Being Kadets, we hold ourselves to higher expectations and standards than any other school. We consider ourselves a large “family” that no one can come in between. In saying, one can never be more honored than when one of their friends, classmates, or family members comes home with a state championship title. On Saturday, February 22^nd, 2014, Justin Petrash wrestled for the 285lb State title. With three grueling rounds, the two wrestlers faced off, one representing Air Academy and the other representing Broomfield. Petrash, earning a first place state ranking throughout the season, was not just confident he could bring the title home – he was determined. “I started practicing as hard as I possibly could last year when I beat the number one kid in state. Since that moment, I practiced and spent over twelve and a half hours a week working out, determined to bring home the state title for myself, my family, friends, and school,” states Petrash. Justins’s “straight edge” attitude and personality has played a huge role in his success throughout the years. All of the hard work and determination paid off when Petrash earned the chance to wrestle in the state tournament in mid February. In the first round, he crushed his opponent with a first round pin, as well as in the quarterfinals. When he was facing off in the semifinal round, he worked his way through all three rounds and came out with a 1-0 victory over his opponent. Then, on the 22^nd of February, Petrash was standing on the mat in the final round of the State Championship series, taking in the moment he had always dreamt of. “Standing on the mat, in front of hundreds of people, with their eye’s just on you is an overwhelming, but a prideful moment to be a part of,” states Petrash. Broomfield’s Austyn Harris was Petrash’s opponent on that fateful day. They met each other in the middle of the mat, shook hands, and wrestled in the most important match of their high school careers. After three intense rounds, there was clearly one champion. Justin Petrash had won 5-0 against Harris, winning the State Championship. Words cannot describe the feelings that Petrash was feeling on that momentous day. Returning to school on Monday morning, Petrash was greeted with the respect and excitement that every State Champion deserves. Being a Kadet is a matter of pride, and Justin Petrash is a prime example of all the great Kadets who have come through Air Academy. Times like this are the unforgettable moments that bring our Kadet family even closer than ever before. Great job Justin.

“Hard work beats talent when talent hardly works.” ~ Justin Petrash