Cobb Schools’ Athlete of the Week (AOW) program is a weekly recognition of male and female student-athletes performing at high levels in their sport, classroom, and school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN Sports.
This week’s winners are from Walton and Wheeler. Blakely Caldwell plays softball for the Raiders, and Krish Chugh runs cross country for the Wildcats.
Blakely Caldwell, Softball, Walton
The Lady Raiders are having a great season and heading to Buford this week for Round Two of the GHSA state fast-pitch playoffs. Blakely has been instrumental in the team's success and recently threw an 84-pitch no-hitter against Etowah to clinch a playoff spot. She also pitched Game One of the Raiders' first-round doubleheader victory over Richmond Hill. It was the first playoff win for the Lady Raiders since 2009. The sophomore pitcher is also strong on offense with a .383 average and 31 hits, seven doubles, and one home run.
"Blakely is an integral part of the success of the Walton Softball Program. She has a can-do attitude and works her tail off to be one of the best players in our region," said Walton Head Coach John Evans. "She was a 1st Team All-Region selection as both a freshman and a sophomore. She has been our leader in the circle with a 3.03 ERA in 64 innings pitched and has thrown one no-hitter."
"Her teammates know that she is a great leader and an amazing softball player. She is also a great student with a 3.667 GPA. We're so proud of her and glad she will continue to help lead this program for two more years," Coach Evans concluded about his Athlete of the Week.
Krish Chugh, Cross Country, Wheeler
Every successful team has at least one teammate who can be counted on to set the example. For Wheeler's Cross Country team, that person is Krish Chugh. He is always asking what he can do to improve and wants to make sure he not only has the running skills necessary to be successful but also has the proper diet and sleep patterns. He is an encouragement to his teammates and picks them up when they are down. He also participates in Model UN and manages his time very well, never missing a workout.
"Krish is a true example of what it takes to be successful in this sport," said Wheeler coach Nicole Ross. "He has run with the team for three years and is determined to do his best because he loves the team and the sport as a whole."
"He is kind and caring to all those he meets and respectful to any adult he comes into contact with. His teammates and classmates all think highly of him as a friend and teammate. Overall, he is the type of kid all students should aspire to be and parents should aspire to raise. We are excited for him, and he is such a deserving young man!" said Coach Ross proudly.
Congratulations, Blakely and Krish! You are both exceptional examples of what it takes to be a top-performing student-athlete in Cobb. Well done, Walton and Wheeler!
