78th Annual MTR Western Sports Star of the Year 
 

Thank you for attending the event.  To view and download photos from the red carpet visit RedBox Pictures  Photo Credit to:Red Box Pictures or you can view them on our Facebook.

The Seattle Sports Commission (SSC) announced the winners for the 78th Annual MTR Western Sports Star of the Year, the Northwest’s premier celebration of Washington sports.   Winners are chosen by formula consisting of fan voting and the Sports Star Committee vote, which is compiled of local sports historians, media and others active in the sports industry. Honorees are selected by the Sports Star Committee.

Sports Story of the Year: Felix Hernandez throws perfect game.
The Sports Story of the Year is given to an individual, group of individuals or a team/organization that has positively captured the attention of and inspired the state of Washington. Felix Hernandez provided yet another highlight to his glittering Mariners career, throwing the first perfect game in franchise history. He struck out 12 as Seattle beat Tampa Bay 1-0, a crowning achievement for King Felix.     

Sports Executive of the Year: Adrian Hanauer, Seattle Sounders FC
The Sports Executive of the Year is given to an individual for contributions to the success of the regional sports industry.  Sounders FC general manager and co-owner Adrian Hanauer was the architect of Seattle’s Major League Soccer franchise, internationally recognized as a model of success, on and off the field.

Keith Jackson Award: Bob Rondeau, UW Football and Basketball
The Keith Jackson Award is given to a member of the media for excellence in communicating the sports stories of Washington.  Sportscaster Bob Rondeau has been the play-by-play voice of the Washington Huskies since 1980 for football and 1985 for basketball. He is a five-time state Sportscaster of the Year.

Seattle Children’s Inspirational Youth Award: Josh Dickerson, O’Dea Baseball
The Seattle Children’s Inspirational Youth Award is given to an inspirational student who inspired us through sport.  O’Dea High School’s Josh Dickerson continued playing baseball rather than undergoing chemotherapy for a rare form of cancer that could have potentially lengthened his life by only a few months. He made first-team All-Metro two months before he died at age 18.

Paul Allen Award: Lenny Wilkens, Lenny Wilkens Foundation
The Paul Allen Award is given to an individual who has made a significant or compelling contribution to the local community.  Former Sonics player and NBA championship coach Lenny Wilkens’ foundation has given more than $3 million in the past decade to provide health care and education for Seattle-area children.

Royal Brougham Legend Award: Edgar Martinez, Seattle Mariners
The Royal Brougham Legend Award was introduced at the 75th Annual Sports Star of the Year.  This award is given to an individual for a lifetime of achievement in sports and exemplifies the spirit of Washington.  Mariners third baseman and designated hitter Edgar Martinez won two American League batting championships and was a seven-time All-Star during his 18-year Major League career, all with the M’s.

Male Sports Star of the Year: Nathan Adrian, USA Swimming
The Male Sports Star of the Year is given to an amateur male athlete or coach for outstanding sports achievement in the past year or season. Bremerton product who won two gold medals and a silver medal at the London Olympics. Became the first American in 24 years to win the 100-meter freestyle and also swam on the victorious 4x100 medley relay team.

Female Sports Star of the Year: Mary Whipple, USA Rowing
The Female Sports Star of the Year is given to amateur female athlete or coach for outstanding sports achievement in the past year or season. University of Washington grad who won her second Olympic gold medal as coxswain of the U.S. women’s eight.  Also won gold in record time at the world championships. Her boats have not lost a race since 2006.

Professional Sports Star of the Year: Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks
The Professional Sports Star of the Year is given to a professional athlete or coach for outstanding sports achievement in the past year or season. Running back who ranked among the NFL’s leading rushers and set the tone for the Seahawks offense with his bruising style, determination and yards gained after contact. Tied team record for consecutive 100-yard games.