From the swimming pool to the wrestling mat to the basketball court, students at Air Academy High School are representing the Kadet community well. While each sport had its highs and lows, something can be said about the commitment, determination, and passion of AAHS athletes.

With young players full of potential, the hockey team went 4-15. Their season ended recently with a 4-3 win against Doherty High School. The team was coached by Andrew Marshall who led them to wins against Doherty and Palmer while playing in their league.

Wrestlers strived for victory throughout the entirety of their season. Coached by Nathan Hill, the team had various beneficial team members who helped the Kadets achieve two state wins. Jason Hanenberg placed 1st in state and became a state champ to end his senior wrestling season. Also, Brady Badwound placed 5th at the state competition. Kadets shined on the wrestling mat this season.

Girl swimmers and divers had an excellent season which also ended in state qualifications and placers. Coached by Scott Newell, a number of swimmers qualified for state throughout the season.

“The diving season was great this year, I was a new student at the beginning of the school year and swimming helped me connect with others who had the same passion and let me achieve my goals,” says Layne Andersen, varsity diver who traveled to state.

Along with Layne, Aleksandra Olesiak placed 2nd in the 100 breaststroke and 5th place in the 100 butterfly and Paris Binard placed 8th place in the 50 freestroke. As a team, the girls placed 6th in the 200 medley.

Boys basketball strived for excellence throughout their season. They had 10 wins and 14 losses, qualifying for state. They ended their season with a loss against Fort Morgan High School. Barry Clark was the head coach of the team.

Girls basketball have shown what they are made of this season. Their impressive 22-1 overall record led them to the playoffs and their 14-0 record in conference helped land them the 3rd overall seed in playoffs. They played against Palmer Ridge High School on Friday, February 23 and won. The second game of playoffs is on February 27. They are attempting to achieve the ultimate goal, a state championship, and their motivation on and off the court evidently shows this.

“We are going for gold. This season hasn’t been easy and it won’t get any easier but hard work pays off and we are seeing that. I only hope that in the end, win or lose, we constantly represent well and play our game. A state championship would be nice too,” Tatum Miller, sophomore on the Girl’s Varsity Basketball Team comments.

Throughout the winter season, success was in all aspects of sports for Air Academy. From state championships to impressive records, Kadets made all who they represent proud.