Athlete of the Year
The National Congress of State Games (NCSG), in an effort to recognize amateur athletes and further the purposes of the State Games movement, presents an Athlete of the Year award. National winners will be chosen from among the individual State Games Athletes of the Year recipients.
Zeke Gossett 2010 Athlete of the Year
Montgomery, AL - Zeke Gossett, age 13, of Cropwell, AL, has been selected as the Alabama Sports Festival (ASF) Athlete of the Year for 2010. Zeke won two gold medals in the inaugural Bass Fishing competition as part of the 2010 Alabama Sports Festival, held June 18-20 in Birmingham. In the competition at Logan-Martin Lake, Zeke won both medals in very impressive fashion. He won the 14 and under Individual competition, defeating the second place finisher by more than seven pounds. Zeke caught four largemouth bass and one spotted bass (the five fish limit) for a weight of 16.53 pounds. Zeke also won the 19 and under team competition, where he and his teammate finished with a total of 20.24 pounds. Their team total was over nine pounds more than the second place team. Zeke’s individual total in the team competition was five pounds more than the second place team, which is almost unheard of in the sport of Bass Fishing.
*Recognition of Zeke being named Athlete of the Year is scheduled for September 24, 2010 at the Alabama State Capital.
National Athletes of the Year
Each year the National Congress of State Games (NCSG) picks two deserving athletes for their annual Athletes of the Year Award and recognizes them at the annual NCSG Athletes of the Year Banquet. The two YouTube videos below are about this year's national winners. Their stories are nothing short of amazing, and inspiring to anyone who thinks they can't find at least some level of fitness in their lives. If you are seeking inspiration for your quest for fitness, check out the videos to see just what can be accomplished.
How the Athlete of the Year is Chosen
Following the 2010 Alabama Sports Festival (ASF) State Games, sports directors, coaches, athletes and parents can nominate athletes for the ASF Athlete of the Year. A selection board will meet in August to determine the ASF male and female Athlete of the Year. Selections are based on sportsmanship, effort, attitude, overall athletic participation, achievement, motivation and special attributes or circumstances. The ASF male and female athlete of the year will receive a medal and be mentioned in future ASF publications, including the 2011 ASF Athlete Handbook. The ASF Athletes of the Year will also be submitted for consideration by the National Congress of State Games in naming the female and male National Athlete of the Year.
2009
Matthew Brannan - Bowling
At 19 years old, Matthew has medaled in each of the past two Alabama State Games. In 2009, he bowled a PERFECT GAME while leading his team to victory and a Gold medal in the 651 Average & Over division.
2008
Joe Lary - Track & Field
At 63 years old, Joe is still a fierce competitor, bringing home eight Gold medals at the 2008 Alabama Sports Festival. He also trains others to compete, including his mother who has won medals at several state and national sporting events for seniors. Joe is a former member of the University of Alabama Track Team and the U.S. Navy Track Team. Joe competes in events such as race walking, javelin, shot put, high jump and long jump.
See the Tuscaloosa News story on Joe here.
Governor Bob Riley signs commendation of Joe Lary, the 2008 ASF Athlete of the Year. L-R: ASF Communications and Development Director Andrew J. Richardson, ASF Executive Director Marc T. Riker, Governor Bob Riley, ASF 2008 Athlete of the Year Joe Lary.
Photographer: Governor's Office
2005
Julia Morris - Diving and Softball
During her three years in the State Games, Julia medaled three times; bronze in Diving 1 meter board, a gold in Diving 3 meter board and a gold in Fast Pitch Softball. Julia had a goal of qualifying for the AAU National Diving Championship in the 1 meter board event at the Alabama Sports Festival. As the diving meet progressed, she made the decision to leave the diving competition in order to be on time to help her softball team. Thus she was unable to compete in the the 1 meter event, which she expected to qualify in for nationals.
Paul Weinberg; Bowling
Paul has participated in numerous State Games and won gold many times. He also participated in two State Games of America competitions bringing home the silver medal in 2005. He has participated in the US Bowling Congress Nationals annually since 1999. Paul has participated in numerous State Games and won gold many times. He also participated in two State Games of America competitions bringing home the silver medal in 2005. He has participated in the US Bowling Congress Nationals annually since 1999.
2004
Jelessa Burwell; Taekwondo
During her four years in the state games, Jelessa has medaled eight times, receiving four golds in sparring, and two golds and two silver medals in forms.
W. Ralph Summerlin, Track & Field
Ralph participated in the 2004 Alabama Sports Festival as a Track athlete in the 100 and 200 meter dash (65-69 age group). He won a Gold medal in the 100 meter dash. His friend Beverly, summed up Ralph the best when she said that "he is a real inspiration to all that are around him" and "he has more perseverance and true grit than anyone she knows".
2003
Sabrina Hicks; Bowling
Sabrina started bowling at age 4 in 1988. She serves as the President of the Decatur Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) and the State Vice President of YABA.
Dave Drenning
Dave participated in the metric century cycling ride and competed in the Expert Category of mountain biking, which he finished third. Dave also served as the Race Director for the Alabama.
2002
Tabitha Chenault; Bowling
Tabitha competed in the 2000, 2001 and 2002 Alabama Sports Festival. She was the Bowling Singles Champion in 2002.
Marshall McMillan; Diving, Swimming, and Track and Field
Marshall competed in diving, swimming, and track and field since 1992. He has won a total of 73 medals; 54 of them Gold. He has competed in the State Games of America.
[Last updated: 2010-08-24 09:06:46]
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