(Photos from top: Devon, Patrick, Matthew & Steve.)
The Minnesota Multisport Awards Selection Committee announces its nominees for 2009 Minnesota Male "Most Improved."
* DEVON PALMER, 22, St. Paul - Huge wins at Manitou, Life Time Fitness Elite and Turtleman, plus a 3rd place overall finish at USAT Nationals clearly demonstrated his significant improvement since the 2008 season. A victory at the Dallas US Open this weekend could earn him a USAT Athlete of the Year nomination.
* PATRICK PARISH, 24, Circle Pines - 2008 Rookie of the Year runner-up, Parish proved this season that he can bark with the Big Dogs in our region. His scorecard features five podium finishes, including one win. His 2nds against national caliber competition at Minneman, Brewhouse and Turtleman were particularly impressive.
* MATTHEW PAYNE, 32, Columbia Heights - Payne won three races this season and demonstrated great versatility, excelling in duathlon (5th at Apple behind 4 pros), long course (top 5s at both Liberty and Pigman halves plus a 2nd at Burrito Union 10-Hour) and sprint (two TriMinnesota Series victories) and Olympic (win at Buffalo).
* STEVE SANDER, 30, Richfield - Ten starts, 8 podium finishes, including 3 victories. Like Devon, Patrick and Matthew, Steve richly deserves his nomination.
Those receiving "Most Improved" nominations are those whom the committee perceive to be the fastest rising stars on the Minnesota multi scene.
The Minnesota Multisport Awards will be presented Academy Awards-style at Tri-Night '09 at St. Paul College on November 7. Will you be there? We hope so.
