2023 Awards Nomination Form coming soon!
Award Categories
The Don Baker Award is the highest award received from Special Olympics South Dakota. It is given in honor of Don Baker who was a volunteer and official starter for Special Olympics events for many years. The award is given annually to an individual, organization, business, or agency that has given outstanding support to Special Olympics South Dakota.
The Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the Special Olympics athlete who has demonstrated the true spirit, courage, sharing and joy of Special Olympics. The Special Olympics athlete must have attended at least one competition during the year. Each nomination is reviewed for individual effort, enthusiasm, sportsmanship and achievement.
The Family of the Year Award is presented to a family which has demonstrated outstanding support and enthusiasm for Special Olympics.
The Outstanding Coach (Ron Stewart Award) is presented to a Special Olympics Coach who demonstrates the highest degree of technical skill and personal commitment needed to motivate and train Special Olympics athletes. Enthusiasm, attendance at competition, and effort put into coaching will be considered.
The Volunteer of the Year (Lyle Farrand Award) is presented to the person who exhibits the best example of voluntary action to improve the quality of Special Olympics at any level. The volunteer should have provided a full year of service. Members of local groups and the State Board of Directors may be nominated. Nominees will be reviewed for time of service, effort, and originality.
The Champion Award (DJ Mertens Award) is presented to any business, organization, or media outlet which has made a major contribution to Special Olympics South Dakota.
The Unity Award is presented to a Unified Partner, individual or entity that promotes inclusion for people with an intellectual disability. The nominee should actively promote acceptance and understanding for all.
Past Winners
Athlete of the Year Award: Kent Mulholland, Spearfish
Don Baker Award: Dakota Wesleyan University, Mitchell
Family of the Year Award: Sabrowski Family, Rapid City
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Leslie Antonsen, Pierre
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Tracey Steinbach, Spearfish
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Edward Jones Financial, Rapid City
Unity Award: NESC Special Olympics
Athlete of the Year Award: Noah Pierce, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Dakota Beverage, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Van Roekel Family, Ethan
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Cort Hansen, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Jackson Bolstad, Rapid City
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Visit Spearfish, Inc., Spearfish
Unity Award: Tealayna Hill, Belle Fourche
Athlete of the Year Award: Bruce Weeldreyer, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Black Hills Harley Davidson, Rapid City
Family of the Year Award: Kjergaard Family, Rowena
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Lori Jerred, Vermillion
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Shelly Wolfe, Rapid City
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): First PREMIER/PREMIER Bankcard, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Rich Riter, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Myles Kennedy, Spearfish
Family of the Year Award: Esten Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Brent Steinbach, Spearfish
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Michelle Carter, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): SD High School Coaches Association
Athlete of the Year Award: Mallory Bingham, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Brian Jacobsen, Lake Norden
Family of the Year Award: Mark Family, Greater Sioux Falls Area
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Alden & Lillie Pendleton, Rapid City
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Misty Farabee, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Rapid City Cobbler 2 Cobbler
Athlete of the Year Award: Tanner Stirling, Parkston
Don Baker Award: Kip Eggebrasten, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Bradwisch Family, Mitchell
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Jennifer Dobney, Vermillion
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Jody Grubb, Belle Fourche
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Sammons Financial Group, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Chana Sandoval, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Jan Putnam, Yankton
Family of the Year Award: Sandoval Family, Mitchell
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Mike & Cindy Markley, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Charlie Unterbrunner, Artesian
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Black Hills State University, Spearfish
Athlete of the Year Award: Matt Bosch, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Joel Perry, Aberdeen
Family of the Year Award: Heckel Family, Spearfish
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Joel Lubovich, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Salena Engels, Brookings and Beth Lalim, Brookings
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Village Bowl, Aberdeen
Athlete of the Year Award: Kathie Herrera, Vermillion
Don Baker Award: Barb Sandoval, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Kuechenmeister Family, Brookings
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Cathy Grubb, Belle Fourche
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Don Rieck, Spencer
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Kiwanis Club, Watertown
Athlete of the Year Award: Betsy Daniel, Brookings and Taylor VanWell, Watertown
Don Baker Award: Jim & Doris Hornby, Brookings
Family of the Year Award: Ayres Family, Brookings
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Brian Jacobsen, Lake Norden
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Jessica Spencer, Brookings
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Al Stockman, Rapid City
Athlete of the Year Award: Natty Clayton, Yankton
Don Baker Award: Johna Thum, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Koski Family, Spearfish
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Brett Spencer, Brookings
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Michele Zahn, Aberdeen
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Premier Bank, Spearfish
Athlete of the Year Award: Dawn Ruhlman, Brookings
Don Baker Award: Al & Jan Lenz, Huron
Family of the Year Award: Arnold Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Bo Ivers, Brookings
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Todd Bradwisch, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Mickelson MS, Brookings
Athlete of the Year Award: Matt Jacobsen, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Melanie Frosch, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Lee Family, Brookings
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Tevan Fischbach, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Peggy Heckel, Spearfish
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Brookings Utilities Huron K of C
Athlete of the Year Award: Julie Bleeker, Watertown
Don Baker Award: Laurie Meland, Watertown
Family of the Year Award: Kool Family, Brookings
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Missy Hill, Aberdeen and Jessie Kuechenmeister, Brookings
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Larry Griep, Watertown
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Premier Bank, Watertown and Brookings Daily Register Michelson MS, Brookings
Athlete of the Year Award: Robert Catherman, Rapid City
Don Baker Award: Duane Popham, Watertown
Family of the Year Award: Alickson Family, Belle Fourche
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Suzy Gehring, Brookings
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): June Wipf, Huron
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): HyVee Brookings Monogram Club, Brookings
Athlete of the Year Award: Cassie Migge, Watertown
Don Baker Award: Steve Jacobson, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Markley Family, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Dick Birtah, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Premier Bank, Watertown, Megan Dorsch, Sioux Falls and Aberdeen Chamber, Aberdeen
Athlete of the Year Award: Chris Wellnitz, Brookings
Don Baker Award: Gene Brownell, Aberdeen
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Bill Clucas, Rapid City
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Holly Jacobs, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: April Cease, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Sandi Ragels, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Kim Habeck Family, Aberdeen
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Jill Christenson, Brookings
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Dean Gertsma, Watertown
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Coca Cola, Sioux Falls, 893.7 Brookings KNBN Rapid City BHSU, Spearfish
Athlete of the Year Award: Rita Hoffman, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: DJ Mertens, Kennebec
Family of the Year Award: Steve Jacobson Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Angie Peterson, Mitchell
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Damon de Wit, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Satum, Sioux Falls and Sertoma, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Joann Moffenbier, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Mike Hilbrands, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Curt Blackburn Family, Brandon
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Carol Jacobs, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Nicki Huggins, Sturgis
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Premier Bank Sertoma, Sioux Falls, 893.7, Brookings and Special Olympics, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Corey Hall, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Bob Arnold, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Hight Family, Brandon
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Mary Feller, Watertown
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Amy Buechler, Warner
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): ShopKo Optimists, Watertown and KSFY, Sioux Falls, USD Track
Athlete of the Year Award: Joel Schultz, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Traci Wickenheiser, Bath
Family of the Year Award: Wolf Miggs Family, Watertown
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Popeye & Pam Call, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Virgil Eberly, Rapid City
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): South Park Lanes, Belle Fourche, FOP/FOP A Doug Lund, Sioux Falls, NSU
Athlete of the Year Award: Melissa Heckel, Spearfish
Don Baker Award: Ron Siebrecht, Redfield
Family of the Year Award: Roy Schull Family, Rapid City
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Steve Jacobson, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Mary Hayes, Brookings
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): ShopKo, Knights of Columbus, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Rapid City Journal
Athlete of the Year Award: Paul Lilly, Vermillion
Don Baker Award: Ross Dickson, Vermillion
Family of the Year Award: Haider Family, Watertown
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Pam Godfrey, Rapid City & Jim Adams, Huron
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Kristi Kalb, Hartford
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): ATC, Aberdeen, Crooks Optimists, KWAT Radio, Watertown, NE Area
Athlete of the Year Award: Buddy Hurd, Redfield
Don Baker Award: Dennis Schmitz, Huron
Family of the Year Award: Toby Vanderfeen Family, Watertown
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Johna Thum, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Kathi Anderson, Redfield
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Two Way Radio, Sioux Falls, Kiwanis, Huron, Public Opinion, Watertown, SDSU Athletics
Athlete of the Year Award: Kory Quitsch, Redfield
Don Baker Award: LETR
Family of the Year Award: Shantz Family, Redfield
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Deb Schooley, Watertown
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Sgt. Bill Egan, Rapid City
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): SDDC Redfield, Knights of Columbus, Aberdeen, Lawrence Co Cent, Redfield High School
Athlete of the Year Award: Tim Schellhouse, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Ron Stewart, Rapid City
Family of the Year Award: Hazelwood Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Lyle Ferrand, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Lynn Shattuck, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): CCHS, Sioux Falls, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Aberdeen, Mitchell Park & Rec
Athlete of the Year Award: Ian Mildenberg, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Dick & Kim Benning, Redfield
Family of the Year Award: Mildenberg Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Holly Moeller
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Judy Miller, Beresford
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): ITI, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Aberdeen American News, Willow Run, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Darrel Davis
Don Baker Award: Robert Gates
Family of the Year Award: Lohrman Family, Aberdeen
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Bob Salmi, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Ron Risty, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Wells Blue Bunny, Knights of Columbus, KABY, Kampeska Lanee, Watertown
Athlete of the Year Award: Angie Cihak, Huron
Don Baker Award: USD
Family of the Year Award: Popeye Call Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Lorene Sorlien
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Citibank Employees
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Alumax Extrusion, Cattle Women, EROS Data Center, SDBBCA
Athlete of the Year Award: Brenda Schmitt, Rapid City
Don Baker Award: SD Air National Guard
Family of the Year Award: Jim Lawler Family, Aberdeen
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Janet Trefz, Aberdeen
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Lt. Col. Jack Majares, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Raven Industries, Sioux Falls, American Legion Auxiliary, KSFY, Minnehaha Rec
Athlete of the Year Award: Nate Thompson, Aberdeen
Don Baker Award: Lyle Farrand, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Ed Krempges Family, Yanktown & Dick Benning Family, Redfield
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Dean Gross, Huron
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Don Gullickson, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Citibank, American Legion Auxiliary, KELO, KKLS, Great Bear, Sioux Falls
Athlete of the Year Award: Chad Almont, Sioux Falls
Don Baker Award: Ellsworth Striders
Family of the Year Award: David Darling Family, Watertown
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Fred Steffen, Yankton
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Dennis Schmitz, Huron
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Metz Baking RC, Centerville FFA, KDLT
Family of the Year Award: Wilfred Schmidt Family, Lane
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Jean Frederick, Sioux Falls
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Sandi Ragels, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Landstroms, KELOland, Knights of Columbus, Pierre, SDHSCA
Don Baker Award: New Car Dealer Association, Sioux Falls
Family of the Year Award: Sanford Hrabe Family, Chamberlain
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Ron Stewart, Rapid City
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Lois Nygard, Sioux Falls
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Frontier Airlines, Sioux Falls, KSOO, KSFY, Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, Knights of Columbus, Huron, SDHSCA
Family of the Year Award: Crayton Bouchie Family, Blunt
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Bruce Willer, Huron
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Connie Ebbersdorger, Vermillion
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Coca Cola, Sioux Falls, KSOO, KSFY, Yankton Co. Observer, Kiwanis, Yankton, SDHSCA
Family of the Year Award: Neil Nelson Family, Sioux Falls
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Ed Limke, Sioux Falls & Shirley Kucera, Lake Andes
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): Coca Cola, Sioux Falls, Jack Dellis, KSOO, KELO, Plaintalk, Elks, Sioux Falls, SDHSCA
Family of the Year Award: Ackerman Family & Tupper Family
Ron Stewart Award (Coach): Harry Michlitsch, Webster
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Dr. Charles Spencer, Vermillion
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): KELO Jacquilyn Lofgen, Sioux Falls, USD Mike Mahon
Family of the Year Award: Wirth Family
Lyle Farrand Award (Volunteer): Eleanor Offerdahl, Vermillion
DJ Mertens Award (Business, Organization, Media): KUSD Denny Holtes, Vermillion, Argus Leader Steve Mathies
Argus Leader Sports Awards
SOSD has chosen three female and three male athletes as our nominees. The winners will be announced (one female and one male) at the awards ceremony on May 10, 2019 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls. The show features various awards, contests and a special appearance from Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
2019 Nominees
Female Athlete of the Year
Adrianna Bamsey, Sioux Falls Fireworks
Sioux Falls resident Adrianna Bamsey is 17 years old and attends Roosevelt High School. She has been a Special Olympics athlete for 10 years, and participates in basketball, bowling, soccer, softball and track and field.
Adrianna has a personality that lights up a room. She is friendly and kind to everyone she meets. She thinks of others with her words and in her actions. This past June, Adrianna competed in Seattle, Washington, at the Special Olympics USA Games in the sport of track & field. She earned two silver and two bronze medals. Although Adrianna was the youngest member of our track team, she comfortably assumed the role of leader. Her positive attitude and encouragement to her team was contagious. By the end of competition, Adrianna knew the names of at least 50 athletes from all over the nation. Adrianna is the entire package: a fabulous athlete, an outstanding teammate, but an even better person.
Events: Basketball, Track & Field, Softball, Bowling, Soccer
Years in SO: 10
Addison Whitney, Rapid City Flame
Addison started participating in Special Olympics in 2008. She keeps busy all year training and competing in Special Olympics basketball, bowling, softball, swimming and track & field. Addison is very competitive, yet she always looks out for others and goes out of her way to make sure her teammates, and even her competitors, are successful and having fun. This past summer, Addison was a member of Team South Dakota that competed at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle WA. She made the whole state proud with her outstanding performances, earning two 6th place ribbons, a bronze medal and a gold medal in the sport of swimming. Addison swims the 100 meter freestyle race, the longest distance offered by Special Olympics South Dakota. She finds great pride and satisfaction in pushing herself to work harder and to get better.
Events: Basketball, Bowling, Softball, Swimming, Track & Field
Years in SO: 12
Josie Mashlan, Brandon Valley Lynx
Brandon Valley high school student Josie Mashlan has competed in Special Olympics basketball and track & field for the past nine years. What she may lack in stature she makes up in heart. When the team is running lines, Josie is always the first to finish. Most athletes can be found with anything but joy on their faces during these parts of practice, but not Josie. The smile never goes away. If you would calculate the effort it takes her to even get the basketball to the rim, it would be much like most people in this room shooting at a 15’ hoop. Not only does Josie get it there, she makes a lot of them. Josie’s specialty on the track is sprinting. Her love of sport is obvious whenever she competes.
Events: Basketball and Track & Field
Years in SO: 9
Male Athlete of the Year
Anthony Kelly, Mitchell
Anthony has participated in Special Olympics for 9 years in the sports of basketball, softball and track & field. Anthony loves sports, particularly team sports where he can compete with friends. Anthony is athletically gifted, but he has also worked very, very hard to become an elite athlete. He is coachable and always willing to learn. At the 2018 USA Special Olympics Games, Anthony was asked to play shortstop instead of his usual outfield position. He willingly jumped out of his comfort zone for the betterment of his team. This personal sacrifice played a huge part in Team South Dakota winning the gold medal in the sport of softball. He’s the guy you always want around the field, the court, or the track. He just makes everyone better.
Events: Basketball, Softball, Track & Field
Years in SO: 9
Samuel Howell, Madison
Sam has participated in Special Olympics since 2015. According to Sam, he has found success through Special Olympics because it allows him to be himself. This confidence has turned Sam into a team leader and the person his teammates look up to. Sam is over-flowing with energy and enthusiasm and possesses a work ethic second to none. He participates in basketball, bowling swimming and track & field.
At the 2018 USA Games in Seattle Sam ran and threw his way to one bronze, two silver and one gold medal.
Events: Basketball, Bowling, Swimming, Track & Field
Years in SO: 5
Logan Gauer, Aberdeen Thunder
Logan is a team player. He is more concerned about his entire team than his own performance. He demonstrates kindness, friendship and concern for others both on and off the court. He listens to his coaches and helps the others on the team to be successful. Logan has participated in Special Olympics for the past 6 years in the sports of basketball, bowling and track & field.
Events: Basketball, Bowling, Track & Field
Years in SO: 6
