Congrats to our Burghardt Sporting Goods Athletes of the Month for September 2024, Reese Thao (Girls Tennis) and Griffin Lemberger (Boys Volleyball). These two wonderful student athletes set a good example for others and exhibit the greatest all around attributes of our Core Values: Relationships, Communication, Growth, Love & Biblical Truth and our #PillarsofAthletics: Faith, Excellence, Commitment and Character. #AOTM

Head Girls Tennis Coach, Paul Kolmorgen said, "Reese has grown this season in her relationships with her teammates, to the point where she has been elected as one of our captains. She is very determined and disciplined in her work ethic to become the best tennis player that she can be. She works hard to maintain a positive and competitive approach to her matches, and she is always willing to learn and listen to coaching. She is kind toward her opponents and shows God’s love towards them.Reese has grown this season in her relationships with her teammates, to the point where she has been elected as one of our captains. She is very determined and disciplined in her work ethic to become the best tennis player that she can be. She works hard to maintain a positive and competitive approach to her matches, and she is always willing to learn and listen to coaching. She is kind toward her opponents and shows God’s love towards them."

Head Boys Volleyball coach, Bob Staskunas said, "Griffin exemplifies all that is good about Martin Luther. He is committed, respectful to all and hard working. We have a new team and having an experienced player like Griffin is great. But he does not just come in and play. He is the leader of the team with workouts and stretching and on the court. He helps coach other players with no experience and gives back to the program in so many ways. It has been a great joy to watch someone like Griffin work. He is not just there for himself, but he is there for others and to make them better too. His success on the court speaks for itself as he is also our kills and blocks leader. He has helped the varsity boys' volleyball team to a dual match record of 4-1 so far."

Martin Luther High School recognizes an Athlete of the Month each month of the school year. Using the selection criteria below, the coaching staff of each varsity sport being played during any given month will nominate one individual in a sport being played that month. The ML Admin team will select a winner from the pool of nominees based on the selection criteria below in addition to performance statistics from competitions during that month.

Athlete of the Month selection will be based on the following criteria based of our core values:

• Relationships
  • Commitment (toward practices, games and continued improvement)
  • Teamwork
• Communication
  • Focus and Discipline
  • Accountability for oneself and others
• Growth
  • Positive attitude and enthusiasm for their sport both on and off the field/court
  • Work Ethic
  • Willingness to learn (coachability)
  • Perseverance (overcoming challenges)
• Love
  • Sportsmanship (respect coaches, officials, opponents, teammates)
  • Honesty (playing by rules, character)
• Biblical Truth
  • Community service and involvement
  • Demonstrates their faith on a consistent basis.

It should be noted that the Athlete of the Month may not merely be the “star” player, but rather a team member who sets a good example for others and exhibits the greatest all around attributes of our core values.