As the 2016-2017 school year kicks off, the Kadet sports realm is off to a flying start. Boy’s Soccer, Boy’s Tennis, Boy’s Golf, Softball, Cross Country, Volleyball, and Football have already tremendously started their seasons, sparking a buzz that surrounds Kadet sports. The excitement is rising as each team plunges deeper into their respective seasons.

Boy’s Soccer, led by Coach Espen Hosein, has kicked off their season with success, flying by some of the hardest competition the state has to offer. The annual Air Academy soccer tournament began on Friday, August 18. Due to intense training and hard work, the Kadets breezed past TCA and Evergreen, last year’s state champions and close runner up. The boys have an outstanding record of six wins and one loss. Starting Varsity midfielder Ryan Self says, “It’s been exciting so far, and we could very easily have a losing record at this point with all of the fierce competition we have faced. We have a high work rate, and that is the key to our success.” The soccer team is looking to have a strong playoff run this upcoming November.

Whizzing around the court, smashing serves, and landing their shots, the Kadet Tennis boys have a reason to be excited for their season. Head Coach Matthew Kiser has his team working hard and making improvements that will strengthen their game. This season has started with a solid record of three wins, three losses, and one first place finish in their matches. Connor Campbell, varsity star, talks about where he sees his team going this season, “Me and my teammates are very excited about the ending to this season, and we are hoping to make a deep run. State finals are definitely in the back of everyone’s mind.” Other players, including Carter Rodny, are exciting new stars of the future, hoping to carry on the Kadet Tennis tradition in years to come.

Though they’ve already played their 18 holes, the Air Academy Boy’s Golf team had a very successful year this year with help from players like A.J. Murphy, and other putting buddies. A.J. Murphy was asked about how he and his teammates were able to show so much composure and calmness on the greens this year, “Its all in the short game. Driving is a very important part of golfing, but a solid putting game is what gives me and my teammates an edge in any situation we are in.” With the help of coaches like Ronald Gorr, the Boy’s Golf team was destined for success this season.

Scoring runs left and right, our Girl’s Softball team is rounding third and sprinting towards the glory at home plate. With an overall record of 9 and 4, the girls have given themselves a strong chance at a playoff spot, and are aspiring to go all the way. Long time coach Chris Hernez has brought out the talent that the team has shown this season through hard work and dedication. Cassidy Horn, pitcher and outfielder, spoke about the team chemistry that serves as the backbone for the girl’s success: “Everyone on the team loves each other, and is willing to work for the good of the entire team. Without this team bond, our success this season wouldn’t have been possible.”

Air Academy’s Cross Country team is running circles around their opponents this season. Each member of the team possess the individual will to better themselves as runners, and to benefit and strengthen the team as a whole. Dillon Powell, up-and-coming sophomore star runner, gave a few words regarding the discipline that cross country requires, “Although the coaches give us a hefty workout regiment in practice every day, to become an elite runner in the competitive sport of cross country, it is crucial for each individual to have the will to better themselves outside of the school realm.” Just as fast and strong, the girl’s side is headed by veterans like Lilliana Hamilton and Maria Mettler, and young talents including Tatum Miller. Just as in the years past, this year’s Air Academy Cross Country teams look to make a run at a state championship title.

Bumping, setting, and spiking like they know how, volleyball at Air Academy is thriving, with many factors contributing to the success. Coached by Shelley Small, the relatively young squad has started the season with 5 wins and 5 losses as they have worked through the kinks of being dealt a very new team. Returning player Paige Petty responds when asked about her thoughts on what this team has to offer, “I believe this team can make a strong run in the playoffs.  We are beginning to find our groove, and the team chemistry will only continue to grow as the season progresses.” With promising words like these, one can only be excited for what is to come this season regarding volleyball at Air Academy.

Last but surely not least, the football team at Air Academy High has shown promising signs and very bright spots in what has been a solid start to another football season. Now lead by coach Scott Grinde, the Kadets spent long and hard hours refining and bettering their game this summer, being put on display plainly in their games at the start of this season. Starting tight end and middle linebacker Troyer Morse says, “The team has a much fuller feeling this season, and it seems as though this will lead to more success as the season continues.” Although starting with 1 win and 2 losses, the Kadets have shown moments of excellence in all competitions that give us hope for a successful year.

As you can see, the Kadet sports world is buzzing this fall semester, and each team could use the support of as many loving fans as possible. Cheer on and watch as our Kadets make history this fall sports season!