Rockwall Jacket Athletes of the Month

Each month, the Jacket Backers, Rockwall High School’s Booster Club selects student athletes who are nominated by their coach for Jacket Athlete of the Month.  For the month of January, Elise Samples, Harrison Olan, Mia Arceneaux, Jake Edwards, Daniel Lyon, Celia Straight, Bryan Kottke, Averie Jenkins and McKenzie Kapphahn were each nominated by their coaches and selected as Jacket Athletes of the Month.

Jake Edwards, Senior Wrestler Jake has achieved quite a bit this past month. He finished 5th at the Cy-Fair Tournament (99 Team Tournament), 1st at Houston Westside Tournament (His first ever High School Tournament Championship), 3rd at the Sands Spring Oklahoma Tournament. “Jake is an all-around team leader on the mat, in the classroom, and outside the school. He has made a huge impact on our program and will be greatly missed after this season. I cannot wait to see what his future holds as he enters the next level of his athletic career competing as a dual sport athlete in wrestling and football at Wesleyan in Connecticut.” States Coach Johnston.

Elise Samples, Sophomore Swimmer She was the only girl to win 2 events at the District Swimming and Diving meet.  She won the 100 Freestyle and 100 Backstroke. “She's the toughest!” shares Coach Partenheimer.

Harrison Olan, Sophomore Swimmer finished 6th in the district meet in the 500 Freestyle, but won the 200 Individual Medley. Coach Partenheimer adds, “He is one of the toughest.”

Mia Arceneaux, Senior Woman Wrestler Mia has had a great month of wrestling in January. She finished top 4 at the Cy-Fair tournament (99 team tournament), 2nd at Houston Westside tournament losing by a point to the #1 ranked wrestler in the state, and 1st at the Arlington Tournament. Mia also reached 100 career wins winning her finals match at the Arlington tournament. “This is a huge milestone to reach in a wrestler’s career. Mia is currently ranked top 4 in the state, a team captain, and returning state place winner. Mia has been a team captain on and off the mat this season. She has helped guide other ladies in our program and help them succeed. We are very proud of Mia and her accomplishments so far this season.” Adds Coach Johnston.

Daniel Lyon, Senior Boys Soccer Daniel scored a hat trick this past weekend. He is the leading scorer on the Varsity with 7 goals. He led the Boys soccer team to the championship this past weekend. No matter who we play everyone has already seen or heard of #7 from Rockwall. He is a key part of our success so far. He is a team player and works extremely hard. All around complete player!” exclaims Coach Bowles.

Celia Straight, Senior Girls Basketball Player Leads the Lady Jackets in Assist, shooting 83% from the Free Throw line and one of our top rebounders. “Celia is such a great leader on and off the court.  Her ability to love and serve her teammates has helped this team thrive in the month of January.  Celia does so many of the little things that are unstated that help this team have success”, shares Coach Brewer.

Bryan Kottke, Senior Boys Gymnastics during the Bell vs Rockwall earned a 9.7 on Rings - 1st place on Rings. “Bryan had our team’s best score on Rings at the Bell meet.  His score helped Rockwall stay undefeated on the season against a strong team. Bryan is always one of the most energetic guys in the gym.  Every practice, he challenges his teammates to match his energy and production.  Our team is better when he is with us” explains Coach Sweny.

Averie Jenkins, Senior Girls Soccer Player scored 5 goals in 10 games was nominated as player of the game by captains 3 different times. “During tournament season, Averie stepped up to play in a different position than what she is used to in order to help her team. In that position she has not only started scoring runs, but also had game winning, or come back goals to keep her team alive. She has attended extra practice time as well as watching film and asking questions about how she can best contribute to the team. Averie, while not a captain, is a leader by example” states Coach Garcia.

Makenzie Kapphahn, Freshman Girls Gymnastics Makenzie is an all -around gymnast for our team but her specialty is bars.  Makenzie has place in the top three on bars at every meet we have had this season!  Makenzie is an extremely hard worker and motivating teammate!  She always put her team first and 100% every day to make herself the best gymnast she can be. Makenzie is a true work horse and never backs down from a challenge!!  She never settles for just being good, she pushes herself to be the best.  Makenzie is only a freshman, I am excited to see watch her grow over the next three years” adds Coach Tyson.

Congratulations to each of these Rockwall High School Athletes!

The Jacket Backer Booster Club is a non-profit association formed to maximize fundraising efforts for Rockwall High School Sports, and other charitable activities that promote the development of good character, high morale, and maximum effort, highest standards of sportsmanship, competitive spirit, pride, and community service.

For more information on how you can support, vote and promote Rockwall High School’s Student Athletes visit the Jacket Backers website at https://www.jacketboosters.com/ and be sure to follow all of our athletes’ accomplishments on Facebook or Twitter @RHSJacketBacker.

It’s a Great Time to be a Jacket Backer!!!