(Photos: Top - Lauren, Nick and Katherine. Below - Sarah.)TheMinnesota Multisport Awards Selection Committee announces its nominees for 2009 Minnesota Junior of the Year.
* SARAH DANIELS, 19, Savage - Sarah's season was highlighted by divisional wins at four Midwest Multisport Series races--Gear West, Pigman Sprint, Manitou and Heart of the Lakes. This is Daniels' 2nd JOY nomination.
* KATHARINE LOWREY, 14, Chaska - Katharine set a junior record (7th overall woman!) at Minneman and WON the Youth Elite National Championship.
* NICK MADRINICH, 19, Chaska - An overall win at Chaska and Top 10 finishes at Manitou, Lake Minnetonka and Lake Marion highlight a sweet 2009 resume.
* LAUREN RANTALA, 19, Eden Prairie - This elite nordic skier-turned-triathlete enjoyed a remarkable rookie season. Junior wins at Life Time Fitness Elite and Turtleman, plus a Top 15 finish (2nd junior) at Manitou were impressive enough. Lauren then went to USAT Nationals and won the silver medal in the women's 19U division.
Other juniors receiving consideration were Reilly Daugherty (19, Hibbing), Jeff Hoernemann (18, Andover), Gabby Keller (17, Maple Grove), Brandon Knack (16, Prior Lake), Brandon Onopa (18, Long Lake), Caius Rickard (18, Plymputh), Denver Rogolla (19, Morris), Kyle Serryn (19, Lakeville), Sara Sneer (19, Mankato), Abby Tracy (18, Vadnais Heights), Greta Wilt (17, Minneapolis) and Shelby Woodworth (17, Hutchinson).
All MMA winners will be announced Academy Award-style at Tri-Night '09 at St. Paul College on November 7. Will you be there? We hope so.
* The Junior category consists of boys and girls age 19 and under.
(Photos: Top Row- Heidi & Marnie. Bottom Row- Jeanne & Jan.)
