Congrats to our Burghardt Sporting Goods Athletes of the Month for October 2024, Jayda Cole (Cheer & Dance) and Zack Hang (Football). 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 Cheer & Dance Coach, Cherise Myers said, "Jayda is efficient, detail-oriented, and extremely competent. She is also very positive and can always be found with a smile on her face and eager to lend a helping hand. Jayda already strives to embody the values and main purposes of being a Christian. She is enthusiastic about learning and dedicates her time and talents to excelling. Jayda has a deep passion and desire for improving her community, which can be seen in her service throughout Milwaukee. Jayda has demonstrated her ability as a positive role model and leader while working with her peers in our Cheer and Dance program. Finally, she demonstrates strong character and seeks to improve herself by building and maintaining positive relationships with peers and adult mentors."

Head Football coach, Rick Hoppert said, "Zack is a senior standout and leader on our football team. He is an unselfish teammate who always bringing a positive attitude that rubs off on others. Zack sets a great example for our younger players on and off the field. With his strong work ethic, Zack will undoubtedly succeed in whatever he pursues at the next level."

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.