With frost-covered peaks, frigid-temperatures, hot chocolate, and heated blankets in use, Air Academy High School’s student-athletes take on the ice, court, the mat, and the pool. Winter sports are in full-swing for the Kadets. The teams include: boys’ hockey, girls’ basketball, boys’ basketball, wrestling, and girls’ swim and dive. With State just around the corner, each team continues to persevere and transcend in their league play while correspondingly train and prepare for State playoffs.

The Kadet hockey team took the ice this season with a strong and powerful mindset, producing results that haven’t occurred since a decade ago. Thus far, the team has excelled in league play with their current number one spot. According to senior captain Sam Thrutchley, “The whole intensity of the team is outstanding. Everyone has played with each other before so our chemistry is great, which can only help us.” With state playoffs quickly approaching, Thrutchley states, “I think right now our game is at its highest. Our coaching staff is amazing and works us hard every practice. If we keep our work ethic up we will have a positive end to the season.” The team’s current winning season potentially determines a favorable hosting spot for playoffs on which Thrutchley says, “We are very optimistic and ready to make an impact and take Air Academy into a deep run in playoffs.” As far as competition, Thrutchley doesn’t seem too concerned about other teams, saying, “Our biggest competition is ourselves. We’ve played many great, well rounded teams and we’ve come to find out that only we can beat ourselves.” Make sure to keep a close eye for the hockey team as they advance through the rest of the season and into playoffs. The intensity and passion these boys have certainly is enjoyable to watch and admirable with consideration of their positive results.

The Lady Kadet basketball team has faced adversity on the court with a positive outlook. With injuries playing a key factor in the consistency of the team’s chemistry, the girls still prove that hard work can defeat any obstacle. Four-year varsity member and senior captain Kassady Huffman says, “This team knows how to come together and play for one another, which definitely shows in our hustle.” Regarding the preparation for finishing the season strong and trying to earn a seed for state, Huffman says, “We are figuring out how to eliminate our mental mistakes that have been coming late in games. We’re starting to treat ever game like it’s a playoff game.” With that mindset, the girls are sure put their all out every time they step on the court. Best of luck to the Lady Kadets as they finish out their season.

The Boys’ Basketball team has had a successful season in the making. The team lost a total of eight seniors last year, but one could never tell by their results this season. Current senior, captain, and three-year starter, David Louthan, says, “This team is all about teamwork and determination. We’re definitely an athletic bunch as the majority of us play other sports throughout the year, but we always know how to come together at the right times.” With playoffs in the near future, Louthan says, “We need to work on smarter defense for sure, and as funny as it sounds we need to work on making every layup we can get. Ultimately, practice is going to be key for us, especially when we go up against tough teams like Sand Creek.” When asked how Louthan feels about playoffs this year, he responded, “I’m optimistic with this team, last year we made it to the sweet sixteen, which was a huge accomplishment, so we’re looking forward to making a farther run this time around.” Best of luck to the boys as they take on the rest of their league-play and prepare for playoffs.

The Boys’ Wrestling team has geared up this season with some major wins. The team had a successful season last year and a State Champion among the bunch, and continues to excel during the 2014-2015 season. Both Tyler (12th grade) and Jason (9th grade) Hanenberg took first place in the season-opener tournament for their weight classes. When the team traveled to Utah for a tournament, Jason took first place there. The team continued with regular season matches. At Metros, Jason was the first ever Air Academy High School student to take first place. Current Senior and captain, Ben Self, says, “The team this year is well conditioned and has a lot of strength in our techniques.” When asked how the team will prepare for the upcoming state playoffs, Self states, “Mastering moves is something we’ll focus on and also neutral position needs to be worked on more.” The potential outcomes of playoffs for the team are confident, as Self says, “We have a lot of talent on this team, there’s at least three guys who can definitely make a state run.” Good luck to the Boys’ Wrestling team during the rest of their season and state, make your fellow Kadets proud!

The Girls’ Swim and Dive program took on their season in full stride. After a successful season last year, including a relay record of 3:44.31 for the 400 relay, the team is ready to bring home some more accomplishments. The team has key swimmers like Sammy Steigerwald (a member of the relay team last year) who is a strong anchor for relays, Maddie Doerr, a freshman who excels at her distance freestyle events, and Kate Walker who has a strong backstroke that earned her a team record. Inside and outside of the pool, the team has strong chemistry. Senior captain Megan Dearden says, “We have a strong bond from past parties to cheering for each other at meets and it’s always easier to swim fast when you’re having fun and know your team is constantly supporting you!” Good luck to the girls both individually and together as they compete in the rest of their meets and qualify for state to finish out the season strong.

Come out and support all of your fellow Air Academy winter athletic programs. Each dedicated, passionate team puts in hard work at every practice and every game and deserves your attendance to cheer them on to success. Go Kadets!