Lacko and Bomengen Earn WyoPreps Athlete of the Week Awards 1-16-25 [VIDEO]

For the first time, an alpine skier and a boys’ basketball player were the WyoPreps Athlete of the Week honorees, presented by Premier Bone and Joint Centers. Natrona County junior Mary Kate Lacko enjoyed a successful start to the downhill skiing season, which included a victory in the season-opening race. Thermopolis junior Cody Bomengen guided his team to three wins last week in four games and averaged a double-double. The award winners were from last week’s nominees from Jan. 6-11, 2025.

WYOPREPS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK WINNERS 1-16-25

Girls Winner

Lacko won her first alpine skiing race in her high school career. She captured the giant slalom at the Kelly Walsh Bruce Studer Invitational at Hogadon Basin Ski Report on Casper Mountain. Lacko won with a two-run combined time of 1:21.57. The junior from NC added a fifth-place finish in the slalom last Friday at 1:54.01. The two days have Mary Kate tied for first in all-state points during the 2025 season. The nomination pointed out her leadership, illustrated how motivated she was entering the new season, and how Lacko became a team captain this season.

WyoPreps caught up with Lacko on Thursday to discuss how she skied last week. The junior described her two runs in the GS, one of which was more aggressive. She also discussed her focus during the races, her trust in her training, why she loves skiing, her reaction to comments from her coach, and more.

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Boys Winner

Bomengen helped the Bobcats to a 3-1 record at the 2A East Smackdown Tournament in Sundance and Wright. The junior averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds for the week. He recorded three double-doubles. Bomengen had a career-best 31 points in a victory over Shoshoni and grabbed 15 rebounds in a win at No. 2 Wright. He has helped Thermopolis to a 6-2 start this season and the No. 1 ranking in Class 2A boys’ basketball in the most recent WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Poll.

WyoPreps spoke to Bomengen about his play last week. He called it a good week on the court, despite one loss, described how he felt he played, what his focus has been on, what Coach Corpening at Thermopolis has the team working on, and more.

Congratulations to Mary Kate and Cody on being selected as the Premier Bone and Joint Centers Athletes of the Week!