Cobb Schools' Athlete of the Week program is a weekly recognition of a male and a female student-athlete that perform at high levels in their sport, in the classroom, and in their school communities. The program is made possible by support from BSN. 

This week's winners are state-champion wrestlers from Hillgrove and Kennesaw Mountain:

Zion Rutledge, Wrestling, Hillgrove

With a career record of 45-2, Zion also recently became the Georgia 220 lb state champ! Zion is only a junior and has another year to add to his accomplishments on the mat and on the football field where he is an all-county linebacker.

"Zion is the hardest worker I’ve ever come across," said his wrestling coach, Shawn Slenczka. "I spend most days having to kick him out of the room because he doesn’t want to stop working. He is also one of the most coachable kids I’ve ever worked with. Zion soaks things in like a sponge and is constantly asking questions in his quest to be the best. He is someone our younger athletes look up to and he leads by example."

"Zion is a true champion, not only as a wrestler, but as a student athlete here at Hillgrove," said Hillgrove Athletic Director Jonathan Brown. "He is committed to his education and has maintained above a 4.0 GPA. Even after winning the state title, he returned the next morning to take his AP exam before school. We are so grateful to have Zion here at Hillgrove; we are very proud of him."

Genevieve An, Wrestling, Kennesaw Mountain

Genevieve won the state championship in the 142 lb class. She went 4-0, winning all of her matches with pins! She also placed second in the state last year at 132 lb.

"Genevieve is a big part of our program," said her coach Jerry Richerson. "She is a hard worker and a good teammate. She enjoys wrestling and that is why she is so successful. More importantly, she is a great student with a grade point average above 4.0. She is a great ambassador for Kennesaw Mountain Wrestling Team. I am proud to be her coach."

Kennesaw Mountain Athletic Director Philip Matthews agreed. "Genevieve is an excellent student and athlete, a true role model for her classmates and for young girls who want to pursue wrestling," he said. "Girls wrestling is one of the fastest growing sports in Georgia, and for Kennesaw Mountain to have a state champion is such a great accomplishment!"

Congratulations to Zion and Genevieve for your amazing seasons and state championships! Great job also in the classroom and keeping a balance between student and athlete. You are both great representatives for Hillgrove and Kennesaw Mountain, as well as Cobb Schools. Keep up the great work!