Dreams come true for trio of athletes, who go with D3
Surrounded by family, friends, teachers and coaches, three Cadott seniors, left to right, Kaleb Lodahl, Kasey Moldrem and Rilei Weeks, signed to play collegiate sports, April 30. Lodahl is attending Concordia College in the wrestling program, while Moldrem attends Ripon College to play softball and Weeks is attending UWSuperior, to play in the softball program. Photo by Ginna Young
By Ginna Young
It was a proud day for parents, students and community members of Cadott, April 30, as three of their own officially committed to continue their careers on the collegiate level, at Division 3 institutions.
Signing, were seniors Kaleb Lodahl, attending Concordia College, as part of the wrestling program; Kasey Moldrem, attending Ripon College, playing softball; and Rilei Weeks, attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior, playing softball.
For Lodahl, he brings a lot of dedication to the mat, but is never one to shy away from a challenge. With 149 wins, and as a three-time State qualifier, wrestling didn’t always come easy to him, but he persevered. Lodahl leads by example and is inspiring, by volunteering with the youth athletes to shape the next generation.
Lodahl chose Concordia, because he liked that it felt like home and he liked the coach. While there, he plans to major in exercise science or sports medicine.
“As proud as I am of Kaleb on the mat, I’m even more proud of the young man he’s becoming,” said his coach Josh Spaeth. “When life knocks you down – and it will – keep a good attitude, get back on the horse and keep moving forward.”
As for Moldrem, she’s continuing in her mother’s footsteps, playing college softball. Moldrem decided in eighth grade to be a pitcher, making the choice to put in the work needed to be a star player.
Many Sundays, she would practice volleyball, basketball and softball, all in one day, each in separate towns, maybe having only an hour of downtime, if that.
“That’s a lot of hours on a weekend, committed to being a three-sport athlete,” said her mom and former coach Kari Moldrem, who put a lot of miles on her car, traveling to sporting events. “Every one of them are worth it.”
Kasey enjoyed the Ripon campus, as it was welcoming, and while she’s a little nervous about leaving home, she’s also excited for something new, while she studies exercise science.
“When Kasey throws her final pitch for Cadott, I can say I’m proud,” said Kari. “Proud of the work she has done, proud of the teammate she is and proud to say that she’s my daughter.”
And for Weeks, she is a determined person, with a drive to compete, which is why she chose a Division 3 school. After touring the small campus, Weeks knew it was the right fit for her, while she goes for exercise science.
Her former weight training coach, Jason Weisner, knows how hard it is to play at a Division 3 level, which is why he admires any athlete who does.
“They do it, because they love it,” said Weisner. “It’s a full-time job, on top of school.”
By representing the best of their school and community, these athletes have not only demonstrated their talent in their respective sports, but their resilience, leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.
“The Cadott Community School District is very proud to send you off, as you chase your dreams to the next level,” said athletic director Zach Sirny.
