Richland Sports Medicine
Athletes of the Month 2007-2008

The Richland Hospital’s Richland Sports Medicine is pleased to announce the February Athletes of the Month for 2008. Following are the nominations submitted for the winners.

Name: Bradie Ewing                                     
Yr. In school: 12       
Sport: BoysBasketball                                            
School Name: Richland Center                    

In February, Bradie Ewing signed a letter of intent to play football for the Wisconsin Badgers, this after turning down money to for a team in North Dakota, while also turning down an invite as the one and only preferred walk-on to play basketball for the Wisconsin Badgers.  Bradie led a team's resurgence in February; after January was completed the Hornet team was 7-7.  Then in February the team won 5 out of last 6 games in regular season and 5 in a row before getting beat by WI Dells in the Regional.  The regular season stretch included a revenge game against Dodgeville who was the only team to beat them in February during the regular season.  Bradie highlighted a comeback vs. PDC by scoring 38 points in the game.  He average 23 games in the 2 games against Dodgeville, the final knocking Dodgeville out of the Conference Championship.  On the Hall of Fame Night Bradie led the Hornets to a win against the number one team in the Regional and that was WI Dells, where Bradie had 31 points that night.  In the opening round of the tournament with 11 seniors playing their last home game, Bradie had 24 of the teams’ 55 points, including 8 for 8 from the line in the closing minutes to seal the deal.  Also in February Bradie brought home his 3rd straight (Unprecedented to our knowledge, at least 30 years for sure, and probably in over a 90 years) Conference MVP honor.

Name: Cally Kretchmer                                                         Yr. In school: Junior 
Sport: Girls Basketball                                                          School Name: Riverdale

Cally Kretchmer has really come out of a shell.  She always came off the bench and did a good job, but this last month she not only came off the bench, but worked her way to a starting position and did it with authority. Riverdale began their first game of February against Cuba City with a tough loss, but the Chieftains stepped up and went on a 7 game win streak. Cally was a huge part of this.  Her defense was intense.  She always got the toughest assignment for each game in order to shut down the opposing team’s top scorers.  And she would still find a way to contribute offensively, game high was 8 points.  She grabbed steals, went to the basket hard, and hit the outside jumper. Cally was 100% from the free throw line at UW-Platteville for the SWAL Jamboree.   She averaged 5 rebounds a game this past month. Cally is an extremely coach-able young lady and her push and drive for this sport has been unbelievable.  Her eyes were always focused on any one of the coaches at all times.  She absorbed all the feedback like a sponge and actually used it.

She has had a great season and coaches noticed.  Riverdale finished in 4^th place in their conference this season, behind some tough competition.  She helped the Chieftains make it to the Regional Final game, third one in our schools history. 

She set an example of a great player, in regards to work ethic, coach-ability, and a love for the game.  I am sure my daughter, Macy, has gained a lot from her by watching her all season long. 

In order to be considered for the award student athletes were required to be nominated by a coach, be in good academic standing, and be a varsity team member. Further, the school the student attends must be a participant of the Richland Sports Medicine program. Qualifying schools include Richland Center, Boscobel, Riverdale, Ithaca, and UW-Richland. Categories are not divided up by sport, but instead there is a group for males and a group for females. Each varsity coach was asked to submit nominations based on whatever criteria they felt was outstanding by their nominee. After all submittals were made, a committee of seven members ranked the athletes according to the information provided by the coach.

As monthly winners, Andy and Amanda will be entered into a pool with other monthly winners to be considered for Athlete of the Year at the end of the school year. They will receive plaques created and donated by Main Street Trophy Plus / Jim Greeley Signs & Awnings of Richland Center.