Another prep season is in the books and as usual student athletes and coaches in Jefferson County left their mark on another outstanding sports season.
Last week Jeffco Schools honored its 2013-14 outstanding student athletes and coaches for their commitment to education, excellence and sportsmanship with district athletic awards.
The Paul Davis Sportsmanship Award was given to Columbine (5A) and Evergreen (4A) high schools. The award symbolizes former Green Mountain High School’s Coach Paul Davis’ philosophy that athletics is an integral part of an overall educational program, recognizing traits like honesty, fair play, cooperation, competitive spirit and respect.
Ralston Valley (5A) and D’Evelyn (4A) high schools were awarded the Fred Steinmark Award. Symbolizing athletic excellence, the annual award is given to the Jeffco league schools with the best male and female overall record in varsity sports.
Ralston Valley has claimed the 5A award for five straight years. It’s the third consecutive honor for D’Evelyn.
“I’m most proud, after all these years, that in Jeffco we continue the traditions of honoring the fundamental values of good sportsmanship, great coaching and overall success of our student-athletes,” Executive Director of Athletics and Activities Jim Thyfault said. “We often find that the individuals and schools who receive these awards are leaders in many aspects of our school communities.”
Three-sport athlete Ty McGee of D’Evelyn and track star Payton Miller of Golden High School received the 4A Jeffco Athletes of the Year.
Three-time state wrestling champion P.T. Garcia of Bear Creek High School and three-sport athlete Sierra Galbreath of Ralston Valley were the Jeffco Athletes of the Year winners.
Coach of the Year awards were given to Pomona High School cross-country coach Steve Urban, Lakewood High School girls basketball coach Chris Poisson and Evergreen football coach Rob Molholm and girls swimming coach Jeanne Godaire.
Ralston Valley football coach Bill Coffey and cross-country coach Morgan Thyfault from Ralston Valley, Evergreen football coach Keith Molholm and Wheat Ridge High School girls soccer Kendra Gothard received Assistant Coaches of the Year.
“Every year, it is a difficult process to single out the top Jeffco athletes and coaches,” said Thyfault. “We have so many who are capable of winning these awards. It speaks to the quality of student-athletes and coaches we have within our high schools.”
