Power Player Awards 2010

Native Games

Baseball

Aaron Makil

The 2010 Power Player Award recipient in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games in Baseball is Aaron Makil. Aaron was selected for his leadership and great sportsmanship. He is one of the team leaders and is continually pushing the other player to be the best they can be on the field. Aaron is very respectful to the umpires and does not question their calls. Even at a young age he works hard on his game and strives to excel. The other players respond to Aaron and his leadership. Congratulations to the Baseball Power Player Award Winner in the National Native American Games Aaron Makil.

Basketball - Boys
Executive staff at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center

The 2010 Power Player Award Winners in the Boys Basketball portion of the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is the executive staff at the Fort McDowell Recreation Center. The entire staff is motivated, professional and very accommodating in their dealings with the athletes, spectators and general public that attended the National Native American Games. The staff is led (second from the left in the photo) by Jessie Wright. His leadership skill are evident in the way the Native American Community responds to the activities and programs that are in place at the Recreation Center. It is unusual to find an employee with great people skills, the entire Fort McDowell staff posses those traits. Congratulations to the staff.

Basketball - Women's
Rachael Sandoval

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in Women's Basketball in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is Rachael Sandoval. Rachael is a guard on her women's team that staged a stunning come-from-behind victory to win the Women's division & capture the Gold medal. She is well respected by team-mates and opposing players and leads by example on and off the court. She is a role model to young players and always offers her encouragement whether winning or losing. Congratulations to Ms. Sandoval.

Cross Country
Nicole Watson

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for the Native American Games Cross Country competition is Nicole Watson. Nicole is 22 yrs old and from Chinle, AZ. She has been running since she was 9 yrs. old and still enjoys to run to keep healthy. She is a very motivated person and has a great attitude and a pleasant personality. She comes from a family of runners, and they all enjoy the health benefits that running provides. Congratulations to Nicole as our Power Player Winner in the Cross County event.

Softball

Bridgette Jones

The 2010 Power Player Award recipient in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games is Bridgette Jones. Bridgette was chosen for her leadership, great sportsmanship, and hustle throughout the competition. She is one of the team leaders and is continually offering encouragement to her teammates on and off the field. She is very respectful to opponents and Games officials. She is an excellent role for young Native American athletes. Bridgette also played in two division: womens and coed. Both of whom won their divisions. Congratulations to the Softball Power Player Award Winner Bridgette Jones.

Track and Field
Guf-T Tahamont

The 2010 Power Player Award winner in The Lori Piestewa National native American Games in Track & Field is Guf-T Tahamont. Guf is a 36 year old athlete from the Tunawanda band of Senecas in Basom, New York. Guf has been competing for 22 years and has enjoyed the competition. Tuf is a very respectful individual and is displayed good sportsmanship throughout the event. Congratulations to Guf-T for winning this award.

Volleyball
Lucas Tom

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games in Volleyball is Lucas Tom. Lucas is a “team Player” and is always encouraging his teammates to play their best. He is always upbeat whether winning or losing. He is very courteous to opponents and Games officials and never questions their judgment calls. He works very hard to improve his game & pushes others to do the same. Congratulations to Lucas

Wrestling

Tyler Andreason

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the Lori Piestewa National Native American Games Wrestling Competition is TYLER ANDREASON from the CANYON DE CHELY Wrestling Club in CHINLE, ARIZONA. Tyler displayed exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament to Games officials coaches & fellow wrestlers. Most notable was his personality and ability to befriend everyone he contacted. Tyler always carries himself with great dignity and pride. Congratulations to Tyler who has honored his family and his Navajo Nation during this competition.

Summer Games

Arm Wrestling
Ryan McMahon

The 2010 Power player Award Winner in the Summer Games for Arm Wrestling is Ryan McMahon. Ryan is currently a medical student and competes in arm wrestling to have fun. He won several medals in the Summer Games but was more interested in competing then winning medals. He encouraged his opponents and offered tips on how to improve. Ryan was respectful to the Games officials and looks forward to competing once again. Congratulations to Ryan.

Badmiton

Darcy Frear

The 2010 Summer Games Power Player Award Winner in Badminton is Darcy Frear. Darcy is an excellent player and an even better person. She is very polite to other competitors and Games officials. She is an excellent role model for younger athletes and is a very high character person and shows many of the 6 pillars of character. . She is gracious in winning or losing. Congratulations to Darcy.

Basketball

Those Guys

For Basketball in the 2010 Summer Games, the Grand Canyon State Games is pleased to present the Power Player Award to "Those Guys". The team, despite being very short on players, Those Guys put their heart into the sport in every game they played. They demonstrated excellent sportsmanship to each other, the referees and to their opponents and maintained a positive attitude throughout the tournament. Congratulations to “Those Guys”.

GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships - Varsity Division
Coach Ernie Pintor

The 2010 Power Player Award- Co Winners in the Summer Games GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships is Coach Ernie Pintor (Seton Catholic HS) and Coach Steve Currier (Gilbert Christian HS). Both Gentlemen displayed great sportsmanship in this event and were very respectful of Games officials and opponents alike. They were very good role models for their Basketball players and showed good character whether winning or losing. Congratulations to both of these fine coaches on their being named the GCSG – ABCA Power Player Award Winners.

GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships - MVP Varsity Division
Brandon Palacio

The 2010 MVP Award Winner in the GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships is Brandon Palacio. Brandon won the award in the highly competitive Varsity division. Brandon is an excellent player at Gilbert Christian and is one of the team leader. Plus he is a dedicated athlete and student. He works hard to keep his grades at a high level & works continually on his Game. He was a standout in this tournament as well. Congratulations to Brandon for winning this prestigious award.

GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships - MVP JV Division
Levett Johnson

The 2010 MVP Award Winner in the GCSG – ABCA Basketball Championships is Levett Johnson from Skyline HS. Levett plays JV ball at Skyline and is a dedicated athlete and student. He works hard to keep his grades up and works even harder on his Game. He is a good role model and was a standout in this tournament. Congratulations to Levett for winning this award.

GCSG –ABCA Basketball Championships - JV Division
Flinn Deshomes

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the Junior Varsity Division in the GCSG – ABCA Basketball Tournament is Flinn Deshomes. Flinn is an good player and an even better person. He is an unselfish player and a complete team player. He wants to win but win as part of a team. Flinn is a good example of the 6 pillars of character. Congratulations to Flinn on being named the GCSG-ABCA JV power Player Award Winner.

Baton Twirling
Kaitlynd Robbins

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in Summer Games Baton Twirling is 16 year old Kaitlynd Robbins. She started twirling in 2nd grade. She saw a flyer at school for baton twirling classes and thought they looked interesting. She likes twirling because she has made so many friends and it keeps her involved. She enjoys learning new tricks. She will be the featured twirler at her high school next year. She has attended 10 Grand Canyon State Games and won just over 50 medals. Her coach is Michele Ekstrom. She is pictured with her 3 baton coach, Megan Ekstrom.

Bowling
Joey Cotey

The 2010 Bowling Power Player Award Winner in the Sumer Games competition is Joey Cotey. Joey was chosen because of his enthusiasm and sportsmanship during the bowling championships. He cheered for every player and every shot - whether it was a great one or not. His enthusiasm and smile were contagious to both the other players and the spectators. When there was a scoring error on his score, he pointed it out to an official when it would have benefited him to keep quiet. He was a unanimous chose to receive the award. Congratulations to Joey.

Gymnastics
Cailan Gulyas

The 2010 Power player Award winner in the Summer Games for Gymnastics is Cailan Gulyas. Cailan is 6 years old and is already a very good gymnast. Cailan tries very hard and when he is on the mat he gives it all he has every session. Even at an early age he displays some of the Characteristics of the 6 pillars of character. He has learned how important it is to be part of a team & promises to continue to work to improve. Congratulations to Cailan.

Karate

Josh Speck

Our 2010 power Player Award Winner in Summer Games Karate is 5 year old Josh Speck. Josh is a outgoing, compassionate & charismatic little boy. Born 3 months early and at a mere 1.5 lbs., Josh has faced many challenges already in his young life. Despite several surgeries, countless invasive procedures & hospitalizations Josh has weathered it all. He truly looks at the better side of life and is a great friend to everyone he meets. Josh exemplifies the Power Player Award with his attitude and positive outlook.

Racquetball

Josh Haggard

The 2010 Power Player Award for the sport of Racquetball is Josh Haggard. Josh has a very positive attitude and well respected in the racquetball community. Josh is always upbeat whether winning or losing and is always gracious to his opponents. He respect the games officials referees. Josh is a great role model for younger player to emulate. Congratulations to Josh as our power player award winner.

Table Tennis

Marcus Gritzner

Marcus Gritzner, playing out of Texas, entered as many events as he could play, 4. Throughout the whole tournament he showed great sportsmanship in his victories and his losses, before, during, and after. Albeit, very few amount of losses. He is respectful of the sport, and to the people that play the sport. Marcus played in the Open, U-2000, U-1800 and U-3700 Doubles. Marcus is a great person to represent the sport of Table Tennis. 

Tennis

Chelsea Sloan

The GCSG Power Player Award Winner in Tennis in the Summer Games is Chelsea Sloan. She is the #1 player on her HS Tennis team & 2010 player of the year in the in Desert Sky Region. Her attitude sets her apart from other players as she constantly strives to improve her game. Playing since the age of 8, Chelsea is very goal orientated and her attitude on the court makes her a great role model for other players to emulate. Congratulations to our Tennis Power Player Winner Chelsea Sloan.

Sand Volleyball
Igor Astafie

The 2010 Summer Games Power Player Award Winner in Sand Volleyball is Igor Astafiev. Igor took a beating during this years tournament diving straight into one of the volleyball poles. Not only did he hop right back up and finish the play, but he maintained his composure and spirit while helping lead his team to a 2nd place finish. Igor's showed that he possesses the 6 pillars of character and that he is an excellent role model for all volleyball players and athletes. Congratulations to Igor and his team.

Swimming
Joe Underwood

Thirteen-year-old Joe Underwood really learned to swim before his 4th birthday when his first teacher, a specialist in working with the disabled, tossed him in his backyard pool, leg braces, clothes and all. He is now a familiar sight at USA Swimming meets around the Phoenix area as he lines up behind the blocks in his wheelchair. Joe began swimming competitively at age 8 with AZ Disabled Sports, and Joe now holds a dozen national records for junior disability swimming and has begun traveling to US Paralympics meets seeking to represent the US in London in 2012. As a mentor to children with new spinal cord injuries at St Joseph’s Hospital Rehabilitation Center, Joe spreads the message of empowerment that comes from athletics for individuals with disabilities. While he rarely wins races at USA swimming meets, he enjoys the competition and the camaraderie with his team mates and benefits from the training as much as any of them. He hopes to be seen as a role model to other disabled kids, encouraging them to be as active as anyone and find ways to pursue their dreams regardless of their abilities.

Synchronized Swimming

Haleigh Martinez

The 2010 Summer Games Power Player Award winner in Synchronized Swimming is Haleigh Martinez. Haleigh has been competing and/or coaching in the GCSG Synchronized Swimming competition for over 10 years. She grew up competing in year round synchro, and now currently coaches for the Arizona Aqua Stars, and swims with the Arizona State Synchro Devils. In addition to her success as a coach, she was essential in the building of the ASU Synchro Devils team. On deck Haleigh portrays the "Six Pillars of Character" - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. We have seen her character, first hand, on the pool deck and are excited to have such a wonderful coach and example to other athletes in our sport. Congratulations Haleigh!

3D Archery
Bob Zhan

The 2010 Winter Games 3D Archery Power Player Award Winner is Mr. Bob Zhan. Bob is a long time volunteer and is always willing to assist with set-up and tear-down of any Archery competition. He assists with registration and scoring as well. Bob enjoys the sport of Archery and it shows as he tirelessly works to get new athletes involved in the sport. Bob is a great role model for archers of all ages and abilities. Congratulations Bob.

Archery 900 Round
Ed Votruba

Our 2010 Archery 900 round Power Player Award Winner is Mr. Ed Votruba. Ed is the Head Coach for and one of the hardest working members of Papago FITA Archers. He has been shooting archery for many years and is one of the most respected and loved coaches in the Valley. His contributions too the sport over the years has made a huge impact on archers of all ages and abilities. Congratulations to Mr. Votruba on this well deserved award.

Arm Wrestling
Joey Galvan

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for the sport of Arm Wrestling in the Winter Games is 8 yr old Joey Galvan. Joey showed a positive attitude throughout the competition and was the youngest athlete in the event. Joey arm wrestled against older competitors and never worried whether she won or lost. Joey is a good student and a good role model for young athletes. Joey is in the center in the photo. Congratulations to Joey.

Baton Twirling
Rebecca Durazo

Our Power Player Award Winner for Baton Twirling is Rebecca Durazo from Flagstaff. Rebecca comes to us from the sport of Baton Twirling. Rebecca is 18 yrs old & has competed in the Grand Canyon State Games since she was 7 years old and has amassed over 110 medals during that time. Rebecca is an excellent student, leader & role modal for our youth. Her attitude and sportsmanship toward officials & other athletes is outstanding. Congratulations to a very worthy student athlete Rebecca Durazo.

Basketball
Cierra

Cierra handled a very volatile situation during the Basketball portion of our Winter Games competition. As a"rookie" site supervisor her high character on behalf of the organization was extraordinary. Cierra displayed fairness,caring, and respect in dealing with coaches,players, parents , and referees. A tough job to say the least in a difficult competitive atmosphere. We are fortunate to have such a good person on the staff of the GCSG!

Basketball
Don Logan

The 2010 Power Player Award in the sport of Basketball in the Grand Canyon State Winter Games is presented to Mr. Don Logan. Don handles all the Officials for Basketball for the 4 GCSG Basketball competitions each year and has done so for many years. His crew is always well prepared, courteous, fair and very professional. All traits displayed by Mr. Logan – who has, throughout his career, always lead by example. Don has always been a man of character, which is why he is the perfect choice for Power Player Award as it is based on the 6 pillars of character. Congratulations to Mr. Don Logan

Desert Challenge
David Ryberg

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for the Desert Challenge event as part of the Winter Games is David Ryberg. David is with the Heat Track Club and has been a member for a long time. David competed in Track & Archery during the Desert Challenge. David is constantly encouraging his teammates and is a great role model for all athletes. He posses many of the 6 pillars of character and is very respectful of Games officials and other athletes. Congratulations to David.

Equestrian
Ashleigh Patterson

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for the sport of Equestrian in the Winter Games is Ms. Ashleigh Patterson. Ashleigh is 13 years old, an 8th grader at Diamond Canyon and has been riding for 6 years. Ashleigh has a good work ethic and trains very hard to be the best she can be. She attributes her Equestrian success to the special bond she has with her horse and her trainer, Madison Smith. Congratulations to our Equestrian Power Player award Winner Ashleigh Patterson.

Flag Football
Pink Thunder Youth Team

The 2010 Winter Games Power player award winner in Flag Football is the Pink Thunder youth Flag football Team. The Pink Thunder was a youth Girls team playing in an all-male division and represented themselves very well. They played with heart and never gave-up in any game. They showed great character and were a very good role model for any team to always keep trying and be respectful of the game officials and your opponents.

Judo
Ryan Beauregard

The 2010 Grand Canyon State Winter Games Power Player Award Winner in the sport of Judo is Ryan Beauregard. Ryan is a great competitor yet very respectful of officials, other competitors and event organizers. Ryan is a past AZ State Champion, National Champion and World Champion as well. He always shows a positive attitude and strong character whether winning or losing and is a great role model to younger athletes. An excellent choice as the Power Player Award Winner representing the sport of Judo.

Jump Rope

Rita Garcia

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the sport of Jump Rope is Rita Garcia. Rita was the obvious choice for this award for her work ethic, attitude and enthusiasm for the sport of Jump Rope. Rita always has a smile, a positive attitude toward the judges, officials & other competitors. She works very hard to improve her sport and is a positive role model for younger athletes. He strong character is also something younger competitors should emulate in sport and in life. Congratulations to Rita as our 2010 Power Player Award Winner in Jump Rope.

Karate
Marie Roa

The 2010 Winter Games Power Player award winner from Karate Crystal Marie Roa. Started training at the Salgado Community center in December 1998. Crystal has traveled and competed across the nation in kata, kumite, and kobudo. She has competed in NC at the AAU Nationals. Placed two 2nds for the National Championships. Earned brown belt at age 13. Senior brown at 16 and Shodan in December 2008. She is an excellent student and graduated in 2009 from Fountain Valley High School with a GPA 3.0. She is now in her 2nd semester at Golden West College . Earning her AA in Criminal Justice. Then is transferring to UC Irvine. She has very positive attitude and is an excellent role model for young athletes to follow. Congratulations Crystal

Rock Climbing
Sierra Blair

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for Winter Games Rock Climbing is Sierra Blair Coyle. Sierra has been climbing for about four years and has become an outstanding climber. She has continued training on her own with the help of her father and is a great inspiration & role model for all the young kids. She is starting to get a name for herself on a national level and has done so due to her own drive and determination. Most importantly, she is always smiling and very supportive to all climbers of any age and ability. I believe she could make a great spokesperson for our growing sport. Sierra possesses this great character and positive attributes at the young age of sixteen. Her birthday was the day of the competition.

Squash

Dave Hohnstein

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the sport of Squash goes to Dave Hohnstein. Dave was chosen for his positive attitude and pleasant nature throughout the competition. Dave often refereed, played 9 matches in 3 days, sometimes playing back to back matches. He was cordial to all players and officials whether winning or losing. He is a great role model for young and older athletes to emulate. Dave is the player on the right in the picture and 87 yr old veteran Dick Daley is on the left.

Skiing/Snowboarding
Jackie Sager

The 2010 Winter Games Power Player Award winner in Skiing/Snowboarding is Jackie Sager. Jackie skied both days at the event and brought home two gold Medals. As an active member of the Special Olympics a highlight of her skiing career thus far was her appearance, thanks to Snowbowls sponsorship, at the 2009 Special Olympics World Games where she took a Gold in the Super G and Bronze in the GS. We are proud to announce her this years Power Player winner for skiing and applaud her dedication and persistence to compete against all odds

Table Tennis
Ashutosh Rane

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in the sport of Table Tennis in the Winter Games is Ashutosh Rane. Ashutosh is a dedicated table tennis player and continues to play in many tournaments in the Phoenix area. In this tournament Ashutosh played in 3 events, the Elite Open, Open Doubles, and U-1850 . Ashutosh displays great sportsmanship before, during, and after every match. He is respectful of the sport, and to the people that play the sport. Ashutosh is a great person to represent the sport of Table Tennis.

Taekwondo
Chris Jbarra

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner in Grand Canyon State Winter Games for the sport of Taekwondo goes to Chris Jbarra. Chris is a master instructor who has participated in the Grand Canyon State Games for many years. He has supported the event by bringing his students as well. He is an ideal role model for young martial artists both with his encouraging words and actions. He is a very competitive athlete but is gracious whether winning or losing. Chris is well respected within the Taekwondo community. Congratulations to Chri.s

Tennis
Josve Tovar

The 2010 Winter Games Power Player Award Winner in the sport of Tennis is Josve Tovar. As an up and coming junior tennis player, Josve shows excellent sportsmanship while on the court. He is a great role model for younger tennis players with his positive attitude and approach to the game. He is also very respectful of other players and event officials. An excellent choice for the Power Player Award as he possess many of the six pillars of character.

Wrestling

Armando Ybarra

The 2010 Power Player Award Winner for Winter Games Wrestling is 5 year old Armando Ybarra. Armando is our youngest Power Player Winner since the awards inception. Armando is a 1st year member of the East Valley Wrestling Club and the Grand Canyon State Games was his 2nd event ever. He showed great sportsmanship and was very encouraging to the other competitors. A great example & display of character even at 5 years old.