Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table - Athletics, Academics, and Ethics
This month's honoree is Ivan Diffenderfer, who is a standout in bocce ball, floor hockey and tennis. His coach, Sue McHugh, said that Diffenderfer has a "wicked forehand" on the tennis court. "It's such an honor to have him on any team," said McHugh. "He has the best attitude I've seen... Ivan gives 110-percent and is so supportive of his teammates. He's so positive that it makes being a coach a wonderful thing." … [Read more...]
There were two Special Olympians of the Month honored at this week's luncheon. Blair Rodriguez is in her first year on the San Marcos swim team and also swims in the Special Olympics. "Blair is the fun of our team. She comes in every day and she's happy, she dances and she sings. She loves to swim," said coach Janet Crane. Kim Williams, meanwhile, started out as a swimmer and now competes in triathlons for the Special Olympics. "She works really hard. She's competing in the triathlon, which … [Read more...]
Special Olympian of the Month Alexis Ornelas, a student at Carpinteria Junior High, is a basketball player who says he loves to shoot the ball. He's been playing hoops and soccer with the Special Olympics for two years. He is coached by Aaron Brown, who has stepped up to the plate by becoming the new sponsor of the award. For his continued improvement and sportsmanship, Ornelas was recently placed on the All-Star team, and will competing in a big tournament out at UCSB in May. Westmont basketball … [Read more...]
BY BLAKE DORFMAN, PRESIDIOSPORTS.COM Ernie Quiroz sometimes refers to his Laguna Blanca girls basketball team as a "Wonder Team." "It's because I wonder what's gonna happen," he joked at Monday's Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table luncheon. With the CIF playoffs for winter sports upon us, there's lots of wondering going on around the athletic community. Quiroz is always left wondering because the Owls have been as up-and-down as they come this year. Their low-point came when they failed … [Read more...]
Austin Sutton is busy with much more than just playing floor hockey in the Special Olympics. He also competes in bowling and gymnastics, and has a job at a laundromat. He makes it to every practice and never complains, according to his coaches. Education-wise, he has taken classes at SBCC. He was accompanied at the luncheon by his floor hockey coach, Amanda, his mother Suzanne and his aunt Nancy. … [Read more...]
SPECIAL OLYMPIAN OF THE MONTH: Chris Powers is a standout in floor hockey, and his attitude has improved so much this year that he has been moved up to a different team, the Dolphins. He was described as a role model to his peers. He also epitomizes the Special Olympics oath: "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." … [Read more...]
David Kremer excels in basketball, soccer and softball for local Special Olympic teams. His soccer team, the Orcas, recently finished second in the Santa Maria Tournament and Kremer had some key goals while playing forward and big saves while playing goalie. He’s also a very good public speaker. “I want to thank my family for their love and caring and kindness, and for always being there for me,” he said. … [Read more...]
Steve Glick has been an athlete and coach with the Special Olympics for 16 years. He currently participates in softball, floor hockey, tennis and bocce ball. He was the pitcher for his softball team, which recently finished second in the Fall regionals. Special Olympics representative Ashley Hoag said that his leadership skills are exceptional. … [Read more...]
SPECIAL OLYMPIAN OF THE MONTH Melody Jorgensen received this month’s honors for her team-oriented approach. She participates in bowling and gymnastics, and coach Janet Crane said that she is just as happy when a teammate wins a medal as she is when she is the victor. When SBART board member Chris Casebeer asked her what her top score was in bowling, she replied by telling him that they don’t keep score, because that’s not what’s important. Congratulations, Melody! … [Read more...]
NANNETTE CLARK Nannette currently competes in bocce ball and swimming, and won her age group at the Special Olympics in Long Beach last summer, swimming the 100 freestyle in one minute and 45 seconds. … [Read more...]
