Athletes of the Week for December 5, 2021

Congratulations to Ho Seok “Ryan” Ham ’22 and Hudson Deck ’22 for receiving Cardigan’s Student-Athlete of the Week Award. Read what their coaches have to say about them below, and meet all the students who were nominated. Learn more about Athletics at Cardigan Mountain School.

Varsity Student Athlete of the Week 

Ho Seok “Ryan” Ham ’22 - Varsity Alpine Skiing

Ryan is an incredible captain; he works hard, leads by example, and absolutely rips on his skis. Though the season is young, he has worked nonstop to bring the team together. Anything he can do to improve, you will see him doing. He takes the coaches’ feedback and uses it to lift his game like any good athlete should. Keeping up the good work, Ryan will be smoking fast this winter!

Sub-Varsity Student Athlete of the Week 

Hudson Deck ’22 - JV Basketball

Hudson has led the team quietly by example. His work ethic and energy during practices are unmatched, and his leadership is greatly appreciated by both his teammates and coaches. In our first game, he dominated on both the defensive and offensive glass, amassing double-digit rebounds and also creating second-chance opportunities for his team. He also showed great courage by taking a charge and sacrificing for his teammates. I hope Hudson continues to lead with his work ethic and his energy. 

Other Varsity Nominations 

Jackson Davies ’22 - Varsity Hockey

Jackson was an offensive force for the Cougars during their three-game stretch against Westminster, Salisbury, and Berkshire. In addition to contributing a handful of points, Jackson’s leadership and consistent effort helped carry our team through the weekend during a tough run of games.

Zoumana Ouattara ’22 - Varsity Basketball

Zoumana has been nominated for Student-Athlete of the Week because of the improvement he has shown since the basketball season started in November. He has taken on the role of running the team and has done a tremendous job. He has been a coachable athlete, a great leader, and a hard worker this past week. I’m excited to see his growth throughout the course of the season. 

Beau McArthur ’22 - Varsity Wrestling 

While the winter season has only just begun, the wrestling team is off and running. As our first Student-Athlete of the Week, Beau has practiced sportsmanship, tenacity, and drive in all of his pursuits during the last several practices. He assiduously prepares himself for upcoming matches, and applies the same zeal to each practice, as evidenced by his formidable, yet gracious, approach to all who have wrestled with him on our team. Often, Beau will stay after practice to further hone his craft and never finishes until a job is completely done. He demonstrates great enthusiasm for the sport, and his coaches appreciate his coachability, all while looking to help him chart a bright future in the sport this season. 

Patrick Kim ’23 - Varsity Nordic Skiing

Patrick has had a great week of skiing. He has worked diligently on his skills and regained comfort on his skis. He has been on time, positive, and enthusiastic. He has also taken lots of time to help our new skiers who have never been on skis before, helping them to prepare their equipment, clip into their bindings, and store their gear properly. Well done, Patrick!

Other Sub-Varsity Nominations

Zeyu “Engel” Zhang ’22 - Thirds Basketball

From day one of the season, Engel has stepped up as a leader on the Thirds Basketball Team. His effort during the tryouts was outstanding, and he has continued to demonstrate a great work ethic as we are now a few weeks into the season. This last week, in particular, he did an incredible job when implementing the team’s first offensive play. Despite making some mistakes at first, he took the coach’s advice, adjusted, and was able to successfully run the play in a scrimmage multiple times. 

Hyun Jun “Jason” Ko ’23 - Thirds Hockey

You might see Jason around campus wearing his glove and blocker, as his resolve to improve his hockey skills is not limited to Turner Arena. Then when it is time for practice, he comes ready to work and become a better player. His hard work and determination does not go unnoticed by his teammates, who consistently remark and cheer on his progress. Jason loves the sport and will most certainly make tremendous progress this year. 

Toshishiro “Toshi” Moriyama ’23 - Reserve Basketball

Toshi always gives 100% effort during practice, and encourages others to improve. His election to team captain was well deserved. 

Finnegan “Finn” Donelan ’24 - Reserve Hockey

Finn has taken on the challenging position of goalie for the reserve squad this year, which has elevated both the level of play and the morale of the team. Though the switch has been tough, he has been working incredibly hard and persistently to learn the fundamentals of protecting the net. His work ethic and attitude have set a wonderful example for his teammates. 

John Murphy ’22 - JV Hockey

John has been an outstanding athlete in all aspects of hockey since the start of the season. He has played exceptionally well in both our games this year, leading his team offensively, as well as in the many things he does well away from the puck. He is a great role model for his teammates, and we are lucky to have him on the JV Hockey Team.