AIA awards: Winsor recognized for service
May 21, 2018 by Jose Garcia, AZPreps365
Sister Lynn Winsor didn’t disappoint, and neither did all of the winners and finalists at the annual Arizona Interscholastic Association's Champions Awards Luncheon.
The beloved Winsor had folks standing as well as belly laughing during her acceptance speech at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Xavier Prep athletic director received the well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award Monday, the first-time the state’s high school sports governing body has ever presented that prize since its Champions ceremony started in 2003.
As Winsor walked on stage she received a standing ovation.
Xavier Prep's Sister Lynn Winsor with AIA executive director David Hines. Photo by Mark Jones/maxpreps.com
“I hope to continue working with you for as long as I can,” Winsor told the crowd.
Winsor has worked at Xavier Prep since 1974.
But she’s also served in different state and national administrative high school athletic roles for several years, becoming an Arizona high school sports ambassador in the process.
Winsor told the crowd that she is turning 75 in three days.
“Moby (Dick) was a minnow when I started,” she joked.
Award recipients
Dr. Coy graduated from Flagstaff High in 1956 and was a well-respected administrator during the 1970s and 80s with the Glendale Unified High School District.
Winner: Taylor Johnson
Finalists: Anna Christen Alder, Blue Ridge. Holly Roden, Desert Christian.
1-3A Boys Scholar Activity
Winner: Alexander Curry, Scottsdale Prep.
Finalists: Jason Jorg, Desert Christian; Justin Fink, Chandler Prep; Stefan Lee Bailey, Blue Ridge.
4-6A Girls Scholar Activity
Winner: Hanna Morgan, Westwood.
Finalists: Madeline Brown, Xavier Prep. Logan Smith, Sahuaro.
1-3A Dr. Voie Stuart Chase Coy Girls Scholar Athlete
Students must carry at least 3.75 GPA, have participated on varsity for at least two years and demonstrated good community citizenship.
Winner: Janaya McIntosh, Ganado.
Finalists: Bethany Loveall, Bagdad; Paige Kmetz, Williams; Marlee London, Blue Ridge.
1-3A Boys Scholar Athlete
Winner: Westin Keim, Show Low.
Finalists: Tanner Webb, Northwest Christian; Johnny Gleason, Desert Christian; Adam Henderson, Blue Ridge.
4-6A Girls Scholar Athlete
Winner: Karen Pereza, Copper Canyon.
Finalists: Shae Nicolaisen, Desert Vista; Brooke Logan, Liberty; Kara Hillig, Prescott.
4-6A Boys Scholar Athlete
Winner: Tyson Corner, Marana.
Finalists: Matthew Bradley, Prescott; Caden Wright, Poston Butte; Salvador Galan, Lake Havasu.
Students of the Year
Each student received $5,000 scholarships.
Kara Hillig, Prescott
Adam Henderson, Blue Ridge
Kara Hillig)
Adam Henderson
Ira “Skip” Bryant media award
Bryant was a Valley high school sports writer and editor for 50 years.
Lee Patterson, KATO-AM Safford
1-3A Coach of the Year
Julia Slucas, track and field, Salome
4-6A Coach of the Year
Corey Semler, boys soccer, Gila Ridge
Administrator of the Year
Kevin Belcher, Betty Fairfax
Lifetime Achievement Award
Sister Lynn Winsor, Xavier
Directors Cup
It’s the most prestigious award the AIA gives out. The award recognizes a school that encourages its children to focus on academic success and emphasizes honor through community service. The selection committee also takes into account the percentage of the school’s students participating in AIA activities, the overall school grade point average and implementation of the AIA’s Victory with Honor program.
Chandler High
Chandler athletic director Jim Culver, left, and principal Larry Rother. Photo by Mark Jones/maxpreps.com.
1-3A Tony Komadina Awards
The award recognizes schools that have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and advocacy while achieving excellence for girls athletic programs. Komadina served as the AIA’s executive director from 1976-87 and principal at Marana High.
Tanque Verde High
4-6A Tony Komadina Award
Sahuaro High
Leadership in girls’ athletics
Cindy Riley, Desert Christian
AIA Unified Sports Athlete of the Year
Unified Sports is an inclusive program that combines students with and without intellectual disabilities on high school sports teams.
Maria Sodari, Gila Ridge
AIA Unified Sports Partner of the Year
David Gehman, Chino Valley
AIA Unified Sports Coach of the Year
Jessica Peacock, Chandler
Gary Whelchel Official of the Year
Whelchel retired this year after serving 16 years as the AIA’s state commissioner of officials.
Danitra Betita
Better Business Bureau Ethical Athlete Award
Each student received a $2,500 scholarship.
Alexa Spartz, Sandra Day O’Conner
Hunter Weber, Horizon High
Glen Treadaway Sportsmanship Award
Treadaway served as a coach, principal and AIA staff member during his distinguished career.
1A Bagdad
2A Hopi
3A Winslow
4A Rio Rico
5A Independence High
6A Alhambra High
School sportsmanship winners. Photo by Mark Jones/maxpreps.com.
