PAGE 10 PRESS & DAKOTAN ■ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2012 Athlete Of The Year Choices Were Tough This Year Press&Dakotan BY JAMES D. CIMBUREK grams to team titles. Yankton’s Mikala Hora, Kelsey Fitzgerald and Savannah Woods each posted amazing in-
[email protected] dividual efforts, as did Centerville’s Kieran O’Malley. DAILY DOSE We felt, though, that Steffen’s individual credentials, combined with team success in three sports, warranted This marks the seventh year that the Press & Dakotan has named a male and female prep Athlete of the her selection. Year. And this year may have been one of the toughest ones yet. The boys’ selection, Wagner’s Alex Kocer, was nearly as tough, though it is extremely hard to argue with Daily opinions from the P&D Our female athlete, Cedar Catholic’s Lexi Steffen, has an impressive resume to her credit. Not only was she someone who won five individual state wrestling titles. But there were some good contenders. Sports Staff on local and na- named the Omaha World Herald Class C2 Volleyball Player of the Year for leading the Lady Trojans to the state Parker’s Duane Jongeling had three individual and three team cross country titles to his credit. Yankton’s Justin Lillie and Kellen Soulek had strong individual performances in the past year, as did Viborg-Hurley’s Tyler tional high school, college title, she was also a force for very competitive Cedar Catholic basketball and track programs. But she had plenty of competition. Gerdes. and professional sports. Crofton’s Bridget Arens and Wynot’s Maggie Schulte each posted impressive seasons in leading their pro- Agree? Disagree? Email (
[email protected]) or tweet (@Aceman904) at us to share your opinion.