Powerade Player Awards 2011

The Powerade Player award is given to select Individuals who demonstrate outstanding Character and Sportsmanship as a participant in the Grand Canyon State Games. Select athletes who also display extraordinary Focus, Hustle and Belief in their sport and their natural abilities. The award will further be defined by the six pillars of Character and also the commitment to taking care of their body thru training, dedication & hydration. – This individual will be identified by Games officials for consideration.

Native Games
Basketball Harold Wilson The Lori Piestewa Native American Games Basketball Power Player is Harold Wilson. He is the coach for Young Guns from Many Farms, AZ. Harold has coached for about 6 years now and says he coaches just for fun and does it for the kids. His reward is watching the kids play. Harold was selected for his sportsmanship to the game. A young player who did not have a team to play on shows up looking to join a team. After the player’s father talked to the coaches, Harold said he could play on his team.
Basketball Mr. Nimrod Thomas The 2011 Lori Piestewa National Native American Games' Basketball event is pleased to present the Powerade Player Award to Mr. Nimrod Thomas. A member and employee of the Ft. McDowell Yavapai Nation, Nimrod has been a participant in the Native Games since 2004--coaching and playing in basketball. In this year's tournament, Nimrod displayed his character in an exemplary manner. During his team's games, he not only vocally motivated his team but also encouraged proper conduct from his team members. While spectating other games, he likewise advised his colleagues on other teams to stay in line in the wake of any tense moments. Congratulations, Nimrod--and thank you for your service and your continued loyalty to the Grand Canyon State Games!
Cross Country Alisa "Pretty" Honyumptewa The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games in Cross Country is Alisa "Pretty" Honyumptewa. She is 13 years old and an 8th grader who goes to Tuba City Jr. High School. Alisa has been running since the first grade and has been involved with USATF Cross Country and made Regional's and Nationals. Alisa is from the Bear Clan (same clan as Lori Piestewa). She was selected for her dedication to the running sports and her positive attitude. She is very polite & humble. She is well respected and an excellent role model for younger athletes. Congratulations Alisa.
Softball Umpire crew The Powerade Power Player Award Winner in The 2011 Lori Piestewa National Native American Games Softball competition was presented to the entire Umpire crew. The four umpires in the picture are lupe Jimenez, Steve Zell, Josie Ortega and Tommy Leon. This group endured scorching heat and dust for the 3 day tournament which covered approximately 30 hour of competition. They performed at a high level of competence throughout the event and kept every game under control while fighting the elements. A good umpire crew can make a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all participants and this crew did just that. Congratulations
Track & Field Ricky Milan The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games in the Track & Field Competition is Ricky Milan who is 48 yrs young. He is from the San Carlos Apache tribe in Show Low, AZ. Ricky has competed in X-Country and Track & Field for Show Low High School, where he still holds the 3000 meter run record for his high school. Ricky worked really hard to enter this event as he just came off rehab from surgery on his knee in which he received from last year's Games. He has come back with a real strong work ethic to improve his running skills. He is a very humble man and is a dedicated runner who is a strong role model for younger Native American athletes to never give up if you want to continue in a sport you love. Congratulations Ricky.
Volleyball Monica Barrett The 2011 Lori Piestewa National Native American Games Powerade Power Player Award Winner is Notre Dame Prep athletic Director Monica Barrett. Monica was able to handle multiple tasks, with ease throughout the two day competition. She was involved in many functions of the event outside of the competition. She was our host as Athletic Director at Notre Dame Prep HS, her family operated the concession, she assisted in keeping the facilities clean, she blew up the brackets for the tournament Director, set-up the Gym for competition and even assisted in crowd control. When the tournament grew in size she even graciously extended the hours we had originally booked to accommodate the players. All this with a wide smile on her face and a positive attitude. Congratulations Monica you’re a deserving winner.
Wrestling Su:K Ventura The 2011 Lori Piestewa Power player Award Winner in the sport of Wrestling is 6 yr. old Su:K Ventura. He is from the ANEGAM VILLAGE, TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – he attends Santa Rosa Boarding School. He is a Kindergartener in his very first competitive tournament. He brought smiles to the faces of all that witnessed the playful joy of youth, the experience of life without worry, but still able to give love through the spirit of sport. Congratulations.

Summer Games
Arm Wrestling John Carlson The 2011 Arm Wrestling Power Player Award Winner in the Winter Games is John Carlson. John is from Pinetop AZ and has been in the sport for a relatively short amount of time. John's dad was a wrestler and credits his competitive nature to that fact. John has a magnetic personality and really enjoys the sport and plans on continuing to compete. Congratulations to John as our Arm Wrestling Power Player Winner.
Badminton Kai-Ning Khor The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in Summer Games Badminton is Kai-Ning Khor. She was chosen for her strong work ethic, outstanding sportsmanship & positive personality. She has helped with Badminton events in the past as a volunteer and this year served as the Grand Canyon State Games Assistant Commissioner, also as a volunteer. She is not only an outstanding competitor but exemplifies sportsmanship. She is well respected by officials, team mates and even opponents. She is an excellent role model for younger badminton athletes. It shows you can be a great competitor & still be a good sport. Congratulations to a well deserving Powerade Power Player winner Kai-Ning Khor.
Baton Twirling Alexandra Spenik The 2011 Summer Games Powerade Power Player Award Winner for Baton Twirling is Alexandra Spenik. Alexandra is very hard working and practices up to 3 hours a day to improve her skills. She is very dedicated and is a great role model for the younger twirling athletes. She has been competing in the GCSG Baton competitions since she was 6 years old. Over that 5 year span she has won about 30 GCSG medals. Her family endured a terrible family tragedy in January and thru it all she has not missed a team practice this season. She has kept a positive outlook throughout and has continued to be inspiring to other Baton athletes. Congratulations Alexandra
Basketball On Pointe Athletics The Grand Canyon State Games is pleased to present the Powerade Power Player Award for 2011 Summer Basketball to On Pointe Athletics, a High School Girls team. Coached by Alfred Craig, Jr., On Pointe wasted no time in truly exhibiting a high level of character both on and off the court in their first experience with a Grand Canyon State Games basketball event. Of special interest is this team's display of citizenship, which was clearly evident when, after one of their games, the entire team lent a hand in helping pick up and dispose of all the trash in the gym at Sunnyslope High School--without anyone even asking them to do so. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you from the Grand Canyon State Games to On Pointe!
Basketball -Girls Jamee Swan The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in the Summer Games Girls Basketball Division for the GCSG-ABCA State Championship is awarded to Jamee Swan of Marana High School in Tucson. This award is given to the individual who displays outstanding character and sportsmanship and effort throughout the event and Jamee more than met this criteria. Her hustle, unselfish play, and enthusiasm for basketball were on constant display in helping lead her team to the Championship game. More than on court success Jamee exhibits exceptional effort and a desire to improve and help others improve by her example. Congratulations to Jamee Swan for the 2011 Powerade Power Player Award.
ABCA Basketball Rockne Anderson The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award in the Boys Basketball Division for the GCSG-ABCA Summer State High School Championship goes to Rockne Anderson and his Family who demonstrated exceptional effort and character in putting together and hosting the South Region of this year’s Championship. Their unselfish contribution of time, and energy to promote and help propel this event forward demonstrate the character, sportsmanship and ideals established a metrics for this Award. The extra effort and desire for the “event” to succeed over personal gain was displayed time and time again throughout the tournament by Rockne, his wife and children and for their exceptional efforts we congratulate them for the 2011 Powerade Power Player Award
Bowling Ryan Lamb 2011 Powerade Power player Award Winner for the GCSG Winter Games Bowling is Ryan Lamb. Ryan has a great attitude and a love for the sport of Bowling. He currently shows many of the 6 pillars of character. He is a great person and a displays very good sportsmanship. Congratulations to Ryan as the 2011 Powerade Power Player representing Bowling.
Diving Judy Sharkey This year's Summer Games Diving event Powerade Power Player Award went to a extraordinary parent volunteer by the name of Judy Sharkey. Judy has two athletes that dove both Saturday and Sunday and was available to assist both days with whatever tasks came her way, from keeping other volunteer's small children cool and occupied, to assist running a score table, to offering to videotaping various divers during the competition. She received several nominations for her noticable "above and beyond" volunteer spirit that cleary demonstrations the six pillars of character this awards represents every time she volunteers. Congratulations Judy Sharkey!
Dodgeball Ryan Anderson and Ed Raymer Ryan Anderson and Ed Raymer from Phoenix Dodgeball, along with Ed's wife Belinda Raymer, have contributed consistently to Grand Canyon State Games Dodgeball over the years. Through logistical, social and marketing support they have proved themselves to be invaluable resources to GCSG tournament. Their assistance doesn’t end when the tournament begins. When they are not playing, they are officiating, sacrificing downtime for whistle time. For their contributions over the years, they have been chosen as the Summer 2011 Dodgeball Power Players.
Gymnastics Grayson Buchberger The 2011 Powerade Power player Award Winner for Gymnastics in the Summer Games is 4 year old Grayson Buchberger. Grayson is a Boys level 4 gymnast and list the rings as his favorite event. He was chosen for his commitment to training and desire to improve, even at such a young age. He is very well liked by the other gymnasts and is very polite and respectful to everyone he meets. Grayson really enjoys Gymnastics as it gives him a chance to be on a team. Congratulations to Grayson as the 2011 Gymnastics Powerade Power player Award Winner.
Judo Colten Runyan The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in the Summer Games Judo competition is Colten Runyan. Colten was selected because of the outstanding sportsmanship and character he displayed at the tournament. He only recently started judo and has competed in his first tournament. He will be starting kindergarten in August and already has an outstanding personality as well as the will to help others learn the sport of Judo. We have no doubt he will excel in any sport he puts his mind to. Congratulations to our Powerade Power Player Colten Runyan.
Karate Mary Tatum Our 2011 Powerade Power Player Award for Summer Games Karate was presented to Mary Tatum. Mary is 72 years old and began her Martial Arts adventure in 1996 at the age of 57. She trained at Scottsdale Martial Arts in 2000 and began training in Wado Kai with Sensei Ray Hughes. She was awarded her Sho Dan in November 2005 and achieved her Ni Dan in October 2009. She also went to the AAU National Karate Championships in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2002 taking a Gold Medal in Kata and Silver in Kumite. Mary was chosen for this award due to her commitment to the sport of Karate over the years as a teacher, judge, refereeing and competition. Mary is the perfect role model for younger Karate athletes to emulate. Congratulations Mary!
Racquetball Danny Sardina The Powerade Power Player award for Racquetball was presented to Danny Sardina. He demonstrated outstanding character and sportsmanship both on the courts and off. He helped at the tournament desk throughout the tournament, and took over when no one was available at the desk. Danny was able to play his matches with energy and excitement and still able to run the tournament desk, including all the different parts of the r2sports software. Not all younger players have that ability! Danny is a great role model for all athletes. Congratulations to Danny Sardina
Sand Volleyball Harold Ida Harold Ida graciously volunteered throughout the day in 106 degree weather to officiate and help run the tournament. There were 128 players for the sand volleyball Summer Games and Harold took it upon himself to make sure the games were officiated and teams knew where to play. As the tournament progressed, less players were willing to officiate the high level of competition except for Harold who calmly kept score and let the players just play. The games were decided by the players and more importantly with overall great sportsmanship. At the end of the day, there were Gold Medalists but Harold's peers were chanting his name as the Powerade Power Player Gold Medalist. Thank you Harold for all your help.
Synchronized Swimming Leah Johnson Leah Johnson was awarded the 2011 Grand Canyon State Games Powerade Player award. Lead has competed in the State Games for the last 10 years. In 2011, she completed her freshman year at the University of Incarnate Word, where she also competed in the collegiate synchronized swimming program. When she returned home for her summer break, she again chose to compete in the Grand Canyon State Games. Leah has been a model to her fellow teammates of hard work, kindess, creativity, and sportsmanship. Through the years, Leah has also demonstrated her love for her sport and herself by taking care of her body, and believing in herself. We are pleased to award this 2011 Powerade Player of the year to Lead Johnson.
Table Tennis Jay Turberville Jay Turberville, playing for the Phoenix Table Tennis Club and Table Tennis and More, entered 2 different events, the Open Singles (the main event), and the Open Doubles. Throughout the whole tournament he showed great sportsmanship in his victories, as he had no losses, before, during, and after. Jay got here early and helped put tables down and whatever else needed to be done to help setup. As well, he stayed till the end and helped put everything away. He is respectful of the sport, and to the people that play the sport. Jay won big today, as he won the top two events, the Open Singles, and Open Doubles. Jay's a great person to represent Table Tennis
Tennis Alex Bose The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in Summer Games Tennis is Alex Bose. Alex has been playing since he was 8 years old and has steadily improved his game thru diligent practice. He is currently playing for the Ironwood Ridge High School Tennis Team. Alex was chosen for this award due to his sportsmanship. He is well liked by opponents and Games officials as he sets a good example for younger players to follow. He has won sportsmanship awards at other competitions and feels it is a critical value for tennis players of all ages. Congratulations to Alex.
Track Barbara Brandt The 2011 Summer Games Roy Clark & Michael Slaughter Track Powerade Power Player Award Winner is Barbara Brandt. Barb did not start the sport of track until after the age of 60. She basically is self-taught in the sport and turned herself into a Champion. She accomplished this with a uncommonly strong work ethic and dedication to the sport she loves. Barbara has won hundreds of medals over her career at the local, State, Regional, National & International levels, including some world rankings. Barbara is very well respected and admired for her positive attitude and humble approach to her success. Congratulations to Barbara as our 2011 Powerade Power Player Winner.
Soccer Doug Sharp The 2011 Powerade Power Player Award Winner in Summer Games Soccer is Doug Sharp of SMVFC. Doug and his team play the game for the right reasons, the fun and enjoyment the game offers. They are well respected by officials and opponents and always display good sportsmanship. The team, led by Doug does not always win but plays the game hard, and displays good character on and off the field. Congratulations to Doug and his team as our Powerade Power Player Winners.
Winter Games
Adventure Racing Marie Harrell The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner for the Adventure Racing Scavenger dash is Marie Harrell. Marie is a great volunteer and friend to the Adventure racing events. She is always ready to assist with whatever needs to be done and has always led by example. She is trustworthy and very diligent in her duties to make sure the events run smoothly. She is also very encouraging to the athletes and other volunteers. Congratulation to Marie.
Baseball Nick Amoroso The Powerade Power Player Award Winner in the 2011 Grand Canyon State Winter Games Adult Baseball tournament is Nick Amoroso. Nick is a Philadelphia native and has played organized baseball for a good portion of his life. Nick jumped in at the last minute & organized his team’s entry into the tournament. Nick is well respected by his opponents, teammates and has even volunteered to assist the tournament Director, Ernie Barten to improve next year’s competition. Nick is an excellent choice for the Powerade award. Congratulations Nick.
Basketball The Veterans The 2011 Winter Games Powerade Player Award for Basketball goes to The Veterans. The members of this team all played basketball together at Hamilton High School in Chandler for at least four years, and range from high school age to college age. From the strong cohesion of the team members grew the incentive to reunite and enter the Winter Games' Basketball tournament. This team exhibited proper sportsmanship not only to each of their opponents but also to each other and to the tournament staff and officials, remaining cheerful throughout. Accepting the award on behalf of the team is team member and ASU student Megan Hudson. Congratulations!
Baton Twirling Erin Ketterman The Powerade Player Award Winner for Baton Twirling is Erin Ketterman. Erin is a senior at Mountain Pointe High School and has been twirling since the age of five! Erin was chosen for her strong work ethic and attitude towards her teammates and other competitors. She is the current Intermediate Senior Miss Majorette of Arizona and a member of the Arizona Xtreme Twirl Team!! Erin loves to twirl with her teammates and with her high school's marching band, the Lionhearts! In 2009 Erin was the Beg. USTA (United States Twirling Association) National Champion in both solo and two baton! Congratulations Erin
Curling Hal McGrady The Powerade Player Award Winner in the 2011 Winter Games Curling competition is Mr. Hal McGrady from the Columbus Curling Club from Columbus Ohio. Hal has participated in curling for many years and has donated the trophies each year, for the past 8 years, to the Bonspiel winners. This year he won his own trophy. Hal is a great ambassador for the sport of curling and a perfect choice for the Powerade winner. Congradulations Hal! (In the photo Hal is shown second from the left).
Dodgeball Michelle Nguyen The 2011 Dodgeball Winter Games Power Player Award Winner is Michelle Nguyen. Michelle was instrumental in helping form the first Women's Division for Grand Canyon State Games Dodgeball. She worked tirelessly to help the ladies who had never played together form teams and get this endeavor off the ground. Without her efforts there would not have been a Women's division. She also contributed greatly in helping many LA Area players find teams to attend their first GCSG event and her contributions made this year's Winter event the best GCSG Dodgeball Tournament to date. Congratulations Michele
Flag Football Eugene Lenuso The 2011 Grand Canyon State Winter Games Powerade Player Award Winner for Adult Flag Football is Eugene Lenuso. Not only is Eugene a good player but is also a team leader. His sportsmanship is outstanding as he is very respectful of his teammates, opponents, games officials and referees. He leads both on the field & off the playing field. He is an excellent choice as the Powerade player for his positive attitude and strong leadership qualities. Congratulations
Judo Ilya Mordurhayev The 2011 Power Player Award Winner in the sport of judo is Ilya Mordurhayev. Ilya has participated in Judo since the age of 7 and is now age 23 and has worked his way to Black Belt. He has a positive attitude and is well respected in the Judo community. He won gold at the Nationals’ and has also won the East Coast Championships. Plus being a very respectful competitor he is also a National Champion and a great role model for young athletes. Congratulations.
Jump Rope Kristin Heumann The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner for the sport of Jump Rope is Kristin Heumann. Kristin started jumping in Kindergarten and has been involved in the sport ever since. Kristin was chosen for this award for her years of involvement and commitment to Jump Rope at all levels. She has been a competitive jumper, a judge, a coach, an event organizer, a GCSG Commissioner, and a committed volunteer. Kristin always has the best interest of the jump rope athlete in mind and has been a terrific role model for the younger participants. Congratulations to a very deserving Power Player Winner – Kristin Heumann.
Karate John Tomlinson The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner in Karate is John Tomlinson. John began studying martial arts as a young man in Hawaii where he trained for 5-6 years. He studied diligently, eventually earning his black belt in both Shito Ryu Karate and Kobudo last year. As an assistant instructor in our children’s program, John has become a true asset to the kids, leading many of them to winning performances. John is always ready to help the students reach the next level in their training. John’s character embodies the essence of our sport. He takes responsibility for the patient education of his kohai without being asked, while treating his instructors with heartfelt respect. He is loved by both younger and older students, who have fondly dubbed him the “heart and soul of the dojo”. Congratulations John
Pickleball Dennis Duey The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner in Pickleball is Mr. Dennis Duey. Dennis was chosen for his unselfish contributions to the games as a volunteer. He is very much involved with pickleball on a national level but took time out of his busy schedule to help the games during the entire week. This year he has barely been able to play pickleball due to shoulder problems and playing in the tournament was just not possible. Even though he couldn’t play, he was at the courts daily. Not just during play, but he was one of the first to help each morning to set-up the courts and one of the last each evening cleaning up. He didn’t wait to be asked. His contributions made a significant impact on the success of the games. Congratulations to Dennis.
Racquetball Wendy Koop Wendy is in a racquetball family, her and her husband Matt both play and travel to most of the tournaments. Both were already entered to play in the GCSG’s when Wendy sprained her knee skiing on the Monday before the tournament. She went to the doctor to get a brace so she could still play. Wendy competed in Women’s C singles and Mixed C/D Doubles. Wendy played five matches over the weekend and never once made any excuses or wanted any help but she finally had to get some on Sunday with a bag of ice for the knee when she was done playing. Wendy finished with the Silver medal in both of her divisions. She showed extreme dedication, toughness and character to compete.
Squash Brenna Dugel The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award in the sport of Squash goes to Brenna Dugel. Brenna is not only the youngest player at 10 but truly understand what doing the right thing in competition really means. During play when given a point on the match she refused to take it as she hit her opponent with the ball (his fault as he jumped in front of her as she was hitting the ball) and gave the point to him instead as she knew she should have called for a let but of course instinct carried her through. This cost her the game! A true Power Player that all competitors can take a lesson from and she is only 10. Congratulations Brenna.
Tennis Madeline Lamoreaux The 2011 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner in Tennis is Madeline Lamoreaux. Maddie was chosen for her positive attitude off the court as much as on the court. She plays the game hard but is very respectful to tournament officials and her opponents. She is a very out-going and pleasant person and is the perfect choice for the Tennis Power Play Award in the Grand Canyon State Winter Games event. Congratulations Maddie
Track Roy Clark & Michael Slaughter The 2011 Roy Clark & Michael Slaughter Track Power Player award Winner in the 2011 Winter Games is Richard Watson. Richard has been competing since age 6, a total of 52 years on the track scene. Richard has won hundreds of medals over the course of his career, but is more noted for his positive attitude. He is very well respected and enjoys sharing his track knowledge with anyone needing his assistance. Richard truly enjoys the camaraderie of the other competitors and is just as happy when they win as when he wins a medal. Congratulation Richard.
Sand Volleyball Paula Bugg The 2011 Power Player Award Winner in the Winter Games for Sand Volleyball is PAULA BUGG from Scottsdale Arizona. Paula's team was the #1 seed coming out of pool play but the official recognized her as the player who demonstrated exceptional character. A perfect example of Paula's character was demonstrated when she received a donation from The Monastery restaurant, she handed it right over to another player. Her energy and spirit is exactly what builds the subculture of what sand volleyball is today. Congratulations Paula
Sking/Snowboarding Bobby Heitzinger A Tucson Native who tackled his first ski race ever and finished very respectfully in the middle of the pack in a competitive group. He trained vigorously with Snowbowl ski team coaches including our very own race director Lynda Fleisher. He is was chosen for this award primarily for his Heart & Desire. A very gracious competitor who repeatedly gave props to the Snowbowl team and truly embodies the sportsmanship virtue we find so important in this award. Congrats Bobby!