Karen runs Santa Barbara High School's Evening for the Athletes program for three years now, helping raise more than $50,000 for Dons athletics. "Whether driving, putting together a large event or organizing a banquet, Karen can always be counted on," said Santa Barbara Athletic Director Nan Verkaik. Karen is a parent of high school athletes and has also given time to the tennis and baseball programs specifically. … [Read more...]
SBART Sportsperson of the Month: Lee Carter
Monday, November 28, 2011 By
When he’s not in court trying cases, Deputy District Attorney Lee Carter usually can be found on the local roads running or riding a bike. And, if there is a local race on the weekends, Carter will be there in the capacity of a volunteer coach, or as a member of the race support team, or as a part of the timing crew. And, if the local police department needs help preparing its recruits for the physical rigors of the academy, or training officers for the bike patrol, Carter is their … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Rosabeth Dorfhuber
Monday, October 31, 2011 By
The work Rosabeth Dorfhuber does for athletes behind the scenes was recognized by the Athletic Round Table. Dorfhuber was honored as the SBART’s Sportsperson of the Month. Dorfhuber is a longtime yoga instructor at SBCC, and she has shared the benefits of yoga with Vaquero athletes, local high school teams, the UCSB volleyball team and the National Baseball Congress champion Santa Barbara Foresters. She was nominated for the award by Foresters manager Bill Pintard. Besides … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Debra Koopmans
Monday, October 3, 2011 By
Another award was handed out Monday, as Debra Koopmans was named Sportsperson of the Month. The award was presented by American Riviera Bank's Laurie Leighty and is sponsored by Wade and Roxanne Nomura. Debra Koopmans, left, receives a round of applause for receiving the Sportsperson of the Month award. San Marcos Athletic Director Abe Jahadhmy thanked Koopmans for her huge role behind the scenes making sure San Marcos athletes have the best experience possible. "She has been willing … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Paul Gamberdella
Monday, May 2, 2011 By
Sportsperson of the Month: Paul Gamberdella was recognized for his diligent work on the SBART’s annual High-Five Golf Tournament, which raises money for the local schools’ athletic departments. Gamberdella has been a member of the tournament organizing committee since 1999. In that time, the event has raised $200,000. “Without Paul's dedication and commitment to this tournament the five benefiting high schools (Santa Barbara, San Marcos, Dos Pueblos, Carpinteria and Bishop Diego) … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Rich Ridgway
Tuesday, February 1, 2011 By
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH: San Marcos parent Rich Ridgway has been heading up the Royals' Field of Champions project, which seeks to raise $850,000 for a turf field at Valley Stadium. Ridgway's pitch to the luncheon audience (see video above) was a testament to his genuine passion for the project. "If you bring up the name Ridgway in this community it's instant credibility," said San Marcos Athletic Director Abe Jahadhmy. "If we get this field built our kids are going to benefit big-time, … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Bruce Davis
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 By
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH, BRUCE DAVIS: Hazard’s Cyclesports, owned by Davis and his wife Regina, has been much more than just a bike store for the athletic community over the years. The business has also served as an official and unofficial sponsor of numerous local teams such as Moms in Motion, the UCSB Triathlon Club, and many more. Hazard’s supports world-class cyclists such as Olympian Adam Duvendeck as well as kids just learning how to pump the pedals. “It’s so nice to be … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Paul Klein
Monday, November 1, 2010 By
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH: Paul Klein Paul Klein was eager to teach his young son, Taylor, about sports a few years back, so he started a group for young kids to learn about and gain exposure to different sports. As a result, "Booty Camp" was formed, with upwards of 10 community youngsters coming together to have fun ad be coached. "It's just a great thing. We go from sport-to-sport, whatever's in season, I try to teach them. They want to come and play with their friends," he said. … [Read more...]
Sportsperson of the Month: Jean Debettignies
Monday, October 4, 2010 By
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH: Jean Debettignies is a local athletic trainer who has tirelessly served as medical and crew chief for the Kalyra Women’s Cycling Team in their three attempts at a transcontinental record in the Race Across America. The team simultaneously raises funds for Girls Inc. of Santa Barbara. Debettignies’ work has involved hundreds of hours of service to the team. “It was because of Jean’s efforts to the team that they were able to raise thousands of dollars for … [Read more...]
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH: Armando Requejo
Monday, April 26, 2010 By
SPORTSPERSON OF THE MONTH: This month’s honoree puts together one of the biggest athletic events around. Armando “Mondo” Requejo organizes and directs the Mothballs Criterium — a local cycling race which takes place in February and attracts 400-500 competitors per year. It’s all done through Echelon Santa Barbara, a cycling club founded in 1984 which promotes the sport locally. Echelon also runs a youth program which has produced the likes of Olympian Adam Duvendeck, who told award … [Read more...]
