Cashmere High School hosted their annual “Senior Recognition of Collegiate Athletes” ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. 10 CHS senior student-athletes wee honored and recognized for their commitments to participate in athletics next school year at the collegiate level.
Kaden Miller – Western Washington University – Men’s Track & Field
Hugh Wheeler – Simon Fraser University – Men’s Wrestling
Saige O’Keefe – Big Bend Community College – Women’s Wrestling
Brianna Talley – Whitworth University – Women’s Basketball
Rylie Harnden – Whitworth University – Women’s Volleyball
Faith Kert – Whitworth University – Women’s Tennis
Owen Graves- University of Montana – Men’s Lacrosse
Josh Meros- Pacific University – Football
Caed Wilkinson – Dordt University – Football
Dalan Smart – California Lutheran University – Football
KADEN MILLER
Parents: Marcus & Tabitha Miller
GPA: 3.85
Kaden will be competing in men’s track & field at Western Washington University in Bellingham, WA. Western competes at the NCAA Division II level in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference.
Kaden competed in cross-country, basketball and track & field at CHS. Kaden was named the CTL track athlete of the year in both his junior and senior seasons. As a junior, he was the state champion in the 300 hurdles when he led the Bulldogs to a 2nd place finish in the state meet. This past weekend, he became the state champion in the 110 hurdles when he led our track squad to a 3rd place finish at the state meet.
Kaden was a state qualifier in cross-country and track & field three times. Due to Covid, there was no state meets his freshman year. As a sophom*ore, he was named the Caribou Trail League runner of the year in cross-country when he was also the individual District 6 Champion.
Kaden is planning on studying Engineering while at Western. He chose to attend Western because it has good programs, and he gets along well with the coaches and the other athletes on the team.
Western’s head men’s track & field coach, Ben Stensland had this to say about Kaden:
“We are all very excited to welcome Kaden to our Western Track & Field Family. His athletic achievements and academic success tell us that he will be a great fit for our Vikings program. And with Kaden’s attitude and effort we think great things are to come from this Cashmere grad!”
HUGH WHEELER
Parents: Rich & Sena Wheeler
GPA: 3.16
Hugh will be competing in wrestling next school year at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. Simon Fraser is a NCAA Division II school that competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Hugh had an outstanding four-year career at CHS. This past winter, he won a state championship in wrestling at 157 lbs. He was a two-time Caribou Trail League wrestler of the year, and a three-time state participant. He was a three-time Captain of our wrestling program, and a four-time first team All-CTL award winner. As a junior, he placed 3rd in state in wrestling, and placed 6th in state as a sophom*ore. Hugh also competed in cross-country and track at CHS. In cross-country, he was a three-time state qualifier.
Hugh plans on studying education at SFU. He chose to attend Simon Fraser due to the location, and the great coaching.
SFU’s associate head wrestling coach, Clete Hanson had this to say about Hugh:
“Simon Fraser University is ecstatic to have Hugh Wheeler join us in British Columbia and compete as a Red Leaf next season. While his technical abilities on the mat are evident, it’s Hugh’s strong work ethic both in the classroom and while training, his positive leadership qualities, and a multisport competitive drive that have made him one of our highest-targeted athletes. With these attributes, we are confident that Hugh is ready to meet future challenges and accomplish his academic and athletic goals. Welcome to the family, Hugh, and best of luck to Cashmere athletics next season – keep up the great work.”
SAIGE O’KEEFE
Parents: Terry & Wendi O’Keefe
GPA: 3.26
Saige will be competing in women’s wrestling next school year at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. Big Bend is a member of the Northwest Conference.
Saige competed in three sports at CHS. She competed in cross-country, wrestling and track and field. She has received the captain award four different times in her CHS career. She was voted captain of the girls wrestling team the past two seasons. And, she was also named captain in cross-country in both her junior and senior seasons.
In cross country, she was named 2nd team all-Caribou Trail League her junior year, and all-league honorable mention her senior year.
Saige plans on studying business at Big Bend. She chose Big Bend because it is close to home, and she enjoys the campus and the team.
Big Bend’s head women’s wrestling coach, Desiree Zavala had this to say about Saige:
“I am very excited to have Saige join our program next season! She is going to bring high energy and come ready to learn and improve. I know that she will show great progress at the next level. I have high expectations for her, and I know she is eager to get on campus and get to work!”
BRIANNA TALLEY
Parents: Randy & Lisa Talley
GPA: 3.95
Bri will be competing in women’s basketball next school year at Whitworth University in Spokane. Whitworth is a NCAA Division III school that plays in the Northwest Conference
Bri had an outstanding athletic career at CHS as a 2-sport athlete in basketball and track & field.
In basketball, she was named 1st team all-league in her senior season. She was also 2nd team-all-tournament selection at the 1A State Tournament when she helped the Bulldogs claim 6th in state. She was also a three-time winner of the sportsmanship award at the 1A State Basketball Tournament.
In track, Bri qualified for the state meet in both her junior and senior seasons. This past spring, she was named 1st Team All-CTL in the triple jump and in the 4×400 relay.
Bri plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy next school year while attending Whitworth. She chose Whitworth because of the campus, the coach, and the atmosphere.
Whitworth’s head women’s basketball coach, Kenny Love, had this to say about Bri:
“We are so excited to welcome Bri on campus come this fall, she’ll make an immediate impact on our group. I’m looking forward to seeing how she develops at Whitworth as both a student, and an athlete.The Talley family is going to be an awesome addition to our program, and Bri will be agreat addition at the guard spot in our recruiting class for this year.”
RYLIE HARNDEN
Parents: Greg & Randi Harnden
GPA: 3.70
Rylie will be competing in volleyball next school year at Whitworth University in Spokane. Whitworth is a NCAA Division III school that plays in the Northwest Conference
Rylie had an outstanding four-year career as volleyball standout at CHS. As a 4-year starter in the CHS volleyball program, she helped lead the Bulldogs to a top-two finish in the Caribou Trail League in each of her four seasons.
In her senior season, she was named 1st team All-CTL as she led the Bulldogs to a 12 win-season as a starting outside hitter.
Rylie will pursue a degree in nursing next school year while attending Whitworth. She chose Whitworth because of the tight-knit community and because of the family-like culture on the volleyball team. She also appreciates how knowledgeable the coaches are, and how they push the girls in the program to be their best every day.
Whitworth’s head volleyball coach, Kati Bodecker, had this to say about Rylie:
“Whitworth volleyball is so fortunate to have Rylie join our program next year! Rylie is a one-of-a-kind athlete, and young woman, who will elevate our program’s standards both on and off the court! I believe that Rylie will impact our success immediately. I am so excited to watch Rylie continue to grow and achieve, and I am honored to get to be a part of her next journey!”
FAITH KERT
Parents: Trevor & Holly Kert
GPA: 4.00
Faith will be competing in women’s tennis next school year at Whitworth University, in Spokane.
Faith had an outstanding 4-year athletic career at CHS as a 2-sport athlete in volleyball and tennis.
In tennis, she was named the CTL Player of the Year in both her junior and senior seasons. She was a 4-time 1st Team All-CTL recipient. She won a state title her sophom*ore year in doubles, and placed 5th in singles her junior year. Most recently, she placed 4th in state in singles this past weekend.
In volleyball, she was named the CTL Player of the Year her senior year. She was a 3-time first-team All-CTL award winner. She was voted team captain her senior year, and was named All-State honorable mention this past season.
Faith plans to pursue a degree in elementary education next school year while attending Whitworth. She chose Whitworth because she really likes the coach, the team atmosphere, and also really likes the size of the school.
Whitworth’s head tennis coach, Rachel Aldridge, had this to say about Faith:
“Whitworth is very excited for Faith Kert to join the Pirate Women’s’ Tennis Team! Faith is a great athlete with a clean game and a great competitive mindset. Faith will likely be in the starting lineup as a first-year student-athlete.”
OWEN GRAVES
Parents: Mike & Sara Graves
GPA: 3.45
Owen will be competing in men’s lacrosse next school year at the University of Montana in Missoula. The Griz Lacrosse team is a member of the MCLA that competes in the Pacific Northwest Collegiate Lacrosse League.
This past spring season, Owen was named a 2nd Team All-Conference midfielder while playing lacrosse for the Wenatchee Valley Lacrosse program. In addition to being a standout lacrosse player, Owen also competed in cross-country and wrestling at CHS.
In wrestling, he received the Inspirational award his senior season. He was also named all-league honorable mention in both his junior and senior wrestling seasons. In cross-country, he competed in the 1A State Meet his senior season, and was named All-CTL honorable mention in his sophom*ore, junior and senior seasons.
Owen plans on pursuing a degree in Chemistry next school year while attending the University of Montana. He chose to attend Montana because he loves the area of Missoula.
Montana’s head men’s lacrosse coach, Tucker Sargent, had this to say about Owen:
“We are very excited to add Owen Graves to the Griz Lacrosse program. Owen is a great player and very athletic person. We expect him to compete for a role in our midfield right away. He has a great passion for the sport and outdoors and we believe he will be a great member of the University of Montana community and our lacrosse program.”
JOSH MEROS
Parent: Amy Flynn
GPA: 3.55
Josh will be be competing in football next school year at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. Pacific is a NCAA Division III school that plays in the Northwest Conference
Josh had a great athletic career at CHS as a 2-sport athlete in football and baseball.
In football, Josh was a 1st team All-CTL selection his senior year as both a linebacker and offensive lineman. He was also nominated for the all-state football game. He received the “Bulldog Award” in his senior season. As a junior, he was named a 2nd team All-CTL linebacker, and received Al-CTL honorable mention recognition his sophom*ore season.
In baseball, as the starting first baseman, he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back league and district championships, and back-to-back state tournament appearances. He was named All-CTL honorable mention in baseball his sophom*ore year.
Josh plans to study pre-physical therapy and kinesiology at Pacific. He chose Pacific due to educational purposes, and the opportunity for playing time.
Pacific’s head football coach, Ian Falconer, had this to say about Josh:
“Pacific University could not be more excited to welcome Josh to our family. His excitement for the game seems to be only outpaced by his work ethic which is always a good thing. We know he is a tremendous fit for this place both athletically and academically!”
CAED WILKINSON
Parents: Jesse & Courtney Wilkinson
GPA: 3.09
Caed will be be competing in football next school year at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. Dordt is a NAIA school in the Great Plains Athletic Conference.
Caed had an outstanding CHS career as a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball.
In football, Caed was a two-way starter at wide receiver and defensive back and was named 2nd team All-CTL as a wide receiver his senior season. He led the Bulldogs to back-to-back state quarterfinal appearances his junior and senior seasons.
In baseball, he was the 2024 CTL Player of the Year this past season. He received the Inspirational award in both his sophom*ore and junior seasons. He was also named 1st team All-CTL in both his junior and senior seasons, and received 2nd team honors his sophom*ore year.
Caed plans to study Human Health and Performance at Dordt. He chose Dordt because of the culture, and the people he will be around. He appreciated that way he was welcomed by the coaches, and the football program was everything he was looking for. He also added, that Dordt is definitely a place that he will be able to grow in his faith, and as a man.
Dordt’s head football coach, Joel Penner, had this to say about Caed:
“We are very excited to welcome Caed to the Dordt University football family. Although we learned about Caed later in the recruiting process, we knew he would bring a great deal to our team athletically, academically, and culture-wise. We have a vision for Caed to thrive at Dordt University both on and off the field.”
DALAN SMART
Parents: Dustin & Lori Smart
GPA: 3.60
Dalan will be competing in football next school year at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, California. CLU competes at the NCAA Division III level that plays in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Dalan had an outstanding 4-year athletic career at CHS as a 3-sport athlete in football, basketball and soccer.
In football, He was a 1st team A-CTL tight end in both his junior and senior seasons. He received the captain award his senior year. He was also named a 1st Team All-State as a tight end his senior season.
In soccer, he was named 1st Team All-CTL as a goalie in both his junior and senior seasons. He has also received both the Captain and Inspirational awards in soccer. He helped lead our boys’ soccer team to their first state tournament win in 14 years this past spring season.
In the winter, Dalan was a starter, and a three-year letter winner in the CHS boys basketball program
Dalan will pursue a degree in kinesiology and exercise science next school year while attending Cal Lutheran. He chose CLU because of the good exercise science program, and the good weather.
Cal Lutheran’s head football coach, Anthony Lugo, had this to say about Dalan:
“Dalan is a phenomenalstudent athlete. On the field, Dalan is a great athlete that shows competitiveness and a very high football IQ. Dalan is a great student, as well as a great person who shows love and respect for his family and coaches. Dalan is going to find great success in both football and school in the future! We are fired up to have Dalan here at Cal Lutheran University!”
