Raymond Eger was honored as the Special Olympics Athlete of the Month at Monday's Athletic Round Table press luncheon. Eger has been a Special Olympics athlete for 15 years and is a swimmer. His favorite athlete is Michael Phelps. Ray won four gold medals at a competition two weeks ago. Award sponsor Aaron Brown shared some words from Ray's coach, "Ray has been a very mature and caring athlete this season. Ray is a team player, consistently supports other athletes on the team. He's … [Read more...]

Gerry "G-Money" Raphielli was presented at Monday's Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon as the Special Olympics' Athlete of the Month. Award sponsor Aaron Brown, of Edward Jones Financial, remembered fondly the first time he met Gerry, who was wearing a jersey that had the name "G-Money" on it. "I go over to Gerry and say, 'Hey Gerry, what's G-Money all about?'," Brown recalled. "And he goes, 'well, G is the initial of my first name and money is who I am, so G-Money.' I … [Read more...]

Jessica Simon was recognized at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon as the Special Olympics Athlete of the Month. Jessica plays six sports, including tennis, floor hockey, basketball, bocci ball, swimming, and bowling. Jess was the captain of a floor hockey team that just won a gold medal at a recent competition. “Her coach said that the reason she’s a team captain is her leadership skills. She always is enthusiastic and positive. The players that are down, she … [Read more...]

Ben Medina was named the Special Olympics Athlete of the Month at Monday's Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon at Harry's Plaza Cafe. Ben attends Carpinteria Middle School and excels at bowling and golf. Medina is a big sports fan in general, especially of NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson. Ben's coach Aaron Brown has seen him improve his bowling lately, noticing that Ben has "turned his spares into strikes." Parents Jennifer and David were in attendance to see Ben receive his … [Read more...]

John Kolberg was named Special Olympics Athlete of the Month for his exploits on the basketball court and golf course. Kolberg, capable of scoring in the mid 90s, is playing in the Special Olympics' golf tournament fundraiser this Friday at Glen Annie Golf Club. "Johnny, thanks for being a great athlete but you're also a great human being," said presenter Aaron Brown. … [Read more...]

Megan Meyer has been recognized as the Special Olympics Athlete of Month for September. Meyer has participated in Special Olympics since 1999, playing tennis, softball, volleyball, basketball and bocce. Her favorite sport is volleyball, but the award she received at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon was for her play on the tennis court. “She’s a positive energy to the tennis team,” said coach Sue McCue. “She gives her best to improve her game. “My … [Read more...]

Mike Gurney is one of those athletes who can brighten your day. Gurney was honored as the Special Olympics Athlete of the Month at Monday’s Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table press luncheon. Gurney plays bocce ball and last summer he helped his Santa Barbara team win the gold medal at the Long Beach Games. Coach Jaime Rutiga said Gurney is not only a good bocce player, he also has a way of inspiring the other members of the team. “Every week we have practice, Mike brings a ray of … [Read more...]

Chris Powers and Austin Sutton were honored as the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Special Olympics Athletes of the Month at Monday’s press luncheon. Powers recently won three gold medals in swimming competition and was on a silver medal team at the Santa Barbara Special Olympics basketball tournament at UCSB. Powers is noted for his upbeat attitude. “He’s very out there and emotional,” SBART board member Aaron Brown said. “I think he gives out more hugs than Santa on … [Read more...]

Special Olympics Athlete of the Month: Steven Krouskopf received the award for his play in floor hockey. Krouskopf, who works at the Vons in Montecito, has played several sports in his 10 years in Special Olympics, and floor hockey is his favorite, said Round Table board member Aaron Brown. Krouskopf’s coach, Jaime Rutiaga, called the athlete “a class act out there. Floor hockey, as you know, can be a very aggressive sport,” he said. A left winger, Krouskopf scored a hat trick at … [Read more...]