Article Courtesy: CHAMP
Once a month CHAMP (CHaracter in Athletics – Make it a Priority) selects one student athlete from our community to be recognized as the CHAMP Athlete of the Month (CAM). This individual displays character, discipline, and leadership on and off the competitive field and by doing so, has become a student-athlete role model for character in athletics.
CHAMP is proud to recognize CJ Rithner, as the January CHAMP Athlete of the Month. As high school wrestlers head into the championship season, CJ Rithner has been a four year wrestler and has played a critical role at Rocky Mountain High School tradition of wrestling excellence. CJ was recently nominated by Principal Tom Lopez and Coach Hargraves for the Lobo of the Month award that goes to a student in each class that exemplifies "The Lobo Way", a theme that recognizes those students that exemplify outstanding character and attitude while attending RMHS.
Besides being an exemplary student role model, CJ is a senior wrestler who has wrestled varsity for the last two years and lost a challenge by a younger wrestler for a varsity spot this year. Athletic Director Wayne Moddelmog quotes, "Many athletes in this situation would quit as a senior. But CJ is not your typical athlete in that he chose to continue working hard as a senior leader and member of the team and supported his teammates and his younger challenger by pushing them every day in practice and supporting them during matches." Understanding his role, and by persevering during the season, CJ wrestled exhibition matches during the JV portion of duals and waited for an opportunity to wrestle varsity which came at the last dual match of the season against Poudre High School. CJ was asked to fill in for an injured teammate and help his team win the dual match as well as the city championship that night by winning his weight class.
CJ is an outstanding representative of the CHAMP Athlete of the Month award by demonstrating perseverance, patience, and willingness to serve others by his unselfish attitude. CJ Rithner brings out the best in all his teammates and classmates at RMHS.
CHAMP is a Fort Collins based non-profit organization serving our youth athletic and education organizations, acting as a catalyst in requiring, demonstrating and recognizing good character in youth athletics. Please visit CHAMP at www.CHAMPFC.com or contact us at coachparry@champfc.com.
