Submitted by Experience Olympia & Beyond
Nominations flooded in from community members highlighting 37 local athletes and sports leaders in Thurston County. The 2019 Sports Awards, hosted by Thurston County’s Sports Commission, recognizes local athletes and game changers in our community.
Seven award winners will be announced at the Sports Awards from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on May 22 at South Puget Sound Community College. The awards ceremony will feature special guest Jen Mueller, Seattle Mariners broadcaster on ROOTS SPORTS and sideline radio reporter for the Seattle Seahawks. Mueller, CEO and Founder of Talk Sporty to Me, will host a VIP reception for nominees and keynote the awards with a message about leveraging sports experience to become a real-world leader.
“Sports are an important part of our community and local economy. It’s important to recognize the local athletes and sports contributors who give their game everything they have. The Sports Awards are a time to celebrate and give them the recognition they deserve,” said Shauna Stewart, chief experience officer at Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission.
2019 Sports Awards
Men’s Sport Star of the Year (College) and Women’s Sport Star of the Year (College)
Nominees must be a female or male athlete enrolled full-time at any time during the 2018-2019 school year in a Thurston County college or a native to Thurston County. Nominees must also have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one collegiate sport, exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.
Men’s Sport Star of the Year (College) Nominees:
- Jordan Skipper-Brown, McLennan College
- Luke Chavez, Saint Martin’s University
- Tyler Cronk, Saint Martin’s University
- Demonte Malloy, South Puget Sound Community College
- Emilio Meraz-Rodriguez, The Evergreen State College
- Hunter Sipe, South Puget Sound Community College
Women’s Sports Star of the Year (College) Nominees:
- Trinity Betoney, South Puget Sound Community College
- Liz Larson, Saint Martin’s University
- Makenna Schultz, Saint Martin’s University
- Natalie Taylor, Evergreen State College
Boy’s Sport Star of the Year (High School) and Girl’s Sport Star of the Year (High School)
Nominees must be a female or male athlete enrolled full-time in a Thurston County high school. Nominees must have participated for a minimum of one year in at least one high school sport, exemplify strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship with good school behavior.
Boy’s Sport Star of the Year (High School) Nominees:
- Kai Burgman, North Thurston High School
- Hunter Campau, Timberline High School
- Jeter Larson, River Ridge High School
- Zane Murphy, Tumwater High School
- Chris Penner, Capital High School
Girl’s Sport Star of the Year (High School) Nominees:
- Madison Gruhn, Capital High School
- Sophia Koelsch, Tumwater High School
- Taylor Woodworth, River Ridge High School
Contributor of the Year
Nominees must be passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County and can include coaches, nonprofit organizations providing access to sports for individuals and/or large monetary donors to sports initiatives. Nominees must have demonstrated commitment to sports for a minimum of one year.
Nominees:
- Ken Choke, Nisqually Tribal Council
- Robin Johnson, Tumwater High School Girl’s Basketball Coach
- Troy Kirby, Lacey Pocket Gophers
- Gary Larson, River Ridge High School Athletic Director
- Alex Pribble, Saint Martin’s University, Head Coach Men’s Basketball
- Meagan Renick, Inline Speed Skating Coach
- Tumwater Soccer Club
Sports Moment of the Year
Nominees can be a team or individual that has achieved national or local recognition for their sports moment during the 2018-2019 academic year. This moment would have taken place during a play in a single game or individual match or event for an individual or team. Nominees represent inspiring stories, remarkable sports moments and or outstanding performances throughout the 2018-2019 season.
Nominees:
- Kai Burgman, North Thurston High School
- Capital Cougarettes, Capital High School
- Capital High School Boy’s Basketball, Capital High School
- Nicole Hayes, Black Hills High School
- Northwest Christian Boy’s Cross Country, Northwest Christian High School
- Michaela Renick, Aspire Middle School
- Saint Martin’s Men’s Basketball, Saint Martin’s University
- Timberline Football, Timberline High School
- Tumwater High School Girl’s Basketball, Tumwater High School
Thurston County Sports Legend
Nominees must be an individual (over the age of 18) that was born or resided in Thurston County for a minimum of five years and must be passionate about the growth and success of sports in Thurston County. The nominee must have maintained and continue to maintain ties to Thurston County through philanthropic events and/or financial donations to support sports in the community. Ideally, nominees would have played either collegiate or professional sports or had a significant impact in the Thurston County sports community.
Nominees:
- Bill Beattie, Tumwater High School Football Coach
- Rocky Isley, Olympia High School Wrestling Coach
- John Kiley, Olympia High School Boy’s Basketball
The Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a division of Experience Olympia & Beyond, helps drive sports events to the region through direct outreach and assisting event organizers in finding venues, hotels and services. The Sports Commission works in partnership with Thurston County cities, schools and facilities to drive sports tourism to the region.
