Air Academy High School’s Fall athletic teams take on their seasons with full force. The Kadet teams are already generating excellent results in the league play. With successful starts to their seasons, each program continues to prepare for the potential, state runs ahead.

Boys’ Soccer continues to dominate the opposition as the team remains undefeated. After finishing second in State and losing six seniors last year, five of which were starters, this year’s team is surpassing all odds with their impressive results. Leading goal scorer Austin Dewing says, “Hard work and creating chemistry” will be crucial for the continuing success of the team. The hardest upcoming game in the regular season for the Kadets will be against district rival and returning State champions, Cheyenne Mountain.

Another incredibly noteworthy Kadet program is Girls’ Volleyball. Last season, the girls finished second in the State playoffs and knocked out the returning five year State champions, Cheyenne Mountain. The girls are off to an amazing start this season. Senior captain, Jordan Pingel says, “This team has to focus on our defense because we are one of the smallest teams out there, but we also need to put one hundred percent effort out every time we step on the court and always remember to have fun.” As the team progresses through the season, Pingel adds, “Lewis Palmer will be our hardest match-up for sure.” The team lost last year to the LP Rangers in the state final game, so they are looking for a favoring result this time around and continuing through the State tournament.

The boys’ Tennis program maintains their well-respected status as one of the best programs in Colorado with their victorious results and standings. With impressive results by both singles and doubles players, the tennis team is looking to make a few state runs this year. Senior Blaine Wuertz says, “To ready myself for State, I do lots of off-season lessons with my coach and prepare myself mentally.” The team, as a whole, continues their intense practices to earn positive results against their biggest competition, Cheyenne Mountain and Kent Denver. The Kadets placed fourth in state as a team with individuals Keenan Kaltenbacher, Stefen Orton-Urbina, and the doubles team of Ryan Henley and Tanner Lundwahl. Way to go Kadets!

The Cross Country team is yet another strong program here at Air Academy. With both girls’ and boys’ recent regional championships under their belt, the team is well disciplined and dedicated to achieving success. The Girls’ Cross Country team so far has finished as the first 4A team at the St. Vrain Invitational, the New Balance Invitational, and the Cougar Invitational. Current junior and leader of the girls’ team, Katie Rainsberger, says, “The team this year is really motivated, so we’ve been doing a lot more intense workouts to train [for state].” The team is already performing very well, so best of luck to the Kadets on the road to success!

Boys’ Golf’s recent State qualifiers include seniors Blake Becco and Cody Steigerwald. After a successful season, Cody finished 37th in the state and fourth in the city, while Blake was able to finish 35th in the state tournament. Cody’s accomplishments for the season include a league tournament win and defeating this year’s State champion at a previous tournament. The team worked hard to achieve their impressive results, continuing to make their Kadet peers proud!

The Girls’ Softball program finished league play with a winning season and won  the regional tournament against Mountain View. The team’s hard work has paid off as the girls remarkably qualified for the state tournament for the first time in twelve years. With a thirteenth seed, the girls face Wheat Ridge on October  18th at 10:00 a.m. in Aurora. Come out and support the team this weekend and all of their accomplishments!

Come out and cheer on your various Air Academy fall sports teams as they beat out their competition and sail through the State playoffs! Remember to follow the Kadet Athletics twitter page to recieve updates at: @AAHSAthletics and show school pride with your support for our tremendous athletes. Go Kadets!