On Friday, January 31st, Athens Academy will celebrate the Varsity basketball seniors, Marie Rutledge and KJ Whitehead, at halftime of their respective games against Commerce. Senior night celebrates the athletic career of the team’s seniors, who display unrelenting leadership and commitment to the team; Marie and KJ are no exception.
Currently, the Girls’ Varsity team is ranked 7th for A – AAA division in the state, an incredible feat that foreshadows hope for a shot at a region championship. As the only senior on the team, the camaraderie surrounding senior night has granted Marie the opportunity to reflect on her basketball career.
From all her years of playing, Marie has learned to lean on her teammates. “There are good days, there are bad days, but through it all, I love basketball and I love my team. They keep me going on the hard days but also make the good days that much more fun. I couldn’t have done it without the team or without my love for the sport,” says Marie.
Girls’ Coach Brian Olson has coached Marie since she was a freshman and has witnessed her confidence develop on the court. In anticipation of senior night, Olson declares that “I look forward to celebrating Marie as a senior and the impact that she’s had on all of us as people and also the environment, the culture, and the community that she creates within our team. To be able to publicly recognize that is well deserved”.
On the Boys’ team, KJ Whitehead is also the only senior. Coached by Don Hulburt, who recently celebrated his 300th career win, the Boys’ Varsity team has won three out of their last four games, defeating Athens Academy’s rival, Prince Avenue Christian. On senior night, the team looks forward to celebrating KJ.
Before the game, KJ reflects, “I’m just excited to go out there and play with my team.” In light of the senior celebration, KJ remains focused on the team’s success, a quality that Coach Hulburt echoes when speaking on KJ’s character.
Having coached KJ since 10th grade, Hulburt has watched him grow as a player and a teammate. “He is our BEST teammate and most outstanding defensive player. His positive attitude, high character, and outstanding work ethic will be sorely missed next year,” stated Hulburt.
As Captains and contributors to a positive environment on and off the court, KJ and Marie emulate characteristics that are necessary for a team’s success: hard work, uplifting spirit, and persistence. Though senior night highlights them as individuals, as their coaches explained, senior night encompasses the commitment and positive energy that KJ and Marie bring to their teams, leaving a legacy beyond their time at Athens Academy.
