2010 Athletes of the Year
Female
Nikki Barrett, 29 from Waverly, is named the 2010 Female Athlete of the Year after leading her Soccer team to the Gold Medal in the Women’s Open division. Barrett, a former soccer star at the University of Kansas, has been participating in the Sunflower State Games for seven years, winning Gold three times. Nikki uses the Sunflower State Games as motivation to stay in shape throughout the year and an opportunity to remain competitive at the age of 29. “I am shocked and humbled to be recognized as the Female Athlete of the Year. It is my hope that others will take this as motivation to follow in my footsteps to lead a healthy lifestyle and set a good example for their family,” said Barrett, who is married with two children. Barrett’s two year old daughter, Brooklyn, suffers from the rare pediatric condition known as Kabuki Syndrome. “I am driven to stay active and eat healthy to be a good role model for my family as we work together to overcome Brooklyn’s condition,” said Barrett.
Male
Justin Garrard, 23 from Overland Park, is named the 2010 Male Athlete of the Year after capturing four gold medals and one bronze medal in the 2010 Games. Garrard crossed the finish line first as the overall winner in the Governor’s Cup 5K Run with a time of 15:47. The former Cross Country and Track standout at Ottawa University also won gold in the 800M, 1500M and 3000M in the Track and Field portion of the Sunflower State Games. In addition, Garrard competed in the 1500M Race-walk for the first time ever and took the bronze. “I am extremely excited to represent the Sunflower State Games as the Male Athlete of the Year,” said Garrard. “The competition is great and I love the camaraderie that the Games provide. It is just plain fun.” Garrard is currently a Graduate Assistant for the Cross Country and Track teams at Ottawa University.
Past Female Athletes of the Year
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Past Male Athletes of the Year
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2009 - Laurie Koehn, Hesston
2008 - Joyce Baker, Topeka2007 - Alice Lackey, Seneca2006 - Susan Miller, Topeka
2005 - Gay Bauersfeld, Topeka
2004 - Joanie Starks, Lawrence
2003 - Doris Elliot Watson, Bonner Springs
2002 - Melissa Titel, Iola
2001 - Lindsey Carter, Parsons
2000 - Jana Sandall, Goddard
1999 - Emily Bloss, Emporia
1998 - Pam Miller, Valley Falls
1997 - Doris Elliot Watson, Bonner Springs
1996 - Terra Upham, Chapman
1995 - Keely Malone, Lawrence
1994 - Lavina Haefele, Lawrence |
2009 - Cory Kowitz, South Hutchinson
2008 - Matt Brungardt, Topeka 2007 - Kory Cool - Manhattan
2006 - Ian Grover, Topeka
2005 - Larry Law, Auburn
2004 - Maure Weigel, Salina
2003 - Bill Bunten, Topeka
2002 - Bob Lida, Wichita
2001 - Dean Sheets, Linwood
2000 - David Johnston, Lawrence
1999 - Nathaneal Wheatley, Cherryvale
1998 - Tim Schumacher, Hays
1997 - Dick Wilson, Lawrence
1996 - Kelly Green, Mayetta
1995 - Jim Ratzlaff, Winfield
1994 - Jack Haefele, Lawrence |
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Athletes of the Year
