One of the most anticipated events of the year in Arizona high school sports will be held Sunday night in Tempe as the Arizona Republic stages the 2016-17 Sports Award extravaganza.
Seven Tucsonans are finalists in their sport: Sabino quarterback Drew Dixon, Sunnyside wrestler Roman Bravo-Young, Salpointe Catholic golfer Trevor Werbylo, Catalina Foothills golfer Gavin Cohen, Gregory School basketball player Taylor Thompson, CDO discus/shot put thrower Turner Washington and Palo Verde soccer player Jacqueline Iglu.
Salpointe state championship girls soccer coach Becky Freeman and Sunnyside wrestling coach Anthony Leon have already been chosen as the coach of the year in their sport.
The night’s two biggest awards — Male and Female Athlete of the Year — could be won by Southern Arizonans. Rio Rico High School distance runner Allie Schadler and Sunnyside’s Bravo-Young deserve strong consideration as the best in the state.
Greg Hansen
Columnist
