The Hershey High School (HHS) has acknowledged their male and female athletes of the month for their excellence during the month of March.

Senior Meredith Gould is the female March athlete of the month for her accomplishments during her diving season, and Junior Tanner Updegraff is the male March athlete of the month for his dedication to his wrestling season.

Senior Meredith Gould has been diving for four years. She is a district champion and 6th in the state for her diving performances. Gould was a gymnast for the early years of her life, and she decided to dedicate herself to diving her freshman year.

Gould’s goal since her junior year was to be a District Champion, and this year she reached her goal. She is thankful for the team beside her throughout her whole season.

“The team chemistry was 10 out of 10, and having the team by my side through it all made the successful season that much better,” said Gould.

Gould is committed to the University of Delaware to further her diving and academic career. At the University, she plans to perfect and learn new dices, and she wants to make it to zones all four years in her college career.

Gould is excited for her future diving seasons to come, but she will miss her time as a Trojan.

“My favorite part of the season is post season. Practices are quick we just go in and just do what we need to do to prepare for the big meets. The practices vibes are just fun, but they are also super productive,” said Gould.

The 2018-19 wrestling season was Updegraff first season as a Trojan. Updegraff has been wrestling for 13 years. He transferred from Bishop Mcdevitt in the beginning of his junior year, and he was voted as captain for the Trojans, and he was able to lead the team to a successful season.

With the help of Updegraff, the wrestling team improved their record from 1-14 in the 2017-18 season to 14-5 in the 2018-19 season.

“I have never been on a team that has portrayed more heart and hard work. We might not have the most talent compared to most schools, but I would take work ethic over anyone elses anyday.”

In his individual season, Updegraff, who wrestles 152 pounds, became a District 3 AAA Champion and placed 3rd at the PIAA AAA state tournament. Updegraff’s only loss of the tournament was to Dan Mancini, the eventual state champion, and his dedication took him from the blood round to a bronze medal on the podium. Updegraff has been the only HHS wrestler to medal at the state tournament since 2007, and he is also the first District Champ since 1998.

According to Updegraff, “My goals for next season are to become a State Champion, qualify for districts as a team, and build the youth program.”

Both of these athletes hard work and dedication has placed them to be one of the best in the states, and they both are role models for their team and community