CoreFirst Bank & Trust Athlete of the Year Award

Athlete of the Year nominations can be made by any person attending or participating in the Sunflower State Games. The nominee must be an athlete participating in the current edition of the Games. The winners, one male and one female will be announced in August. Potential recipients for this award must show outstanding achievement and good sportsmanship both on and off the field of play by embodying what the Sunflower State Games represent, living a healthy lifestyle through participation in sports.

2019 CoreFirst Bank & Trust Female Athlete of the Year

Kylie Lynn Hayes: Gardner, Kansas - Age 14

3D Archery & Target Archery

Sunflower State Games Sports and Accomplishments:

Why do you participate in the Sunflower State Games:

The Sunflower State Games is a fun tournament that I look forward to every year. I get the chance to compete against some great shooters, as well as friends who are like family. I participate in the Sunflower State Games because it is a great opportunity to shoot a well-organized tournament and see a lot of new faces.

What pleases you most about competing in SSG?

My favorite aspect of competing in the Sunflower State Games is that I get to see a lot of friends and meet new people. I think it is really neat to meet people who share the same interests. I always have a lot of fun and it is such a great experience.

Why is SSG important to Kansas Athletes?

The Sunflower State Games have become an important part of our state because they help form a bond between the young, the old, the rural and the urban parts of our state using sports as a common thread. It has been said that "sports is the other half of education," and these games allow seniors to pass on the knowledge to younger athletes. With its wide range of activities, it has something for everyone. It helps bring all our residents together with a common theme in mind.

Accomplishments outside of SSG?

• 2016: Johnson County 4H - 1st Place (state qualifier)
• 2016: Jefferson County 4H - 1st Place
• 2016: 4H State - 1st Place (two-person team companion)
• 2016: Summer Sizzler (Lenexa) - 1st Place
• 2016: USAA State - 3rd place
• 2017: Monster Buck Classic (Topeka, Ks.) - 1st Place (Open Class)
• 2017: Archery Excellence (Independence, Mo.) - 1st Place
• 2017: Kansas City Shoot Out (Parkville, Mo) - 1st Place
• 2017: Tri-County (Linwood, Ks.) - 1st Place (Open Division)
• 2017: Tri-County (Linwood, Ks.) - 1st Place (3D)
• 2017: Overton's Archery - 3rd Place (Open Division)
• 2017: Tri-County (Linwood, Ks) - 1st (Open Division)
• 2017: USAA State (Emporia, Ks) - 1st Place
• 2017: Archery Excellence (Independence, Mo) - 1st Place (3D)
• 2017: N FAA (Topeka, Ks.) - 2nd Place (Open Field)
• 2017: Johnson County 4H - 1st Place (state qualifier)
• 2017: KSAA State (Linwood, Ks.) - 1st Place
• 2017: Williamsport Classic (Topeka, Ks.) - 1st Place
• 2017: 4H State (Lindsborg, Ks)
• 2017: Archery Excellence (Independence, Mo) - 1st Place (Freestyle)
• 2018: Tri-County (Linwood, Ks.) - 1st Place (Youth Freestyle)
• 2018: Kansas City Shootout (Raytown, Mo.) - 1st Place (Youth Freestyle)
• 2018: KSAA Marked 3-D State (Labette, Co.) - 1st Place, NEW OUTDOOR STATE RECORD
• 2018: KSAA State-Field Division (Wichita, Ks) - 2nd Place (Youth Freestyle)
• 2018: KSAA State-Hunter Division (Wichita, Ks) - 2nd Place
• 2018: KSAA State Indoor (Linwood, Ks.) - 1st Place, NEW INDOOR STATE RECORD
• 2018: KSAA Vegas 450 State - 1st Place
• 2018: KSAA State Target (Topeka, Ks.) - 1st Place
• 2018: NFAA National Outdoor Target (Yankton S.D.) - 3rd Place
• 2018: 4-H State (Lindsborg, Ks.) - 1st Place (Open)
• 2019: KSAA State (Wichita, Ks.) - 1st Place (Field Shooting)
• 2019: KSAA Field Sectionals (Linwood, Ks.) - 6th Place
• 2019: Johnson County 4H - 2nd Place (state qualifier)
• 2019: KSAA Target State (Topeka, Ks,) NEW OUTDOOR STATE RECORD

Tell Us About Yourself

• Family: Wayne (father), Angie (mother), Austin (brother), Brooklyn (sister).
• Education: I attend Gardner-Edgerton High School where I am a freshman for the 2019-2020 school year.
• Career: I would like to be an Interior Designer.
• Hobbies: I enjoy hunting, interior design, and mentoring the Daisy Girl Scout Troop. I also enjoy participating in JOAD (Junior Olympic Archery Development) where I have earned all of my achievement pins except the Olympic pin.
• Community Involvement: I received my Girl Scouts Bronze Achievement Level Award (3rd Highest Award given out) for starting a food drive. I received my Silver Achievement Level Award (2nd highest award given out) for collecting blankets and sheet sets for foster kids. I started a book drive at school to donate books to local hospitals. I assisted in starting up the first book club for 5th and 6th grade. I also enjoy providing help for my church's Mission Team. Was named Student of the Month out of 700+ students in Middle School. Attended the Girl Scout Senior "GIRLtopic" for 9th & 10th-grade girls. Gave a presentation to Gardner City Council regarding scouting accomplishments. Was recognized by The Council for community and scouting accomplishments.

How Did You Get Into Archery?

Since I was younger, I could not find something I was passionate about. I tried a ton of sports and could never find something I liked. Then, I went to a Girl Scout camp and we learned how to shoot a bow. I remember not wanting to do it and how I just wanted to go back to our cabins. Then when I finally tried it, I thought it was cool and I told my parents that I wanted to give archery a shot. My dad then took me to an archery range, and I learned that it was a unique sport. I decided to join 4H to improve my skills and compete in the sport. My journey in the sport of Archery has brought me to where I am today. I meet a lot of people that have made a huge difference in my life. I have found out that there is always something for everyone and that you have to try new things to know what you are going to like and what you are good at.

 

2019 CoreFirst Bank & Trust Male Athlete of the Year

Brett Schwartz: Overbrook, Kansas - Age 15

Track & Field

 

Sunflower State Games Sports and Accomplishments:

• 2019 Track & Field: 1st Place - Discus
• 2019 Track & Field: 1st Place - Hammer Throw
• 2018 Track & Field: 1st Place - Discus
• 2018 Track & Field: 1st Place - Hammer Throw
• 2018 Track & Field: 1st Place - Javelin
• 2018 Track & Field: 1st Place - Shot Put
• 2017 Track & Field: 2nd Place - Discus
• 2017 Track & Field: 2nd Place - Hammer Throw
• 2017 Track & Field: 3rd Place - Javelin
• 2017 Track & Field: 2nd Place - Shot Put

Why do you participate in the Sunflower State Games:

I participate in the Sunflower State Games because it gives me the opportunity to improve as an athlete and I get to meet new people.

What pleases you most about competing in SSG?

I like the good competition it provides and getting to compete with different people out of normal league competition.

Why is SSG important to Kansas Athletes?

The Sunflower State Games allow for any age group to compete and have fun. The event gets athletes outside to meet new people with the same interests.

Accomplishments outside of SSG?

• 2016: Youth Baseball Tournament Champion and Tournament MVP
• 2017: 7th Grade League Champion in Discus and Shot Put
• 2018: 8th Grade League Champion in Discus and Shot Put
• 2018: Junior Olympics - Discus, 4th Place in the nation with a throw of 174' 11"
• 2019: Broke the Santa Fe Trail High School Discus record & best throw nationally as a freshman with 175'1"
• 2019: Won 3A league and regionals and went on to win 3A state as a freshman in Discus with a throw of 171'
• 2019: Was USATF Junior Olympic National Champion in Discus with a throw 157'11"

Tell Us About Yourself:

• Education: I am currently a Sophomore at Santa Fe Trail High School (2019-2020).
• Hobbies: I enjoy fishing, golfing, camping, riding ATV's, and driving RC cars.
• Family: Brad (father), Anna (mother), Brady (brother).