Golfers have been golfing since the end of July, while girls tennis players have been playing since Aug. 7, and soccer opened its season statewide with Futbol Friday Night Aug. 14.
Volleyball gets underway this week starting Aug. 17, and the first regular season Friday night football games will be Aug. 21. Cross country starts running officially during the week of Aug. 24.
To recognize what's started, here are the first polls of the 2026-27 sports calendar. Fans are asked to pick their favorite boys and girls nominees for the Marion Star's athlete of the week polls.
The polls will be found at MarionStar.com and its app in this story. Readers may vote as often as allowed until the polls close at 8 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24.
Here are the nominees and polls:
Marion Star Boys Athlete of the Week for Aug. 17
River Valley golfer Asher Gates was the medalist with an even-par 72 at the Weiss Invitational in Ashland.
North Union golfer Ethan Monroe shot a 78 at Colonial Golfers Club in a tournament with Allen East.
Pleasant soccer player Rodric Gomez scored two goals and had two assists in a win over Clyde.
High school football scoedules: Who's playing who in 2026 and when? Area HS football schedules in full
Marion Harding coach Trent Ramsey: Ramsey shares a love for teaching as this week's Aces of Trade
Marion Star Girls Athlete of the Week for Aug. 17
River Valley soccer player Sarina Strother scored a pair of goals in a win over Marion Harding.
Marion Harding tennis player Kaelyn Bonsel started her season at 3-0 in third singles.
North Union golfer Delaney Workman shot a 49 in a win over Graham.
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This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Inaugural Marion Star athlete of the week polls for 2026-27, vote now