Cobb Schools' Athlete of the Week (AOW) 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 seniors from Osborne and Walton.

Josh Horton, Osborne, Track and Field

At the state finals, Josh placed 2nd in the triple jump with a new school record of 47ft 3.5 inches, and 6th in the long jump. The most amazing part is that Josh also played baseball and had only three weeks to prepare for track. He is headed to West Point in the Fall to play football. Josh is a three-sport athlete and an MDJ scholar athlete.

"Josh had never done either of these events until the last three weeks of the season," said his head coach Latashia Ironside. "I had Josh for Region in which he had not competed at all until then, where he placed 2nd in both the long and triple jump. At Sectionals, he won the triple jump and placed 3rd in the long jump. He was a big part of the team when it counted. He is also a very good student with a 3.8 GPA. He leads by example and he is a great example."

"He is on our 2023 athlete leadership council," said Osborne AD Ron Boggs. "He received offers to play football at both Navy and Army, and did not start playing football until the 10th grade. He is well-respected by his peers and teammates. Our mission at Osborne is develop gritty, humble leaders, and Josh is a great example of a student-athlete that leads with grit and humility."

Alex Alterman and Catherine Dierker, Walton, Tennis

Four-year varsity players Alex and Catherine have been playing as a doubles team since the 10th grade. Together they are Walton's #2 doubles team and helped the team secure its third straight tennis state championship earlier this month. Both are graduating this year and Catherine will be attending Elon and Alex will be attending Tennessee in the Fall.

"Alex and Catherine have been examples of what happens when you combine hard work and talent," said their proud coach Anthony Foti. "The joy and energy that they live their lives with is infectious, and they have been amazing parts of Walton over their four years here. Both are excellent students and leaders. They have made a tremendous impact in the classroom, on the court, and in our school community. The team won’t be the same without them."

"They are both great leaders who served as the glue of the team and also provided experienced leadership for the younger players," agreed Walton Athletic Director Chris Williams. "They are supportive and selfless, which played a part in how good they were as a doubles team. Both Alex and Catherine are viewed as great people and great friends by their classmates and teammates."

Excellent work, Josh and Alex and Catherine! All three of you exemplify what it means to be a student-athlete and to play and learn with intensity and integrity. Well done also, Osborne and Walton. These three students and their stories are the perfect way to wrap up the 2022-23 sports year at Cobb Schools! See you next year...