Athletes of the Week for October 24, 2021

Congratulations to Jackson Davies ’22 and Yoonwoo “Dustin” Cho ’24 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.

Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week 

Jackson Davies ’22 - Varsity Mountain Biking 

In the span of seven days Jackson won a race against Cardigan’s rival Eaglebrook School, placed third in a Northern New England High School Mountain Bike (NNEHSMTB) series race at Holderness School, and was second in a recent enduro event at Vermont Academy. He was instrumental in building positive energy with his teammates, and he even designed Monday’s practice!

Sub-Varsity Student-Athlete of the Week

Yoonwoo “Dustin” Cho ’24 - Fourths Soccer

Dustin Cho is the heart and soul of the Fourths Soccer Team defense. A humble servant leader as captain of the team, he never looks for recognition, but courageously and tenaciously defends the goal against any attack. In our games this week, Dustin was often the key to stopping a man-down attack or a corner kick play. His hustle is second to none and his encouragement for his teammates was recognized on Saturday as something that pumped everyone up, made them feel better about themselves, and made them want to work harder. Dustin is someone who always puts his team first and never gives up, even to the final minutes and seconds of a game. We are so proud of him for the way in which he has represented Cardigan!

Other Varsity Nominations 

Preston Merrick ’22 - Varsity Football 

Preston continues to improve every day and was a major contributor on our defense this week. He had numerous solo, touchdown-saving tackles but also recorded an interception on the goaline to prevent Belmont from scoring. He not only was the one making the tackles but he was also the first person to pick up his opponents after knocking them down. He is living by Coach Marrion’s words of, "Knock them down and give them a hand up." Great work, Preston! 

Gustavo Struck ’22 - Varsity Soccer 

While the Cougars struggled to find victories this week, Gus stood out for his leadership and enthusiastic play as a center back in both of our matches. He played nearly every minute of both 80-minute games, giving his all for our team. He is a tireless defender who takes direction from the coaches and applies it on the field. He has an intuitive sense and a strong knowledge of the game that enables him to anticipate the flow of play and often step into passing lanes, disrupting the flow of the opposition. He is becoming a strong header of the ball and uses both his left and right foot effectively to pass the ball forward to our midfield and forwards. He is sound positionally and rarely is caught out when the opposition attacks our goal. He has an excellent work ethic and enthusiastically leads the team in both practice and gameplay. 

Liam Burke ’23 - Varsity Cross Country 

Liam is unstoppable! He performed in our top five against Eaglebrook School on October 9, setting a personal record and helping the team secure a victory. Then four days later, he took almost a minute off his 5K time at Proctor Academy! Fueled by Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and homemade brownies, he is a force to be reckoned with. He finished this week dressed as an inflatable dinosaur at our Funsie Onesie Runsie. He was the life of the party. He scuttled around the start and finish while his tiny T-Rex arms handed out high fives. Keep up the enthusiasm, Liam; we love the energy!

Other Sub-Varsity Nominations 

Jeonghun “Jason” Shin ’24 - Thirds Soccer 

Jason has been our most dangerous forward this season. In our mid-week match against Woodstock, he scored four goals, bringing his total to seven this fall. He has really hit his stride in the past few days, working hard on the pitch to impact the game. Jason puts pressure on the defense and creates chances with his speed and tenacity. 

Patricio Cantu Villarreal ’22 - Thirds Mountain Biking 

Patricio comes to practice ready to ride every day. As coaches, we can always trust him on the course due to his skills as a rider and his great attitude. He consistently shows each week that he is a talented rider with a ton of potential.

Quinn Urnezis ’23 - Fourths Mountain Biking 

Quinn has come to practice the last couple of weeks with a great attitude and has been ready to work hard. He has shown his desire to improve as a rider, and his work ethic has backed this up. This week, Quinn crushed our time trial and was one of the top finishers.

Conor LeRoy ’23 - JV Soccer 

Conor LeRoy has quietly become one of the strongest and most consistent defenders on a team that has recorded four shutouts in six games. As a wing defender, he has mastered the art of not getting beat. Opponents simply do not get by him. Once he has broken up an attack, he often starts the counterattack with a well-placed ball up the wing. If that is not enough, he stepped up to midfield at the end of our last game against Kimball Union Academy and finished one of our best build-ups with a one-tie shot into the back of the net for his first goal of the season. He doesn’t say much, but his teammates know they can count on him.

Sifei “Joe” Jia ’22 - JV Cross Country 

Ever since the beginning of the fall season, the coaches have known there was something that propelled Joe ever northward with his burgeoning running career, and this past week was certainly no exception. He took to the Canaan Street Lanes with great gusto and lifted the spirits of his teammates on a daily basis; he is most gentlemanly in his interactions with everyone. His diligence and character know no bounds, and doubtless he will continue to impress in the waning weeks of the season.

Semin “Jayden” Oh ’23 - Sailing 

This week’s nomination goes to someone who has emerged as a quiet, but dependable and helpful member of our team. He is always asking “What can I do next?” and looks to make sure everything is done before leaving at the end of practice. He is also a part of the boating club, which has taught those who are interested how to drive the powerboats. He has consistently set up the gas and made sure that our safety equipment was present at the start of practice. Most notably, he has improved his craft as the crew in his pairing, listening to our feedback and working hard to be the best he can be. 

Joe DeCillo ’23 - Rock Climbing

Joe has had a great week of practice. He climbed well at Rumney on Wednesday and was a positive, encouraging teammate. He ran fast at the Funsie Onesie Runsie with the Cross-Country Team and finished the week off well with a good session in the Cougar Cave on Saturday. Well done, Joe!