The inaugural Kent School District and Kent Reporter Athletes of the Year were announced on June 4 inside the Kent School District boardroom.
It was a two-leg sweep for a pair of Kentlake Falcons who took the male and female athlete of the year after receiving over 6,700 votes in the inaugural community poll.
“For me it was just important to keep the kids as the focus, celebrating great kids. Our message throughout was appreciating them and recognizing how much they have given,” said Brian Smith, KSD’s Director of Athletics and Activities.
Kentlake seniors Ella Wick and Ethan Loghry were named the first athletes of the year in association with the Kent Reporter.
Wick played in all three seasons this year for the Falcons. In the fall, she was on the volleyball team, in the winter she played basketball, and in the spring, she played tennis in the red and black.
“Ella is an outstanding athlete and outstanding student. So it is pretty cool to share this with her. I guess Kentlake got some athletes,” Lohgry said.
Loghry, a two-sport athlete, competed at the highest level. In the fall, Loghry qualified for the golf state tournament, which took place on May 21-22. He shot an 84 and just missed the day two cut.
Loghry also pitched for the Falcons baseball team, which also made the state tournament. He started for skipper Mike Suguro against Mount Vernon with a chance to go to the quarterfinals on the line. Unfortunately, the Falcons came up short, but now Loghry is getting recognized for his work.
“I’m kind of downplaying it, but athlete of the year is pretty cool, that’s all I gotta say. It is very nice to be recognized out of everybody in the Kent School District,” Loghry said.
The night wasn’t only about the two aforementioned Falcons, but also had a large portion dedicated to Kentwood, Kentridge and Kent-Meridian’s efforts with Special Olympics of Washington and unified champion schools.
Before awards were given out, a short five-minute documentary showed the impact and importance of Unified athletics in the Kent School District. It served as a great transition and great marker to show what that program means to the city of Kent.
“I think it is wonderful for people to be able to be exposed to things that maybe they haven’t seen or touched in their own buildings… This was an opportunity for them to see that there are things going on in their community that are connected to our schools,” Administrative Assistant Chris Kunzelman said.
There were three Unified champion awards given out. A pair of students received Unified athlete and partner of the year, which went to Marquise Murphy (Kentridge) and Welsh Verano (Kent-Meridian). There was also an award given to the Unified Inclusion Ambassadors of the year both from Kentwood: Vanessa Votisek and Emma-Lee Bogart.
Then finally, from Martin Sortun Elementary, Marla Taylor was named Unified Program of the Year. Giving those involved recognition is extremely important for Smith and Kunzelman, who know what it takes to run those programs.
Kentlake doesn’t have a Unified program, but from Loghry’s perspective, the progress that the other three schools have made is impressive to say the least.
“Sports has played a huge role in my life, so seeing it impact other peoples lives is a warm sight to see. I think it is really cool to see and a really cool program,” Loghry said.
Kunzelman’s son, Stewart Kunzelman, was also named Coach of the Year for the entire school district. Kunzelman coaches cross country and track at Kentwood High School.
The Athlete of the Year event serves as a marker of where Kent athletes can look and hope to be in the years to come.
“There will be more promotion throughout the year. Now that we and the AD’s know what it looks like, at the local level that means more than what Chris and I can provide. We think it is going to be bigger next year and I think the word will get out and we will be excited about it,” Smith said.
Congrats to all the nominees: Kentlake: Makoa Planesi (senior), Haley Enegbo (senior). Kent-Meridian: Nashayla Fellows (senior), Adonai Garza (sophomore), Marlene Veveris (senior), Zoe Emery (senior). Kentridge: Jayda Sparks (senior), Rylan Gullard (senior), Mila Tsai (senior), Giovanni Moimoi (junior). Kentwood: Sarah Wright (senior), JJ Ursino (senior), Antoine Lee (junior), Lucas Windham (senior).
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Kent-Meridian’s Zoe Emery receives recognition for his nomination to the athlete of the year competition. Photo by Robby Mullikin
Kentwood High School cross country and track coach Stewart Kunzelman is recognized for his coaching efforts. Photo by Robby Mullikin
2024 Unified champion partner and athlete nominees. Photo by Robby Mullikin
Emma-Lee Bogart and Vanessa Votisek receive awards from Brian Smith and KSD. PHOTO BY ROBBY MULLIKIN Emma-Lee Bogart and Vanessa Votisek receive awards from Brian Smith and KSD. Photo by Robby Mullikin
The four Kentridge nominees (Jayda Sparks, Rylan Gullard, Mila Tsai, Giovanni Moimoi) stand next to Brian Smith. Sparks and Gullard being awarded the top vote getters for Kentridge. Photo by Robby Mullikin
