at the annual VSSA luncheon this summer.