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2013–14 AWARDS CEREMONY

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ABOUT SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSIONSports don’t just entertain. They improve communities. They drive economies. And no other organization brings sports events to the Inland Northwest like the Spokane Sports Commission. We are a nonprofit coalition of regional government; business and volunteers committed to recruiting and developing sports events. With these events come tourism dollars, entertainment and media attention attracting sports fans from around the world. Business wins. Kids win. Fans win, our region wins.

THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: THANK YOU TO OUR AWARD SPONSORS:

THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS:

Spokane Sports Commission is proud to team with SWX and NWPREPSNOW

to host a special awards show celebrating Spokane’s brightest talent in

local high school and club sports. These prestigious awards recognize local

coaches and high school-aged athletes for exceptional athletic performance

as well their character, dedication, sportsmanship, and service.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TOTHE FITZ MEMORIAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

FERRIS HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND ENSEMBLE

NEIL EVERETT, ESPN

SWX

NWPREPSNOW

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION STAFF

MASTER OF CEREMONIESDANA HAYNES AND BRAD MOELLER

SPOKANE YOUTH SPORTS AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEEHERB ROTCHFORD, COMMITTEE CHAIR

JEFF COLLITON

PAMELA PARKS

CAJER NEELY

BILL AMES

GREG LEE

PATRICK LYNCH

JOHN FRITZ

STEVE HERTZ

JEFF COLLITON, CHAIR

STEVEN JONES

MARK CASEY

LYNNELLE CAUDILL

KARA HEATHERLY

DOUG KELLEY

BILL MAXEY

BOB MINNIX

AGAINST ALL ODDSSPECIAL SPORTS AWARDS

IAN ANDERSONLEWIS & CLARK HIGH SCHOOLIan’s passion for football, basketball and track are not measured by setting records but in his dedication to daily practice and participation as well as from love, respect and camaraderie from his teammates. With Asperger’s Syndrome, Ian doesn’t play in many game situations but that didn’t stop him from being voted “Most Inspirational Player” on both his varsity football and basketball team. His dedication and devotion to his team is unwavering.

RILEE KEMPERDEER PARK HIGH SCHOOLA shoulder injury put Rilee’s future as an archer in jeopardy. After undergoing surgery to repair her shoulder, doctor’s predicted recovery would take a year, but she worked hard in therapy, and was able to get back out on the field after only eight weeks of reconditioning. Now, Rilee is on track to attend the IBO World Championships. This fall, she will be attending EWU on an academic scholarship.

SAM DOWDGONZAGA PREPARATORY SCHOOLJust a few short years ago, Sam was homeless and living on the streets. After finding a home in Spokane and at G-Prep, Sam has excelled as an athlete and student. Named 1st Team All-GSL Football and Basketball, Sam is an outstanding contributor to both sports. Sam’s kindness and warm personality have made a huge impact on the Gonzaga Prep community. Sam has earned a well-deserved place at Carroll College this fall.

TAM NGUYENJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLAs an outstanding tennis player at Rogers High School, Tam was named “Most Improved” and “Most Inspirational” by her teammates—but it is her drive and work ethic in her personal life that really sets her apart. In addition to tennis, a heavy AP class load, and maintaining a 3.3GPA, Tam has worked to cover her own expenses during her senior year as well as preparing financially for her upcoming future in college.

CARLOS RIOJASMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLCarlos is an award-winning athlete with a winning attitude at Mt. Spokane High School. His accomplishments in javelin and 110 High Hurdles have earned him spots at Districts, Regionals and State—achieving top national rankings in javelin. As a starter on the football team, he was awarded “Honorable Mention All-League GSL.” Carlos has spent his senior year living with friends, supporting himself financially, and still maintains eligibility academically and athletically.

ELIJAH RODRIGUEZJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLCaptain of the track team as well as a football running back, Elijah is even more well-known for his big heart and showing respect for his fellow athletes and classmates. With a rough start to high school, Elijah has turned around his life and is actively involved with ROTC and spends much of his free time serving others in need. His coach describes Elijah as hard-working, generous, and a “warrior.”

ROBERT RUCKERJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLRobert started playing basketball in 6th grade. He has never had the opportunity to participate in club sports. His skills on the court only came from his commitment to practicing on his own. Coming from extreme poverty, and at times, being the sole care-taker for his younger brother and sister, Robert’s own perseverance and determination has helped him achieve greatness in basketball—becoming 2nd Team All-GSL. Robert is committed to his future goal of playing college basketball.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

This special category spotlights students that are not only impressive athletes but have thrived despite challenges that have come their way. We are proud to honor each of them.

JUDGE JIM MURPHY

CAJER NEELY

PAM PARKS

DAVE PIER

BARB RICHEY

HERB ROTCHFORD

RITA SANTILLANES

RUSS WHEAT

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD

DURING THE CEREMONY, PLEASE USE HASHTAGS:

#SPORTSINSPOKANE

#NWPREPSNOW

TOP FEMALE COACH

TOP MALE COACH

SIERRA BEZDICEKMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLSierra is a top golfer at Mt. Spokane High School. She has placed at WIAA State Golf Championships each of the last three years, received GSL Player of the Year for two years and held the title of Washington Jr. Golf Association District 5 Champ from 2005–2011. Sierra has maintained a GPA of 3.87. She will be playing for Northern Arizona University starting in 2014.

TALARA FROSTNORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOLWhile coaching at Simpson University, Talara Frost had the honor of being part of the 2002 NCCAA National Championship Basketball Team. She finished her first year as Head Coach of Northwest Christian Lady Crusaders, where she led her team to 27-3 season, District 7B Championship, and a 5th place the WIAA State ‘B’ Championship.

BRETT RYPIENSHADLE PARK HIGH SCHOOLAs quarterback for Shadle Park High School’s Football team, Brett has earned the title of WIAA 3A All-State Quarterback and exhibited his outstanding athleticism. In 2013, Brett threw for 4,086 yards and 57 touchdowns, leading him to be ranked one of the Top 10 Quarterbacks in the USA for the Class of 2015. He earned a state all-time record for passing yards in a game, completing 613 yards with 8 touchdowns. Along with an excellent GPA of 4.0 and fine leadership qualities, Brett is highly respected by his teachers and peers.

MIKE ARTEGONZAGA PREPARATORY SCHOOLMike Arte has been coaching his athletes on and off the court for over 30 years. His outstanding work with the 2013–14 G-Prep Girls’ Basketball Team led them to a 25-1 record and guaranteed him the title of GSL Coach of The Year. His tireless dedication, focus on character-building and passion for the sport, helped this year’s team secure the State 4A Title.

ASHLEE PEDERSENMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLAs a 3-sport athlete, Ashlee is a top-performer in soccer, basketball and track. She was named MVP for soccer and track and team captain for basketball. Her accomplishments include holding four state records in multiple track events, 2nd Team All GSL soccer as a junior, and All-league Honorable Mention in basketball. Her athleticism is matched by her academic excellence (4.0GPA) and strong community service work. Ashlee has committed to The University of Montana for 2014 for soccer and track.

BARB SILVEYROGERS HIGH SCHOOLBarb Silvey has been coaching for 24 years and is an inspiration to those around her. She takes rookies in the game of tennis and turns them into competitors. She frequently uses her own tennis stipend to purchase shoes, GSI cards, clothing and food for her players, helping her culturally diverse team reach success for perhaps the first time in their lives.

DEXTER SIENKOST. GEORGE’S SCHOOLDexter’s excellent basketball skills have helped his Saint George’s team qualify for state three years in a row, winning one championship and a 2nd place finish. He was named 2B State Player of the Year in 2013–14 by both the Coach’s Association and the AP. Dexter finished out his senior year by becoming Northeast League MVP, first team All-State and All-League with an overall record of 1560 points, 902 rebounds and 232 blocked shots.

ANDRES MONRROYCENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLAs Washington State’s 2013 Soccer Coaches Association 4A Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year, and with a record of 17-1-1, Andres turned CV soccer into a powerhouse program. With three years of winning seasons, he took it to the next level in 2013 by coaching his team to victory at the 2013 4A State Championship.

JENNA SCHLOSSERMEAD HIGH SCHOOLJenna, who is number one all-around in the GSL in gymnastics, earned 1st Team All-League honors. Her all-around average was 1.5 points better than her nearest competitor. She led the Panthers to the GSL Title, District Title, Regional Title and her State Championship on the floor exercise, and helped Mead capture 3rd at the State Gymnastics Meet. Jenna is a junior at Mead High School with a 3.5 GPA.

TOMIE ZUCHETTOPARASPORT SPOKANECoaching as a volunteer for 14 years, Tomie Zuchetto has dedicated over 10,000 hours to her athletes and is now President of ParaSport Spokane. She has twice taken her wheelchair basketball team to the West Coast Conference Championships Sweet 16. This past January, she was honored as the first female coach from the WCC to sit on the NWBA selection committee for the 2014 World Championship Women’s Team.

KAI WILMOTNORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLKai is a top runner for North Central High School’s Cross Country team. He has placed 4th at State 3A championships and 4th at Northwest Regionals, and took the title of 2014 National Champion for the Nike Cross Nationals, where he set a course record time of 15:00. Because of this achievement, Kai was selected as 2013-2014 Gatorade Washington Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. Along with his athletic achievements he has maintained a 3.98 GPA, which has helped him secure a place at Wisconsin State University.

JON SCHUHUNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOLWith a 4-year record of 76-1 and eight GSL titles for his Slowpitch team, Coach Jon Schuh knows what it takes to make champion softball players. During his tenure at University High School, Jon’s Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball teams have secured 13 GSL titles, 14 district titles, and a 4th Place finish at State. Jon has helped more players move on to play at a collegiate level than any other coach in the league.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY THIS AWARD

SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL FEMALE ATHLETE

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL MALE ATHLETE

CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAMWith their WSSCA 4A Soccer Coach of the year, Andres Monrroy, at the helm, the Central Valley High School Girls Team secured the GSL and District 8 Championship titles, and ultimately, the WIAA 4A Girls Soccer State Championship. With two players being named All-State MVP’s and a winning record of 17-1-1, the Central Valley Girls Soccer Team have created a name for themselves that will not soon be forgotten.

FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMThe Freeman boys played a perfect 14-0 season this year, fighting their way to take the WIAA 1A State Championship—for the first time in school history!

GONZAGA PREPARATORY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM The G-Prep girls finished their season with a record of 25–1 and went on to win the WIAA 4A State Championship. Tough as nails, they staged a comeback from a 12-point deficit in the 4th quarter of the championship game to beat Mt. Rainier 53–51. These girls are not only high quality athletes, but extraordinary kids as well.

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM North Central Cross Country Boys have achieved an unprecedented 38 victories in a row, which led them to become the GSL Champions, Regional Champions and State Champions for the 8th year in a row. They even secured an 8th Place finish at Nationals. These boys are amazing athletes that continue to give back to their community, with over 400 hours of community service. In addition to athletic achievement, 28 out of 40 athletes are in AP or honors courses.

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SLOW PITCH SOFTBALLAs the 2013 GSL and District Champs, the University High Girls have had an undefeated season of 22-0. The program overall has lost only 1 game in the last 4 years, and no other team in the GSL has been so dominant over the last 8 years.

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAMFor the first time in the school’s 105 year history, the North Central Boys Wrestling Team took six athletes to state and won the 3A State Championship—with all six team members placing. It was an amazing “come-from-behind” win for the Indians. Nicknamed “The Super 6” by the Spokesman Review, the boys wrestled against teams that had 9–11 wrestlers, and wrestled perfectly. Five out of the six athletes are underclassmen and will be returning next year.

RILEE KEMPERDEER PARK ARCHERY CLUBRilee is an accomplished Archer from Deer Park High School who has taken first place at State Archery the past 4 years. At the IBO shoots during the summer of 2013, she finished first in Washington and Oregon, and qualified for the IBO Worlds in Pennsylvania. Rilee has achieved all of this after facing the difficult obstacle of shoulder surgery. Riley also maintained a 3.87 GPA and will attend Eastern Washington University with an academic scholarship.

MIKILA SALAZARPARASPORT SPOKANEWith accomplishments like a selection to the All-Tournament team for the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships, All-Tournament Athlete for the Women’s Division Regional Competition, and selection to the all-star team for the West Coast Conference Championships, Mikila is always bringing her toughest game to the court. Mikila has also achieved accomplishments as a competitive wheelchair racer. Mikila will be attending one of the highest ranked colleges for wheelchair basketball at the University of Texas at Arlington.

MICHELE STRAUSSSPOKANE DIAMONDSAs pitcher for the Spokane Diamonds Softball Team, Michelle has a batting average above 0.400 and numerous strikeouts. For the past eight summers, she has played for the Spokane Dawgs Fastpitch Softball team, where she earned praise from coaches, parents and opponents alike for her respect for the game and her desire to excel at it. Michelle is an excellent student with an A average and also spends countless hours volunteering in the community. She will be pitching for Spokane Falls Community College in 2014.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

WILL BUGHIDYNAMIC GYMNASTICS ACADEMYLevel 10 gymnast, Will Bughi, has won numerous regional competitions through his dedication and sacrifices. He also carries the distinction of current Champion of the Metroplex Challenge, which hosts over 4,000 athletes each year. Because of his 3.8 GPA, high academic achievements, and natural leadership ability, Will serves as a great role model to younger gymnasts.

SAM POLSINUNIVERSITY/CENTRAL VALLEY TITANS LACROSSESam Polsin serves as the captain of his University and Central Valley Titans Lacrosse team and is currently leading his conference in ground balls. He has helped his team secure a state ranking of 4th place in their division. Sam has also used his talents on the lacrosse field and in the classroom to secure a scholarship at the Division II College, Notre Dame de Namur in California.

ALLAN ROYSPOKANE AREA SWIMMINGAllan has been the key athlete in his Spokane Area Swimming Club and has been successful in helping to rebuild the dwindling local club. He qualified for the Speedo Senior Sectional Championships and represented the Inland Empire Swimming League and Spokane Area Swimming at the Western Zone Championship in Fresno, California last summer.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP FEMALE TEAM

NON-HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL FEMALE ATHLETE NON-HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL MALE ATHLETE

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP MALE TEAM

CENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER TEAMWith their WSSCA 4A Soccer Coach of the year, Andres Monrroy, at the helm, the Central Valley High School Girls Team secured the GSL and District 8 Championship titles, and ultimately, the WIAA 4A Girls Soccer State Championship. With two players being named All-State MVP’s and a winning record of 17-1-1, the Central Valley Girls Soccer Team have created a name for themselves that will not soon be forgotten.

FREEMAN HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAMThe Freeman boys played a perfect 14-0 season this year, fighting their way to take the WIAA 1A State Championship—for the first time in school history!

GONZAGA PREPARATORY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM The G-Prep girls finished their season with a record of 25–1 and went on to win the WIAA 4A State Championship. Tough as nails, they staged a comeback from a 12-point deficit in the 4th quarter of the championship game to beat Mt. Rainier 53–51. These girls are not only high quality athletes, but extraordinary kids as well.

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS CROSS COUNTRY TEAM North Central Cross Country Boys have achieved an unprecedented 38 victories in a row, which led them to become the GSL Champions, Regional Champions and State Champions for the 8th year in a row. They even secured an 8th Place finish at Nationals. These boys are amazing athletes that continue to give back to their community, with over 400 hours of community service. In addition to athletic achievement, 28 out of 40 athletes are in AP or honors courses.

UNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOL SLOW PITCH SOFTBALLAs the 2013 GSL and District Champs, the University High Girls have had an undefeated season of 22-0. The program overall has lost only 1 game in the last 4 years, and no other team in the GSL has been so dominant over the last 8 years.

NORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAMFor the first time in the school’s 105 year history, the North Central Boys Wrestling Team took six athletes to state and won the 3A State Championship—with all six team members placing. It was an amazing “come-from-behind” win for the Indians. Nicknamed “The Super 6” by the Spokesman Review, the boys wrestled against teams that had 9–11 wrestlers, and wrestled perfectly. Five out of the six athletes are underclassmen and will be returning next year.

RILEE KEMPERDEER PARK ARCHERY CLUBRilee is an accomplished Archer from Deer Park High School who has taken first place at State Archery the past 4 years. At the IBO shoots during the summer of 2013, she finished first in Washington and Oregon, and qualified for the IBO Worlds in Pennsylvania. Rilee has achieved all of this after facing the difficult obstacle of shoulder surgery. Riley also maintained a 3.87 GPA and will attend Eastern Washington University with an academic scholarship.

MIKILA SALAZARPARASPORT SPOKANEWith accomplishments like a selection to the All-Tournament team for the National Wheelchair Basketball Championships, All-Tournament Athlete for the Women’s Division Regional Competition, and selection to the all-star team for the West Coast Conference Championships, Mikila is always bringing her toughest game to the court. Mikila has also achieved accomplishments as a competitive wheelchair racer. Mikila will be attending one of the highest ranked colleges for wheelchair basketball at the University of Texas at Arlington.

MICHELE STRAUSSSPOKANE DIAMONDSAs pitcher for the Spokane Diamonds Softball Team, Michelle has a batting average above 0.400 and numerous strikeouts. For the past eight summers, she has played for the Spokane Dawgs Fastpitch Softball team, where she earned praise from coaches, parents and opponents alike for her respect for the game and her desire to excel at it. Michelle is an excellent student with an A average and also spends countless hours volunteering in the community. She will be pitching for Spokane Falls Community College in 2014.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

WILL BUGHIDYNAMIC GYMNASTICS ACADEMYLevel 10 gymnast, Will Bughi, has won numerous regional competitions through his dedication and sacrifices. He also carries the distinction of current Champion of the Metroplex Challenge, which hosts over 4,000 athletes each year. Because of his 3.8 GPA, high academic achievements, and natural leadership ability, Will serves as a great role model to younger gymnasts.

SAM POLSINUNIVERSITY/CENTRAL VALLEY TITANS LACROSSESam Polsin serves as the captain of his University and Central Valley Titans Lacrosse team and is currently leading his conference in ground balls. He has helped his team secure a state ranking of 4th place in their division. Sam has also used his talents on the lacrosse field and in the classroom to secure a scholarship at the Division II College, Notre Dame de Namur in California.

ALLAN ROYSPOKANE AREA SWIMMINGAllan has been the key athlete in his Spokane Area Swimming Club and has been successful in helping to rebuild the dwindling local club. He qualified for the Speedo Senior Sectional Championships and represented the Inland Empire Swimming League and Spokane Area Swimming at the Western Zone Championship in Fresno, California last summer.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP FEMALE TEAM

NON-HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL FEMALE ATHLETE NON-HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL MALE ATHLETE

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP MALE TEAM

TOP FEMALE COACH

TOP MALE COACH

SIERRA BEZDICEKMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLSierra is a top golfer at Mt. Spokane High School. She has placed at WIAA State Golf Championships each of the last three years, received GSL Player of the Year for two years and held the title of Washington Jr. Golf Association District 5 Champ from 2005–2011. Sierra has maintained a GPA of 3.87. She will be playing for Northern Arizona University starting in 2014.

TALARA FROSTNORTHWEST CHRISTIAN SCHOOLWhile coaching at Simpson University, Talara Frost had the honor of being part of the 2002 NCCAA National Championship Basketball Team. She finished her first year as Head Coach of Northwest Christian Lady Crusaders, where she led her team to 27-3 season, District 7B Championship, and a 5th place the WIAA State ‘B’ Championship.

BRETT RYPIENSHADLE PARK HIGH SCHOOLAs quarterback for Shadle Park High School’s Football team, Brett has earned the title of WIAA 3A All-State Quarterback and exhibited his outstanding athleticism. In 2013, Brett threw for 4,086 yards and 57 touchdowns, leading him to be ranked one of the Top 10 Quarterbacks in the USA for the Class of 2015. He earned a state all-time record for passing yards in a game, completing 613 yards with 8 touchdowns. Along with an excellent GPA of 4.0 and fine leadership qualities, Brett is highly respected by his teachers and peers.

MIKE ARTEGONZAGA PREPARATORY SCHOOLMike Arte has been coaching his athletes on and off the court for over 30 years. His outstanding work with the 2013–14 G-Prep Girls’ Basketball Team led them to a 25-1 record and guaranteed him the title of GSL Coach of The Year. His tireless dedication, focus on character-building and passion for the sport, helped this year’s team secure the State 4A Title.

ASHLEE PEDERSENMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLAs a 3-sport athlete, Ashlee is a top-performer in soccer, basketball and track. She was named MVP for soccer and track and team captain for basketball. Her accomplishments include holding four state records in multiple track events, 2nd Team All GSL soccer as a junior, and All-league Honorable Mention in basketball. Her athleticism is matched by her academic excellence (4.0GPA) and strong community service work. Ashlee has committed to The University of Montana for 2014 for soccer and track.

BARB SILVEYROGERS HIGH SCHOOLBarb Silvey has been coaching for 24 years and is an inspiration to those around her. She takes rookies in the game of tennis and turns them into competitors. She frequently uses her own tennis stipend to purchase shoes, GSI cards, clothing and food for her players, helping her culturally diverse team reach success for perhaps the first time in their lives.

DEXTER SIENKOST. GEORGE’S SCHOOLDexter’s excellent basketball skills have helped his Saint George’s team qualify for state three years in a row, winning one championship and a 2nd place finish. He was named 2B State Player of the Year in 2013–14 by both the Coach’s Association and the AP. Dexter finished out his senior year by becoming Northeast League MVP, first team All-State and All-League with an overall record of 1560 points, 902 rebounds and 232 blocked shots.

ANDRES MONRROYCENTRAL VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLAs Washington State’s 2013 Soccer Coaches Association 4A Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year, and with a record of 17-1-1, Andres turned CV soccer into a powerhouse program. With three years of winning seasons, he took it to the next level in 2013 by coaching his team to victory at the 2013 4A State Championship.

JENNA SCHLOSSERMEAD HIGH SCHOOLJenna, who is number one all-around in the GSL in gymnastics, earned 1st Team All-League honors. Her all-around average was 1.5 points better than her nearest competitor. She led the Panthers to the GSL Title, District Title, Regional Title and her State Championship on the floor exercise, and helped Mead capture 3rd at the State Gymnastics Meet. Jenna is a junior at Mead High School with a 3.5 GPA.

TOMIE ZUCHETTOPARASPORT SPOKANECoaching as a volunteer for 14 years, Tomie Zuchetto has dedicated over 10,000 hours to her athletes and is now President of ParaSport Spokane. She has twice taken her wheelchair basketball team to the West Coast Conference Championships Sweet 16. This past January, she was honored as the first female coach from the WCC to sit on the NWBA selection committee for the 2014 World Championship Women’s Team.

KAI WILMOTNORTH CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOLKai is a top runner for North Central High School’s Cross Country team. He has placed 4th at State 3A championships and 4th at Northwest Regionals, and took the title of 2014 National Champion for the Nike Cross Nationals, where he set a course record time of 15:00. Because of this achievement, Kai was selected as 2013-2014 Gatorade Washington Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year. Along with his athletic achievements he has maintained a 3.98 GPA, which has helped him secure a place at Wisconsin State University.

JON SCHUHUNIVERSITY HIGH SCHOOLWith a 4-year record of 76-1 and eight GSL titles for his Slowpitch team, Coach Jon Schuh knows what it takes to make champion softball players. During his tenure at University High School, Jon’s Fastpitch and Slowpitch Softball teams have secured 13 GSL titles, 14 district titles, and a 4th Place finish at State. Jon has helped more players move on to play at a collegiate level than any other coach in the league.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY THIS AWARD

SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL FEMALE ATHLETE

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TOP INDIVIDUAL MALE ATHLETE

THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSOR: THANK YOU TO OUR AWARD SPONSORS:

THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSORS:

Spokane Sports Commission is proud to team with SWX and NWPREPSNOW

to host a special awards show celebrating Spokane’s brightest talent in

local high school and club sports. These prestigious awards recognize local

coaches and high school-aged athletes for exceptional athletic performance

as well their character, dedication, sportsmanship, and service.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU TOTHE FITZ MEMORIAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

FERRIS HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND ENSEMBLE

NEIL EVERETT, ESPN

SWX

NWPREPSNOW

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION STAFF

MASTER OF CEREMONIESDANA HAYNES AND BRAD MOELLER

SPOKANE YOUTH SPORTS AWARDS SELECTION COMMITTEEHERB ROTCHFORD, COMMITTEE CHAIR

JEFF COLLITON

PAMELA PARKS

CAJER NEELY

BILL AMES

GREG LEE

PATRICK LYNCH

JOHN FRITZ

STEVE HERTZ

JEFF COLLITON, CHAIR

STEVEN JONES

MARK CASEY

LYNNELLE CAUDILL

KARA HEATHERLY

DOUG KELLEY

BILL MAXEY

BOB MINNIX

AGAINST ALL ODDSSPECIAL SPORTS AWARDS

IAN ANDERSONLEWIS & CLARK HIGH SCHOOLIan’s passion for football, basketball and track are not measured by setting records but in his dedication to daily practice and participation as well as from love, respect and camaraderie from his teammates. With Asperger’s Syndrome, Ian doesn’t play in many game situations but that didn’t stop him from being voted “Most Inspirational Player” on both his varsity football and basketball team. His dedication and devotion to his team is unwavering.

RILEE KEMPERDEER PARK HIGH SCHOOLA shoulder injury put Rilee’s future as an archer in jeopardy. After undergoing surgery to repair her shoulder, doctor’s predicted recovery would take a year, but she worked hard in therapy, and was able to get back out on the field after only eight weeks of reconditioning. Now, Rilee is on track to attend the IBO World Championships. This fall, she will be attending EWU on an academic scholarship.

SAM DOWDGONZAGA PREPARATORY SCHOOLJust a few short years ago, Sam was homeless and living on the streets. After finding a home in Spokane and at G-Prep, Sam has excelled as an athlete and student. Named 1st Team All-GSL Football and Basketball, Sam is an outstanding contributor to both sports. Sam’s kindness and warm personality have made a huge impact on the Gonzaga Prep community. Sam has earned a well-deserved place at Carroll College this fall.

TAM NGUYENJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLAs an outstanding tennis player at Rogers High School, Tam was named “Most Improved” and “Most Inspirational” by her teammates—but it is her drive and work ethic in her personal life that really sets her apart. In addition to tennis, a heavy AP class load, and maintaining a 3.3GPA, Tam has worked to cover her own expenses during her senior year as well as preparing financially for her upcoming future in college.

CARLOS RIOJASMT. SPOKANE HIGH SCHOOLCarlos is an award-winning athlete with a winning attitude at Mt. Spokane High School. His accomplishments in javelin and 110 High Hurdles have earned him spots at Districts, Regionals and State—achieving top national rankings in javelin. As a starter on the football team, he was awarded “Honorable Mention All-League GSL.” Carlos has spent his senior year living with friends, supporting himself financially, and still maintains eligibility academically and athletically.

ELIJAH RODRIGUEZJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLCaptain of the track team as well as a football running back, Elijah is even more well-known for his big heart and showing respect for his fellow athletes and classmates. With a rough start to high school, Elijah has turned around his life and is actively involved with ROTC and spends much of his free time serving others in need. His coach describes Elijah as hard-working, generous, and a “warrior.”

ROBERT RUCKERJOHN R. ROGERS HIGH SCHOOLRobert started playing basketball in 6th grade. He has never had the opportunity to participate in club sports. His skills on the court only came from his commitment to practicing on his own. Coming from extreme poverty, and at times, being the sole care-taker for his younger brother and sister, Robert’s own perseverance and determination has helped him achieve greatness in basketball—becoming 2nd Team All-GSL. Robert is committed to his future goal of playing college basketball.

THIS AWARD SPONSORED BY

This special category spotlights students that are not only impressive athletes but have thrived despite challenges that have come their way. We are proud to honor each of them.

JUDGE JIM MURPHY

CAJER NEELY

PAM PARKS

DAVE PIER

BARB RICHEY

HERB ROTCHFORD

RITA SANTILLANES

RUSS WHEAT

SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSION BOARD

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2013–14 AWARDS CEREMONY

PRESENTING SPONSOR

ABOUT SPOKANE SPORTS COMMISSIONSports don’t just entertain. They improve communities. They drive economies. And no other organization brings sports events to the Inland Northwest like the Spokane Sports Commission. We are a nonprofit coalition of regional government; business and volunteers committed to recruiting and developing sports events. With these events come tourism dollars, entertainment and media attention attracting sports fans from around the world. Business wins. Kids win. Fans win, our region wins.