Rosehill Christian 2022-23

Feature

\\ By Matt Malatesta WILDER’S VERSATILITY MAKES HIM TAPPS MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR JUMP PRAY, APPROACH,

So, what is his routine as he prepares to take flight? “I just look up in the sky and say a little prayer, then I start my approach and take off,” he said. “It’s a simple as that.”

of interest,” he said. “That is where I’m headed this Fall… Troy University in Alabama to jump. I’m going to compete as hard as I can and see how far it takes me.”

He and his summer track coach Kahlil Frazier went to work on his recruitment. “Coach Frazier emailed so many coaches and the Troy coaches showed a lot

AND THE TAPPS CLASS 3A ATHLETE OF THE YEAR GOES TO… AJ Wilder has been the Big Man on Campus at Rosehill Christian School since his arrival four years ago. The Class of 2023 star earned second-team, all state honors in football as a receiver, running back and linebacker. On the hardwood, he was a high-flying forward Furthermore, he was a star in the classroom, earning Academic all-state honors as well. Then came the track season. “I went into Coach Dixon’s office before the season started and told him I wasn’t going to run track this year,” Wilder said. “He just looked at me and said, ‘okay, whatever you want to do’.” The track season started, and his teammates were all working out right behind the school. He got the itch. “I missed it,” he laughed. “I think Coach knew I would be back. It was a reverse psychology-thing. The first meet I broke my person best in the long jump and away I went.” “Away he went” is an understatement. The senior broke the State long jump record (23-8.5 feet) and set the school records in the long jump, 100 meters, 200 meters and 4x100 relay, respectively. But the work wasn’t done. and earned a second team, all-district nod.

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