Athletes of the Week for February 22, 2026

Congratulations to Leighton Loomis ’27 and Sampson Wu ’26 for earning Cardigan’s Student-Athlete of the Week Awards. Read what their coaches have to say about them below, and meet all the students who were nominated.

Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week 

Leighton Loomis ’27 - Varsity Basketball

Leighton stepped up big time during the Suffield Tournament, making play after play when it mattered most. He then closed out the season against Rectory with a career-high 28 points, knocking down 8 three-pointers in a dominant offensive performance. His leadership, voice, and composure were on full display throughout the tournament. He controlled the moment, lifted his teammates, and delivered in championship fashion. Ultimately, he earned MVP honors for the championship game, capping off an outstanding performance and a memorable finish to the season.

Sub-Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Sampson Wu ’26 - JV Basketball

Sampson has been a strong player and competitor for the team all season, but he really stepped up in our final two games of the season, recognizing the difference he could have on both ends of the court. He did a great job making the other team uncomfortable and forcing turnovers while also scoring consistently on offense. 

Other Varsity Nominations 

Austin Zheng ’27 - Wrestling

Austin has been dedicated to improvement throughout the year. He consistently arrives early and has been an outstanding training partner, especially in recent weeks. He continues to make progress and compete in a challenging weight class. Additionally, Austin has emerged as a leader on our team and a formidable competitor.

William Zhu ’26 - Nordic Skiing

William had a terrific final week of the winter season. He gives full effort every day and is always encouraging his teammates. His technique and speed have improved this season due to his consistency and determination. Well done, William!

Henry Price ’27 - Varsity Hockey

Henry has been outstanding between the pipes this season. He has played a key role in several big wins, coming up with timely and impressive saves when we’ve needed them most. He brings a level of intensity and focus that puts his teammates at ease, an essential quality in a goaltender. This past week against Cushing, he helped us earn a 3–3 overtime by making several crucial saves during their third-period surge and in OT. He finished the game, stopping 29 of 32 shots, delivering another strong performance under pressure.

Rey Hu ’29 - Snowboarding

Rey has shown tremendous growth this season and, in our final week, displayed phenomenal courage and grit. He was an instrumental part of the team during our last competition and really put himself out there against an intimidating field of high-school athletes. Rey is a different rider from the beginning of the season, and we can’t wait to see how his slopestyle progression continues.

Other Sub-Varsity Nominations

Caeden Downey ’26 - JV Hockey

Caeden had an unreal week of hockey. He was battling hard in practice, played an unreal game on Wednesday, and was one of the best players in the Pavek Cup tournament. He was nominated by the other coaches to the all-tournament team of five players. He’s a great teammate, a great competitor, and a wonderful young man to coach.

Richard Kim ’28 - Reserve Basketball

Richard is quiet on court, but a hard worker who never backs down from a challenge.  He is supremely coachable and an excellent team player.

Baxter Hunt ’28 - Reserve Hockey 

Baxter is in his second season on our team and has shown wonderful improvement as a player and a teammate. He often finds ways to add to the team that are not noticed––a quiet conversation in the locker room, or a little high five on a big play. To crown his second season, he scored the final goal of the season for the team in a great 5-3 victory. The goal was a memorable unassisted snipe after an interception. Brilliant effort and well-deserved!

Emmett Rand ’26 - Thirds Hockey 

Emmett’s hard work and leadership were outstanding in our last game and victory over the Vermont Flames. 

Ford Collins ’28 - Thirds Basketball

Ford had an excellent showing in our last game against Claremont. His aggressive offense and defense helped lead the way to our victory. Great work, Ford! 
 

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Athletics Program at Cardigan

Known as the Cougars, Cardigan athletic teams foster sportsmanship, teamwork, and School pride. We support multiple teams in 17 sports to meet the interests and develop the skills of all Cardigan student-athletes. Every boy has the opportunity to play, learn, and have fun.

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