SEATTLE – Seattle University Athletics legend Johnny O'Brien, '53, will be among those honored at the 85th Annual MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year ceremony on Feb. 6, the Seattle Sports Commission (SSC) announced Tuesday. O'Brien, a Seattle U Athletics Hall of Famer who excelled in both basketball and baseball, has earned the Royal Brougham Award.
Wayne Gittinger Award – Claudia Longo, young soccer player battling Multiple Sclerosis as she continues her career as a Midfielder for University of Washington.
Keith Jackson Award – Angie Mentink, former UW softball All-American who played professional ball before transitioning to an Emmy-winning sports reporter and anchor at ROOT SPORTS Northwest.
Royal Brougham Award – Johnny O'Brien, Seattle University basketball legend and former major league baseball player.
Paul G. Allen Award – John & Traci Schneider, co-founders of Ben's Fund, a non-profit that helps families support children with autism. John is the Seahawks General Manager and Executive Vice President while Traci is President of the Seattle Seahawks Women's Association.
"Recognizing the great accomplishments of members from our sports community is an honor for the Seattle Sports Commission," Ralph Morton, SSC Executive Director explains, "Through the Sports Star program, we highlight the very real impact people have made in our region, whether through philanthropic deeds, positive influence, or inspirational stories. We have the privilege of showcasing the expansive legacy of Washington sports each year."
Seattle University's Director of Athletics, Shaney Fink, couldn't be happier that all-star alumnus, Johnny O'Brien, is amongst this year's honorees: "Johnny O'Brien's sports achievements exceeded even the most imaginative athlete's ambitions. Through competing at Seattle University and into his professional athletics career, Johnny O'Brien is a Seattle legend and so worthy of this recognition."
Honorees are selected by the Sports Star Committee, comprised of local sports historians, media and other members of the sports industry. Though Sports Star is celebrating its 85th year, the honoree categories were created in 2010 in order to reflect the broad impact sports have in a community and the individuals who help build that impact from the sidelines.
85th Annual MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year Honorees
Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Youth Award - Given to an inspirational young athlete who has overcome major medical obstacles to inspire others.
Claudia Longo - Issaquah's Claudia Longo was a soccer high school All-American on her way to playing for the University of Washington when she was blindsided by Multiple Sclerosis. Temporarily sidelined as a Husky, she has battled the illness with characteristic determination, inspiring those around her as a fighter who refuses to let MS define her.
Keith Jackson Award - Given to a member of the media for excellence in communicating the sports stories of our state.
Angie Mentink - Angie Mentink was a record-setting athlete at the University of Washington and is now a big-time player at ROOT SPORTS Northwest. The Huskies' first softball All-American went on to play professionally in Colorado before transitioning to a career in sports broadcasting. Mentink joined ROOT SPORTS as an intern and rose from pre-game reporter to Emmy-winning reporter and anchor. Mentink is now one of the featured personalities on live events and team programs throughout the year, including the Mariners and Seahawks magazine shows. She stands tall amongst the major talents in Seattle sports broadcasting.
Royal Brougham Award - Given to an individual for a lifetime of achievement in sports and who exemplifies the spirit of our state.
Johnny O'Brien – Johnny O'Brien was a first-team basketball All-American for Seattle University, a 5-foot-9 center whose career scoring total (set in three seasons) remains a school record 66 years after he left to play major league baseball. In 1952, alongside his twin brother, Eddie, he became the first college player to score more than 1,000 points in a season.
Paul G. Allen Award - Given to an individual who has made a significant or compelling philanthropic contribution.
John & Traci Schneider - Helping young adults with autism is the passion of Seattle Seahawks General Manager & Executive Vice President, John Schneider, and his wife Traci. This passion began with their eldest son, Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. While coping with the challenges that lay ahead, they began their journey to help other families similarly affected. In 2012, they established Ben's Fund, named for their son. The nonprofit has raised more the $4.35 million, helping Washington families support children with their diagnosis.
85th Annual MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year
Tickets to the show can be purchased online as either a table ticket package or individual reserved seats. To stay up-to-date with information as the event approaches, follow the SSC on social media and the event hashtag, #85SSY and visit sportsstaroftheyear.org for more.
The Seattle Sports Commission (SSC) is committed to making Seattle a world-class sports community by creating opportunities that bring the world to the Pacific Northwest. By fostering a strong sports culture, the SSC seeks to strengthen businesses, foster generational engagement in athletics and bolster pride in our communities. Go to seattlesports.org to learn more about the SSC, a division of Visit Seattle.
Wayne Gittinger Award – Claudia Longo, young soccer player battling Multiple Sclerosis as she continues her career as a Midfielder for University of Washington.
Keith Jackson Award – Angie Mentink, former UW softball All-American who played professional ball before transitioning to an Emmy-winning sports reporter and anchor at ROOT SPORTS Northwest.
Royal Brougham Award – Johnny O'Brien, Seattle University basketball legend and former major league baseball player.
Paul G. Allen Award – John & Traci Schneider, co-founders of Ben's Fund, a non-profit that helps families support children with autism. John is the Seahawks General Manager and Executive Vice President while Traci is President of the Seattle Seahawks Women's Association.
"Recognizing the great accomplishments of members from our sports community is an honor for the Seattle Sports Commission," Ralph Morton, SSC Executive Director explains, "Through the Sports Star program, we highlight the very real impact people have made in our region, whether through philanthropic deeds, positive influence, or inspirational stories. We have the privilege of showcasing the expansive legacy of Washington sports each year."
Seattle University's Director of Athletics, Shaney Fink, couldn't be happier that all-star alumnus, Johnny O'Brien, is amongst this year's honorees: "Johnny O'Brien's sports achievements exceeded even the most imaginative athlete's ambitions. Through competing at Seattle University and into his professional athletics career, Johnny O'Brien is a Seattle legend and so worthy of this recognition."
Honorees are selected by the Sports Star Committee, comprised of local sports historians, media and other members of the sports industry. Though Sports Star is celebrating its 85th year, the honoree categories were created in 2010 in order to reflect the broad impact sports have in a community and the individuals who help build that impact from the sidelines.
85th Annual MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year Honorees
Wayne Gittinger Inspirational Youth Award - Given to an inspirational young athlete who has overcome major medical obstacles to inspire others.
Claudia Longo - Issaquah's Claudia Longo was a soccer high school All-American on her way to playing for the University of Washington when she was blindsided by Multiple Sclerosis. Temporarily sidelined as a Husky, she has battled the illness with characteristic determination, inspiring those around her as a fighter who refuses to let MS define her.
Keith Jackson Award - Given to a member of the media for excellence in communicating the sports stories of our state.
Angie Mentink - Angie Mentink was a record-setting athlete at the University of Washington and is now a big-time player at ROOT SPORTS Northwest. The Huskies' first softball All-American went on to play professionally in Colorado before transitioning to a career in sports broadcasting. Mentink joined ROOT SPORTS as an intern and rose from pre-game reporter to Emmy-winning reporter and anchor. Mentink is now one of the featured personalities on live events and team programs throughout the year, including the Mariners and Seahawks magazine shows. She stands tall amongst the major talents in Seattle sports broadcasting.
Royal Brougham Award - Given to an individual for a lifetime of achievement in sports and who exemplifies the spirit of our state.
Johnny O'Brien – Johnny O'Brien was a first-team basketball All-American for Seattle University, a 5-foot-9 center whose career scoring total (set in three seasons) remains a school record 66 years after he left to play major league baseball. In 1952, alongside his twin brother, Eddie, he became the first college player to score more than 1,000 points in a season.
Paul G. Allen Award - Given to an individual who has made a significant or compelling philanthropic contribution.
John & Traci Schneider - Helping young adults with autism is the passion of Seattle Seahawks General Manager & Executive Vice President, John Schneider, and his wife Traci. This passion began with their eldest son, Ben, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3. While coping with the challenges that lay ahead, they began their journey to help other families similarly affected. In 2012, they established Ben's Fund, named for their son. The nonprofit has raised more the $4.35 million, helping Washington families support children with their diagnosis.
85th Annual MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year
Tickets to the show can be purchased online as either a table ticket package or individual reserved seats. To stay up-to-date with information as the event approaches, follow the SSC on social media and the event hashtag, #85SSY and visit sportsstaroftheyear.org for more.
The Seattle Sports Commission (SSC) is committed to making Seattle a world-class sports community by creating opportunities that bring the world to the Pacific Northwest. By fostering a strong sports culture, the SSC seeks to strengthen businesses, foster generational engagement in athletics and bolster pride in our communities. Go to seattlesports.org to learn more about the SSC, a division of Visit Seattle.