SSWSC 2020 Awards
Congratulations to our 2019/2020 Awards Recipients! All of our awards videos are shared below, in the order they were announced. For an alphabetical list with links, please download the list here.
Hobart Freestyle Award 2020
This award is presented each year to one high school athlete who has excelled both scholastically and in the sport of Freestyle skiing.
Presented by Bobby Aldighieri to athlete Riley Hodges
Mary C. Magill Memorial Ski Meister Award 2020
The Mary C. Magill Memorial Ski Meister Award was donated to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club by Mary C. Magill in 1976.
The recipient of this trophy is selected based on the following criteria:
1) Male or female multi-discipline athlete
2) Under the age of thirteen years
Presented by Scott Schaffer to Cole Contois
The Telemark Reipelykkje Award 2020
The Reipelykkje “Rap” Award is awarded to the Telemark athlete who, rather than winning a lot of races, has had success measured by the following criteria:
1. A great work ethic all season.
2. An enthusiastic, supportive approach to teammates and to telemark.
3. An athlete who is making the most of his or her talent.
4. An athlete who is a good example of the high-quality type of athlete we are proud to have in the Winter Sports Club.
Presented by Charlie Dresen to Hudson Merlina
The Flying Further and Faster Award 2020
This award recognizes a female Nordic-Combined athlete participating in the U16 or under programs of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, who has exhibited exceptional strength of character through her commitment and passion towards achieving personal Nordic-Combined athletic goals with the SSWSC, who has embraced the concept of “teamwork” that is reflected in her supportive participation as a team member of her SSWSC program, and who also has a disciplined focus towards academics. This award is sponsored and funded by Kathi Meyer, a long-standing community supporter of the SSWSC and its Nordic-Combined programs.
Presented by Karl Denney to Alexa Brabec
Erika Mueller Snowboard Spirit Award 2020
Established in 2005 by the SSWSC Snowboard Team
This award is presented to a snowboard athlete from any program that best represents the passion and dedication to the sport of snowboarding. The recipient exhibits the following criteria:
A work ethic demonstrated repeatedly over the years
An enthusiastic, supportive approach to teammates and the sport
An athlete who, through hard work and perseverance, is making the most of his or her talent
An athlete who represents the SSWSC snowboard team in a positive manner
A rider who exemplifies the fun, passion and self motivation inherent in the sport of snowboarding.
Presented by Thedo Remmelink to Dana Albers
Freeskier Vision Award
The Freeskier Vision Award
This award is presented to the Freeski Athlete who consistently displays the unique characteristics of the sport of Freeskiing. This individual possesses a positive vision toward their future in all aspects of their skiing and life.
Criteria:
• Male or female 13 or older Freeski athlete.
• Must exhibit a creative and positive approach to all different venues in their skiing and life.
• Must lead by example by having a high level of sportsmanship, positive outlook and a passion for skiing.
• This person continually looks for innovative paths and has the courage to follow that path.
Presented by Andy Michnay to David Schlicht
Cross Country Outstanding Performance Award
This award is presented to an athlete whose hard work and dedication to training has resulted in excellence in the sport of Cross Country Skiing.
Presented by Josh Smullin to Wally Magill
Stahly Memorial Award 2020
This award was created in March of 1995 as a memorial for Dave Stahly, the son of Bill and Diane Stahly. Dave competed with dedication and personal sacrifice in order to mount a presence on the tour and get to the Nationals.
This award, in memory of Dave Stahly, is presented to the SSWSC freestyle athlete who exhibits outstanding dedication, performance, effort and sportsmanship.
Presented by Cooper Taymore to Anabel Ayad
The Bea Kirby Trophy
Established April, 1993
For Most Improved Female Nordic Jumper
Steamboat females first began jumping in the 1928 Winter Carnival. Beatrice Kirby was one of the girls who won during the last jumping events held in the 24th Annual Winter Carnival in 1934.
We would like to recognize and help promote females in Nordic Jumping by honoring one athlete with the Bea Kirby Trophy.
Presented by Karl Denney to Tess Arnone
The Ashley Stamp Memorial Award
The Ashley Stamp Memorial Award was donated to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club by the family of Ashley Stamp in April 2006.
This award is presented annually to a female alpine athlete in the U10 – U14 age group
Characteristics: S.T.A.M.P – strength, talent, athleticism, motivation and perseverance
Ashley demonstrated a positive attitude, fun and outgoing personality, she was determined to live life to the fullest – she demonstrated sportsmanship and team spirit
Presented by Scott Wither to Kinsley Jacobson
The Snowboarding Excellence Award
This award was established during the 2001/2002 season.
The Snowboarding Excellence Award recognizes the Snowboard development athlete, age 14 and under, who exhibits the highest level of team participation, and a positive attitude and a dedication to the sport of Snowboarding.
Presented by Maddy Schaffrick to Aimee Wild
The Ned Grant Memorial Trophy
The Ned Grant Trophy was donated to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club by the Grants in April 1973.
The winners of the Ned Grant Trophy are selected based on the following academic and skiing criteria:
o Alpine Junior Racer and 1 Nordic Junior Racer
o Season’s competition record (entered races)
o High Academic Standards
This year there are three winners, with one alpine racer and a tie between two nordic athletes.
Presented by Scott Wilson to Nick Unkovskoy
Presented by Josh Smullin to Cooper Jones
Presented by Karl Denny to Canden Wilkinson
Freestyle Coaches Cup
The Freestyle Coaches Cup
Created during the 2004 / 2005 Ski Season by the Freestyle Staff to be presented to the Athlete that embodies the characteristics that best represent the SSWSC Freestyle Program.
The Coaches Cup Trophy was donated to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club in April 2005 by the coaching staff of Erik Skinner, Garth Hager, Timmy Meagher, Nate Bird, Calder O’Sullivan, Damian Wells and Nelson Carmichael.
Criteria:
• Male or female U14 or older competitive Freestyle athlete.
• Must exhibit steady progress throughout the season while maintaining a positive attitude with outstanding love and dedication to the sport of Freestyle.
• Must exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship, work ethic, team participation, cooperation and attendance during the season.
Presented by Ann Battelle to Katie McLaughlin
The Skeeter Award
This award was established in 1996 in honor of Skeeter Werner.
Criteria:
1) Recipient must be a female, 10-15 years old.
2) Must show outstanding sportsmanship and a good response to coaches and fellow athletes. Must show a fun attitude and team spirit.
3) Based not necessarily on results, but those with good results are not excluded
4) The award is to encourage continued participation in ski racing
Presented by Chantal Knapp to Emma McHaffie
The Asher Award
Established 2014
This award was created in 2014 in memory of Asher Lesyshen-Kirlan. Asher always had a sparkle in his eye and a bounce in his step. He was a dedicated athlete and loved everything about Howelsen Hill. Hard work and dedication was the way he approached his life, whether in sports, school or music.
Characteristics of the 8-13 year old recipient of this award:
• perseverance
• true grit
• sportsmanship and respect for fellow athletes and coaches
• dedication
• enthusiasm and love for SSWSC
Presented to an Alpine or Nordic Combined athlete
Presented by coach Josh Hanson to athlete Nathan Rind
The Barrett Burch Memorial Trophy
The Barrett Burch Memorial Trophy is presented to one U8+, and one Little Viking.
The Barrett Burch Memorial Trophy was donated by the Jim Dudley Family in 1985
It is awarded to the most improved skier in our young skiers’ programs- U8+ and Little Vikings
Winners must have been involved in the entire season of training and the Little Viking recipient must be a participant who cross-country skied and jumped.
Presented by Wolf Bennett to U8 Athlete Mathilida Spaustat
Presented by Adam Maines to Little Vikings athlete Arthur Keller
Freestyle Pursuit of Excellence Award
This award is to be presented to the Athlete that exhibits the positive characteristics that best represent the SSWSC Junior Freestyle programs
The criteria for the selection is as follows:
1. Male or female age 12 or under Freestyle athlete.
2. Must exhibit steady progress throughout the season.
3. Must maintain a positive attitude.
4. Must exhibit the highest level of sportsmanship.
Presented by Bobby Aldighieri to Teus Deering
Tyler Gooding Memorial Award
This award was established in 2006 by the family of Tyler Gooding. Tyler was a dedicated member of the SSWSC providing countless hours of service to both our Nordic and alpine programs.
The criteria for this award is as follows:
Alpine Skier, (Male or Female)
13 years and older
Demonstrates a true passion for the sport and is committed to excellence in alpine ski racing.
Presented by Robert Baker to Riley Grosdidier
The Wilber Madsen Memorial Award
Established April, 1993
This is a character award that is not based on results or ability but the love of sport, enthusiasm, great attitude and fun. This award was created when SSWSC coach Will Madsen was tragically killed in a skiing accident in Alaska. Will was fun, energetic, daring and sometimes larger than life!
This award is given to a Ski Jumping or Nordic Combined athlete each year
Presented by Karl Denney to Aspen Bennett-Manke
The Buddy Werner Bronze Award
Buddy Werner Bronze (Junior Alpine, 1 girl, 1 boy)
The Buddy Werner Bronze (statue) was donated to the SSWSC by Mike and Sherry Berry in March of 1983.
Each season, one Alpine Junior male and female is named as the recipient of the Buddy Werner Bronze.
The criteria for the selection is as follows:
The winners of the Bronze shall not have won any Steamboat Cups.
They must have shown outstanding sportsmanship and team cooperation and exhibited progress in their skiing
Attendance, coachability and peer relations are taken into consideration
Presented by Michael Britton to Chris Inglis
Presented by Matt Graves to Caley Goforth
Charles Abernathy Memorial True Grit Award
Started and funded by Peter Kurtz
Established April, 1994
Any discipline
“True Grit” Award is primarily intended to be awarded to an ability or post grad athlete, with preference going to a female ability athlete first.
This award is designed to be awarded to the athlete who, rather than winning a lot of competitions, has had success measured by the following criteria:
1. A work ethic demonstrated repeatedly over the years.
2. An enthusiastic, supportive approach to teammates and the sport.
3. An athlete who demonstrates hard work and perseverance.
4. An athlete who is a good example of the high-quality type of person we are proud to have represent the Winter Sports Club.
Presented by Tony Lodico to Axel Kovach
John Fetcher Honorary Sustaining Member
This award was established in February 1986, by the Winter Sports Club to honor the volunteer who has demonstrated unselfish commitment to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club.
The Club officially changed the name of the Honorary Sustaining Member Award to the John Fetcher Honorary Sustaining Member Award, in recognition of John’s longstanding dedication and unselfish commitment to our organization.
Presented by Sarah Floyd to Dave Zink
The Henry Hall Cup
The Henry Hall Cup
The Henry Hall Cup is an award designated in 2006 in memory of Henry Christian Hall. Henry was born in Ishpeming, MI in 1893 and was a very accomplished ski jumper gaining many titles and accomplishments during his career.
Henry was the first American World Record holder in 1917 when he jumped a distance of 203 feet here in Steamboat. At the age of 90, while visiting Steamboat, Henry skied down the landing hill during the 1982 Winter Carnival.
The Henry Hall Cup will be awarded each year to the highest ranking male and female SSWSC special jumpers at the Normal Hill US Championships.
Presented by Karl Denney to Annika Belshaw and Erik Belshaw
Chris McNeill Memorial Award
Started by Lenny and Dori McNeill in memory of Chris McNeill. Established April, 2012.
Discipline: Cross Country
This was created for those athletes who may not be the stars, but are the heart. For those that work hard and are dedicated to their sport and put in extensive hours and have been through trials and tribulations on their way to their dreams.
The Chris McNeill Memorial Belt Buckle will be awarded based on the following criteria:
perseverance, through ups and downs
Dedication
love of the sport
being humble and having character
High GPA/ works hard academically
Presented by Brian Tate to Ellory Kearns
Snowboard Outstanding Performance
This award is presented to a snowboard athlete who has excelled both scholastically and in the sport of Snowboarding.
Presented by Maddy Schaffrick to Izzy Hamric
Woodside Foundation Alpine “Cowboy Up” Award
‘This award recognizes a male senior or post high school graduate alpine athlete, who has exhibited exceptional strength of character, through his patience, endurance and perseverance towards achieving personal alpine athletic goals throughout his years with the program, all the while maintaining a strong academic work ethic and commitment to full participation as a team member of his respective program. This award is funded by the Woodside Foundation of the Laughlin family, initiated by Henry and Linda Laughlin in recognition of their son, Jesse Laughlin, SSWSC member from 2004 – 2014.”
The recipient will be selected based on their overall level of excellence during their tenure with the SSWSC, considering the following criteria:
• Must be a male high school senior or post high school graduate, currently a member of either the SSWSC U-18 or U-21 Alpine programs. and have participated in the SSWSC Alpine program for a minimum of six consecutive (6) years
• Has exhibited a strong work ethic and desire to consistently improve to the best of his ability, working through setbacks and difficulties, and exhibiting patience and endurance that are the characteristics of a true winner, race results notwithstanding.
• Has maintained a strong commitment to academics, maintaining a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA in high school. (unexpected circumstances affecting this provision will be considered)
• Has been a positive ambassador for the SSWSC demonstrated through his outstanding personal conduct, both on and off the slopes, and through his respect and support towards coaches, teammates and staff.
Presented by Mike Bansmer to Chase Seymour
The Ritter Memorial Courage Cup
This trophy is awarded to a member of the Winter Sports Club – skier, coach or parent – whose courage is an inspiration to others.
This award is presented in memory of a man named John Ritter who lived in Steamboat for more than twenty years. He lived life to the fullest,loved his family and skied hard. John passed away at a young age after he and his family battled his long illness with courage and dignity and helped those around him to feel at ease.
This first cup was presented in 1993 to John Ritter and his family for the courage they showed in helping John in his battle.
Over the past 20 year this award has honored those with courage and determination in our midst and tonight’s recipient is no exception.
Presented by Sarah Floyd to Millie Flanigan
The Scott Blair Character Award
This award is offered in memory of Scott Blair and his dedication to the athletes of the SSWSC for many years. Scott spent his time at the SSWSC for over 20 years as a coach, strength and conditioning specialist, physical therapist, parent and overall SSWSC supporter. Scott passed away in March of 2019 after a long battle that affected his quality of life for many years.
This award is for the special athlete from any discipline who is known for their sense of responsibility to others, their helpful spirit, their high value of friendship and their sense of humor. These are the characteristic Scott brought to the SSWSC and the values he left to his family and friends. A $1,000 scholarship is awarded with this award each year.
Presented by Alex and Ellie Blair to Jacy Werner
COACH AWARDS
SSWSC Freestyle Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Bobby Aldighieri to James Mac
Nordic Combined Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Todd Wilson to Josh Hanson
SSWSC Snowboard Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Tori Billings to Trevor “Apple” Mekelburg
Woodside Foundation – Coach Excellence Award 2020
This award recognizes one exceptional Alpine coach, male or female, who not only has achieved a high standard of coaching excellence but has exhibited the desire and ability to be a mentor to the athletes. The award recipients will have a passion to train and inspire athletes to be the best they can be, while providing wisdom and counsel, both on and off the slopes to build athletes that are confident, motivated and have a positive sense of personal achievement throughout the program. This award is funded by the Woodside Foundation of the Laughlin family, initiated by Henry and Linda Laughlin in honor of the dedicated coaching staff during the tenure of their son, Jesse Laughlin at SSWSC from 2004-14.
The recipient will be selected based on their overall level of excellence during their tenure with the SSWSC, considering the following criteria;
• Must be a coach of the SSWSC U-18 or U-21 Alpine programs, male or female for three consecutive years.
• Has exhibited the skills and talent to excel at coaching the sport of Alpine, and a passion for making better athletes
• Exhibits outstanding dedication and strong work ethic, leading athletes by example and fostering a positive and supportive team environment
• Has established trust, respect and an open door for communication, fostering successful athletes who train hard, take risks, and see counsel to
overcome obstacles to achieving personal goals
• Demonstrates a commitment to the mission and vision of the SSWSC combined with a high level of professional and personal conduct, on and off the mountain
Presented by Mike Bansmer to Noah Freed
Cross Country Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Brian Tate to Tasha Thrasher
Alpine Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Jon Nolting to Chantal Knapp
Freeskier Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Tony Lodico to Andy Michnay
Youth Coach of the Year
In the past, this award was presented annually to the coach who best exemplifies the Winter Sports Club’s mission. This year, we have modified the award, so that we can award a Coach of the Year in each discipline.
The criteria that were looked at in each discipline are as follows:
Someone who has served as a solid role model and does an outstanding job of showing athletes of all ages how to grow within their chosen winter sport, how to win with grace and how to lose with self respect.
A coach who has set a high standard, helping athletes realize their goals and potential and encouraging athletes to give every challenge their very best effort.
The coaches who will receive the Coach of the Year Award in their respective disciplines represent the very best of what the Winter Sports Club has to offer.
Presented by Blair Seymour to Linda Curzon