County celebrates Thurston County Sports Awards tomorrow 

In celebration of athletes who continue to brave the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are invited for the fourth annual Thurston County Sports Awards on Wed., Nov. 3 at 7 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Olympia & Beyond Sports Commission, a part of the Experience Olympia & Beyond, the local destination marketing organization, which aims to encourage sports tourism in the county. The event will be held online; free tickets are here.

The annual event aims to recognize local athletes, sports enthusiasts, coaches, and game changers. In a press release, one of the event organizers Jeff Bowe said, “While it’s been exciting to see the return of sports this year, so many athletes and coaches have lost so much momentum during the pandemic. This event is about celebrating successes and recognizing those who have found a way to make it work and continue to improve.”

Men's Sports and Women's Sports Star of the Year: This award is given to athletes enrolled at high school and colleges within Thurston County who had shown strong leadership, dedication and sportsmanship.

The nominees for this year are:

Boy's Sports Star of the Year (High School)

• Ethan Coleman, Olympia High School, Cross Country, Track & Field
• Jackson Grant, Olympia High School, Basketball
• Treyton Moss, Timberline High School, Golf
• Jeremiah Nubbe, Rainier High School, Track & Field

Girl's Sports Star of the Year (High School)

• Sarah Boatright, Olympia High School, Soccer
• Kendall Hooper, Capital High School, Soccer, Basketball, Softball
• Haley McCarthy, Timberline High School, Cheerleading
• Natalie Sumrok, Tumwater High School, Volleyball, Basketball, Track & Field
• Devyn Oestreich, Capital High School, Volleyball
• Ava Wolin, Olympia High School, Basketball, Track & Field

Men's Sports Star of the Year (College)

• Tyler Fitchett, St. Martin's University, Golf
• Cade Otton, University of Washington, Football (Tumwater High School)
• Michael Russell, St. Martin's University, Track & Field
• Jaylen Taylor, University of Washington, Track & Field (Timberline High School)

Women's Sports Star of the Year (College)

• Hallie Bergford, Seattle University, Soccer (Tumwater High School)
• Ally Choate, Seattle University, Softball (Yelm High School)
• Kathryn Crimp, St. Martin's University, Golf
• Claire Dingus, St. Martin's University, Basketball
• Regie Grady, Seattle University, Track & Field (Capital High School)
• Britney Patrick, St. Martin's University, Basketball

 Contributor of the Year: This award is given to coaches, nonprofit organizations, or donors who remain passionate for the success of sports in the county by providing individuals with better access to sports.

The nominees for this year are:

• John Anderson, Puget Sound Disc Golf Association
• Kyle Dorsey
• Kelly Golob, South Sound Roots Academy
• Lyle Overbay, Tumwater High School Baseball
• Jeremy Richtmyre, Capital High School Soccer
• Qayi Steplight, TCE Elite

Sports Moment of the Year: This award is given to individuals or teams who have achieved local or national recognition for the year 2021-2022.

The nominees for this year are:

• Capital High School Dance Team
• Ethan Coleman, Track & Field
• Oly Town Artesians Women's Semi-Pro Soccer
• St. Martin's University Men's Golf Team
• Tumwater High School Girl's Basketball Team

Thurston County Sports Legend: The event is given to county residents who continue to show his/her support in the growth of sports in the community through philanthropic events or financial donations.

The nominees for this year are:

• Bob Grisham, St. Martin's University
• Jack Kiley, Washington State Senior Games
• Donald Kruse (Deceased)
• Dwight Midles, Track & Field