Our male Athlete of the Month is Sophomore wrestler Jason Hanenberg. Jason is in his third year wrestling for the Kadets and competed in the 120 pound weight class this year. Last year Jason was the fourth place finisher in the 106 pound weight class with an overall record of 42-3, and he continued to dominate throughout the season this year. Jason worked his way to a 38-6 overall record this season. Included in those wins are two tournament wins. Jason finished first in the Centennial Tournament, as well as the Lincoln Tournament. On top of the two tournament wins, Jason was also the 4A Region 4 Champion, which was good enough to qualify him for the state tournament. In the state tournament, Jason won every match en route to the finals, where he faced undefeated freshman Andrew Alirez. Jason came up just short, losing the match by a score of 12-5 and placing as the 4A 120 pound state runner up, undoubtedly an impressive feat for a sophomore. As Jason prepares for next season, he is still not sure what weight class he will wrestle in, but there is no doubt that Jason will be successful no matter where he competes. “I’ve gained a lot of experience in the state tournament the last two years,” said Jason, “I improved on my fourth place finish last year, and hopefully I’ll be able to win next year.”

Our female Athlete of the Month is Junior basketball player Katelin Gallegos. Katelin has been a key player for the Kadets all season and has stepped up her game even more as playoffs approached. Throughout the year, Katelin helped the Lady Kadets to a 13-10 overall record, with an impressive 9-5 in league play. Katelin is at or near the top of several statistical categories on the team; she leads the team in rebounds with 6.1 per game, is tied for first with two steals per game, second in points with 10.8 per game, and second in assists with two per game. On top of all this, Katelin is one of just four players who have played in all 21 games this year. In the last regular season game of the year, a 48-47 win over Cheyenne Mountain, Katelin had one of her best games, with 20 points, 9 rebounds (7 offensive), and 3 steals. The Lady Kadets, unfortunately, had their season come to an end on the 26th, as they came up just short against Durango, losing 46-53.  “This season was great,” said Katelin, “we don’t have any players graduating and I’m really looking forward to next season.”