2019 Wyoming Tennis Award Winners Help Tennis Shine in the Cowboy State
October 12, 2019: The Wyoming Tennis Association celebrated the individuals and organizations that helped tennis shine in the Cowboy State in 2019. Nine honorees were recognized at the Wyoming Tennis Awards Banquet held during the USTA Wyoming Annual Meeting on October 12th, 2019, at the Racca’s Pizzeria in Casper, WY. Award Committee members Austin Stege, Priscilla Gill and Sue Capozella did a wonderful job soliciting nominations, identifying the winners and crafting touching introductions at the banquet, making it a special day to remember for the honorees and their families.
The list of award categories and winners are listed below. 2020 Wyoming Tennis Award nominations will open in August 2020.
Click here to view the 2019 Wyoming Tennis Awards Celebration Video.
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2019 Wyoming Tennis Award Categories and Winners
Marie Robertson Lifetime Achievement Award
This award is given from time to time for individual and extraordinary lifetime service to tennis within the Wyoming District. This award was first introduced in 1991 and given to Marie Robertson of Casper, WY. 2019 Award Winner – Eddie Kolsky of Jackson, WY
Art Frakt Volunteer of the Year Award
This award, named after Art Frakt of Jackson, a longtime USTA Wyoming player, official and volunteer who passed away in February 2017, is given annually to an individual who has made valuable contributions to the growth & development of tennis in USTA Wyoming by working as a volunteer at the local and/or district level. This person has demonstrated a passion for giving back to their community or school through tennis by starting a new program such as 10 & under tennis, junior team tennis, entry level tournaments, growing league programs or helping existing programs thrive. 2019 Award Winner – Sheri Foster of Cheyenne, WY
Organization of the Year Award
This award is given annually to a USTA Organizational Member which could include Community Tennis Associations, parks & recreation districts, schools (ES, MS and/or HS), clubs (i.e., Boys & Girls Clubs, etc.) and after-school providers. Honors an organization that stands out as a leader in the district, supporting community tennis programs and local community. The organization coordinates and maintains programs and services, guaranteeing they are open and accessible to all. 2019 Award Winner – Cheyenne Tennis Association of Cheyenne, WY
Family of the Year Award
Recognizes a family’s significant contribution or accomplishments in tennis. Ideally, all members of the family represent the development & promotion of tennis on & off the court on a local and/or district basis. 2019 Award Winner – The Clower Family of Laramie, WY
Diversity and Inclusion Achievement Award
This award is presented to an individual or organization that has championed the cause for diversity both on & off the court. Through hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication, the nominee has helped to expand the image of tennis to be inclusive of diverse populations. Other considerations are demonstrating a high degree of organizational ability, success in serving all players in the area, quality off & on court programs, management structure, and involvement with the tennis community. 2019 Award Winner – Josh Cossitt of Cheyenne, WY
Courage Award
Given to an individual who has continued their involvement in tennis in the Wyoming district despite experiencing severe hardships and/or life threatening situations. 2019 Award Winner – Tessa Blough of Cody, WY
Media Excellence Award
Includes organizations or individuals active in print, television, radio or digital media. Nominee must live and/or work in the Wyoming district. Coverage of local USTA events, scholastic and community tennis are equally considered. 2019 Award Winner – Jeremiah Johnke of the Wyoming Tribune Eagle; Cheyenne, WY
Junior Player of the Year Award
This award is based primarily on high performance results at USTA local, district, sectional, national tournaments as well as high school tennis. Equally important is a spotless record of sportsmanship and a demonstration of raising the game to its highest level. Accomplishments in the classroom, such as honor roll, GPA, etc., are also key. Nomination should include a list by year all accomplishments that highlight the nominees’ careers, including ranking information. Examples of accomplishments could include tournaments, invitation to special camps or events, or selection to participate on special teams etc. 2019 Award Winner – Kelsey Hardsocg of Cheyenne, WY
Teaching Professional of the Year Award
Honors an active instructor who demonstrates a significant contribution to tennis through promotion of USTA programs, service to the community and support of the USTA mission. This person demonstrates a dedication to instilling the love of the game into adult and/or junior players in their communities. 2019 Award Winner – Eric Nokes of Casper, WY