Russ White

Memorial
Sport Director of the Year

Originally established as the Cornhusker State Games Sport Director of the Year, this award was renamed the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award in 1996.  It recognizes the outstanding dedication demonstrated by Russ White as the Cornhusker State Games Youth Track and Field Director from 1988 to 1996 and a member of the Nebraska Sports Council Board of Directors from 1993 to 1996.

2023 Sport Directors of the Year

Hilary Catron & Mike Catron – Taekwondo

Past Sport Directors of the Year

Hilary Catron & Mike Catron – Taekwondo

This sister-brother team has diligently succeeded in bringing the previously-often-fractioned Nebraska Taekwondo community together by engaging club directors and judges all across the state for the greater good…the ultimate fulfilling experience of the participant. They have directed their sport for 18 years.

John Losito & RJ Neal – Bowling

John and RJ have directed their sport for 16 years.  They are both people who do everything by the book and have great attention to the details.  They have built the sport into one that draws participants from all over the state and is considered a “destination tournament”.  And, according to our survey results, their sport always draws the highest of positive comments.  In 2022, there were over 200 participants for their sport.

Mike Watmore – Adult Trap & Skeet and Sporting Clays

Luke Derowitsch – Baseball, Basketball, Soccer, Slow Pitch Softball

Troy Pekas – Baseball

Troy was the sport director for baseball for 13 years. He’s a guy who does everything by the book and has great attention to the details. He has built his sport into a “destination tournament” and it draws participants from all over the state.

Dave Tunink – Youth Trap Shooting

Dave had been the sport director for Youth Trap Shooting for 11 years when he received this award. He’s a guy who very rarely misses a meeting, and he has grown participation in the sport of Youth Trap Shooting substantially.

Trish Souliere – Fencing

Trish had been the sport director for Fencing for 12 years when she received this award. She is an unbelievably hard worker and has dedicated so much time and effort into the State Games. Her and her crew have continuously grown the participation in fencing every year, breaking records left and right.

Bill Schlichtemeier – Pistol Shooting

Bill had been the sport director for Pistol Shooting for 27 years when he received this award. He has also served for many years on the Nebraska Sports Council Board of Directors and has assisted in numerous fundraising missions.  It’s hard to imagine the number of hours he has put in to make the Cornhusker State Games what it is today.

Geoff Weller – Soccer

Geoff conducted one of the largest sports in the Games for the last 9 years. In the 2015 State Games of America, his sport hosted 107 teams and 1,511 athletes.

Howard Huffman – Powerlifting
Steve Morrison – Track and Field

Steve is one of the most organized and passionate people we’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.  He’s dedicated to introducing new athletes to the sport and is regarded as one of the top officials in his sport in the state. He’s volunteered for almost every Cornhusker State Games and had completed his sixth year as director of his sport when he received this award.

Kris Sonderup – Mountain Bike & Cycle Tour

Kris has been involved in the Cornhusker State Games since 2000 as director of Mountain Biking and the Cycle Tour, but also volunteers countless hours providing equipment and volunteer support for other CSG events. He lives by the motto “have fun” and it shows in the way he directs his events. He is dedicated to introducing new athletes to the sport and to encouraging family participation.

Bob Ericson – Badminton

Bob has been a significant part of the State Games for 25+ years. He is passionate about his sport and it shows. News outlets call him Badminton Bob.

Mike Nolan – Chess
Tim Watts – Softball
Gary Bredehoft – Triathlon & Masters Track and Field
Tom Bauman – Aquatics-Diving
Anita Jackson – Disc Golf
Matt Rye – Swimming
Norm Gesch – Muzzleloading
Jim Craig – Adventure Race
Viola Brannen – Bowling
Al Rosenbohm – Horseshoe Pitching
Dave Eppert – Gymnastics
Jarry Petterson – Table Tennis
John Axe – BB Gun Air Rifle Pistol & Biathlon
Randy Rowe – Pocket Billiards
Craig Hellwege – Wrestling
John Roseberry – Karate
Elaine Hawco – Volkswalk
Doug Emery – Boxing
Daryl Korinek – Volleyball

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