Athletes of the Year
| Athletes of the Year |
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2009 Athletes of the Year
Female
Former Kansas State and WNBA star Laurie Koehn has been named the 2009 Sunflower State Games Female Athlete of the Year. Koehn, 27 who resides in Hesston, played with the X-Women, a team comprised of former college basketball standouts from Kansas, hit the winning shot in the woman's basketball championship game to win the gold medal. Looking for a chance to keep her skills sharpened over the summer, Laurie Koehn decided to participate in the 20th Anniversary of the Sunflower State Games. "I thought it sounded fun to be able to compete with my friends. I love the fact that this event allows people of all ages to participate" Koehn says, "I am surprised to be nominated and selected as the 2009 Female Athlete of the Year. It is a nice honor, I am very appreciative of the recognition." Male
South Hutchinson's Cory Kowitz, 31, was selected Male Athlete of the Year after taking home two medals in the 2009 Sunflower State Games as well as a Gold Medal in the 2009 State Games of America. A third degree black belt in Karate, Kowitz has won 86 medals since 1984 competing in local, regional and national tournaments. Now a Martial Arts instructor himself, Kowitz encourages his students to compete each year in the Sunflower State Games. "This event gives Kansas athletes a rare opportunity to take part in something special and to be recognized for their talents" says Kowitz, "I am honored to be the 2009 Male Athlete of the Year, I hope I can be an inspiration to all Kansas athletes who want to follow their dreams."
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