More than 12,000 votes were cast last week to make Loyola's Michelle Ricolcol our Patch Athlete of the Week.

The nominees for Patch Athlete of the Week, Dec. 19- Dec. 25:

Lenny Bloom, senior, wrestling, Deerfield – Bloom remained undefeated on the season with three more victories in Deerfield’s recent quad meet against Huntley, Johnsburg and Lake Zurich. The 145-pound senior is looking to get back to the state championships in his final season.

Jack Conner, senior, wrestling, New Trier – Conner won the 152 (lb.) title in the 27-team Hinsdale Central tournament. Conner went into the tournament as the No. 3 seed, but had three pins and a decision on his way to the title. It’s the first ever individual title for a New Trier wrestler in the tournament’s history.

Emily Varua, freshman, girls gymnastics, Evanston – Varua won the all-around competition at Maine East’s four-team Beach Meet on Dec. 22. Only a freshman, Varua scored 33.35 between the four events and captured first place in the uneven bars with a score of 8.3. Her best individual score came in the floor exercise with an 8.85.

Erica Sogo, junior, basketball forward, Glenbrook North – Sogo was in the starting lineup for the first two times all season in the St. Viator Snowflake Classic and helped the Spartans to wins in both games. Sogo had nine points in a 62-44 win over Fenton and Glenbrook North finished pool play at 3-0.

Hannah Merens, senior, girls hockey, New Trier – Merens was honored as 1-World Sports Volunteer of the Year award in December for her work with a Chicago girl who aspired to play hockey. Merens is the captain of the New Trier hockey team.

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We need pictures!

If you have a picture of a nominee, please email them to georges@patch.com or rjacobson2010@gmail.com.

Like to Nominate An Athlete For Next Week? Email nominations to Sports Reporter Ross Jacobson (rjacobson2010@gmail.com). Nominations must be received by noon on Sunday for consideration. E-mails must include a picture of the athlete and detailed information (links to other media coverage are welcome) on why he or she is a deserving candidate for the weekly award.