## The Owensboro Athletic Scene Shines: OT Sports Awards Crowns Its Champions! Get ready to celebrate the incredible talent that lit up the Owensboro sports scene this year! The OT Sports Awards ceremony just wrapped, and the best of the best have been recognized. From breathtaking performances on the field to record-breaking feats in the pool, these athletes have pushed boundaries and inspired us all. We’ve got the full list of winners right here, so dive in and see who took home the coveted Player of the Year titles!
Athletic Achievements
The OT Sports Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, honoring high school athletes and coaches for their outstanding performances in the 2023-24 seasons.
Swimming and Diving
The Girls’ Swimmer of the Year is Ryleigh Bevil from Daviess County High School, while Bellah Bowman from Owensboro Catholic High School and Ellie Girten from Daviess County High School were the other finalists. The Boys’ Swimmer of the Year is Max Baur from Owensboro High School, with Emmitt Brock from Apollo High School and Ethan Lippert from Owensboro High School as the other finalists. Olivia Esposito from Apollo High School was named the Diver of the Year, with Haiden Sands from Owensboro High School and Georgia Warren from Owensboro High School as the other finalists.
Basketball and Bowling Achievements
The Girls’ Basketball Player of the Year is A’yrica Hughes from Owensboro High School, with Hailee Johnson from Owensboro Catholic High School and Shalyn Sprinkles from Owensboro High School as the other finalists. The Boys’ Basketball Player of the Year is Luke Beickman from Owensboro Catholic High School, with Jonathan Moss from Daviess County High School and Gage Phelps from Daviess County High School as the other finalists.
The Girls’ Bowler of the Year is Madison Emmick from Apollo High School, with Meredith Fischer from Owensboro Catholic High School and Maddie Phelps from Daviess County High School as the other finalists. The Boys’ Bowler of the Year is Christian Miller from Owensboro High School, with Tristan Miller from Owensboro High School and Charlie Roberts from Apollo High School as the other finalists.
Tennis, Track, and Softball Recognition
The Girls’ Tennis Player of the Year is Ella Cason from Owensboro Catholic High School, with Allessa Hall from Daviess County High School and Sophey Jennings from Apollo High School as the other finalists. The Boys’ Tennis Player of the Year is Houston Danzer from Owensboro Catholic High School, with John Clay Ford from Owensboro High School and Stetson Osborne from Apollo High School as the other finalists.
The Girls’ Track Athlete of the Year is Mallary Bailey from Owensboro Catholic High School, with Maggie Greer from Trinity High School and Analea Sanders from Apollo High School as the other finalists. The Boys’ Track Athlete of the Year is Dalton Millay from Trinity High School, with Connor White from Daviess County High School and Cameron Woodward from Owensboro High School as the other finalists.
The Softball Player of the Year is Sophie Hatfield from Trinity High School, with Annie Newman from Daviess County High School and Arianna Ramirez from Apollo High School as the other finalists.
Eastern Kentucky University Athletics Hall of Fame Induction
Eastern Kentucky University inducted the 2020 and 2021 Athletics Hall of Fame classes on Saturday. The 2020 induction class included Mike Cadore (football, 1984-88), Jeff Cruse (baseball, 1984-87), Felecia (Hawkins) Hardy (women’s track, 1994-98), Jack Hissom (baseball/men’s basketball assistant coach, 1967-79), Arlando Johnson (men’s basketball, 1991-95), Alvin Miller (football, 1977-80), Charles Mitchell (men’s basketball, 1970-73) and Pat Stephens (men’s golf player/coach, 1982-18).
The 2021 induction class consists of Joe Blankenship (1962-65 & 1977-95), Amandine Faouzi (women’s tennis, 2012-15), Sue Fetter (volleyball, field hockey, basketball, 1966-69) and Lorenzo Fields (football, 1986-91). Both groups were recognized at halftime of the Colonels’ football game against Austin Peay.
Awards and Recognition in the Community
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce’s 40 Under 40 honorees were officially introduced on Thursday. According to the Chamber, the recipients were chosen based on their leadership and potential to influence the community.
Two Owensboro Times staff members were among the honorees. According to the announcement in Owensboro Living, “Each nominee was recognized as hardworking, bold, innovative, and going above and beyond to affect change in the workplace and in the community.”
The list includes educators, farmers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and individuals shaping Owensboro. The OT honorees are 31-year-old Managing Editor Ryan Richardson and 24-year-old News Associate Josh Kelly.
Conclusion
Celebrating Excellence: OT Sports Awards Honor Outstanding Athletes
The OT Sports Awards ceremony has come to a close, and with it, a new batch of talented athletes has been recognized for their exceptional performances on the field. As highlighted in our article, the Players of the Year were announced, and the list is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of these individuals. From the skillful displays of athleticism to the unwavering commitment to their craft, these honorees have truly made a name for themselves in the world of sports.
The significance of the OT Sports Awards extends far beyond the recognition of individual achievements. These awards serve as a reminder of the impact that sports can have on our communities and the lives of those who participate in them. By celebrating the accomplishments of these athletes, we are also acknowledging the role that they play in inspiring others to strive for greatness. As we look to the future, it is clear that these individuals will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for countless young athletes and fans alike.
