Minneapolis, (October 28, 2019) – Sports Minneapolis, powered by Meet Minneapolis, has announced the finalists for the 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards. The winners will be announced at the third annual awards gala on Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot.

The Minnesota Sports Awards recognize the outstanding achievements of high school, collegiate and professional athletes during the 2018-19 season, many of whom will be on hand for the evening’s awards ceremony. Tickets are on sale now for the awards gala on Dec. 11. Following are the finalists for each of the awards.

Girls High School Athlete of the Year
CC Bowlby, Edina High School (Hockey)
Erika Bute, Alden-Conger High School (Volleyball/Basketball/Softball)
Shaliciah Jones, North St. Paul High School (Track & Field)

Boys High School Athlete of the Year
Grant Docter, Minnetonka High School (Hockey/Lacrosse)
Dan “Greg” Kerkvliet, Simley High School (Wrestling)
David Roddy, Breck School (Football/Basketball)

Women’s Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Amber Fiser, University of Minnesota (Softball)
Lexy Ramler, University of Minnesota (Gymnastics)
Ashley St. Aubin, Augsburg University (Soccer)

Men’s Collegiate Athlete of the Year
Jackson Erdmann, Saint John’s University (Football)
Parker Mackay, University of Minnesota Duluth (Hockey)
Jimmy Schuldt, St. Cloud State University (Hockey)

Professional Athlete of the Year – presented by FOX Sports North
Napheesa Collier, Minnesota Lynx
Nelson Cruz, Minnesota Twins
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings

Coach of the Year
Rocco Baldelli, Minnesota Twins
Adrian Heath, Minnesota United FC
Scott Sandelin, University of Minnesota Duluth Men’s Hockey

Honorees will also be announced at the awards gala for the Courage Award (presented by TRIA), the Trailblazer Award, the Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year, and the Star Tribune’s 2019 inductees to the Minnesota Sports Hall of Fame (John Gagliardi, Willard Ikola, Randall McDaniel, Randy Moss, John Randle, Lindsay Whalen).

The public is invited to attend this event which includes a silent auction, dinner and an entertaining awards ceremony featuring athletes, coaches and high-profile Minnesota sports celebrities.

• Dec. 11 at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot
• Purchase tickets online
• Doors open at 5 p.m.
• Dinner served at 6:30 p.m.
• Awards show begins at 7:30 p.m.

A portion of the proceeds from the 2019 Minnesota Sports Awards will benefit the United Heroes League, a non-profit organization that actively works to ensure that children of military service members are afforded every opportunity to participate in sports.

The third annual Minnesota Sports Awards will be carried live by FOX Sports North across multiple digital platforms and rebroadcast at a later date.

The Minnesota Sports Awards – created to shine a spotlight on the impact of sports throughout the state – provides fans from across the state with an opportunity to nominate athletes and coaches who have demonstrated excellence in their sports and leadership within the community. For recaps of past years’ Minnesota Sports Awards, go here.

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ABOUT SPORTS MINNEAPOLIS
Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Girls’ Jr. Volleyball, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.

Sports Minneapolis and its partners, including the University of Minnesota, have secured upcoming NCAA championships and major events, such as the 2020 Division I Wrestling Championships, the 2021 Division I Men’s Gymnastics Championships, and the 2021 Division I Men’s Basketball Regional. In addition, Sports Minneapolis and its partners will be the local organizing committee for the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Final Four.

CONNECT WITH US
Online: www.sportsminneapolis.org
Twitter: @Sports_Mpls
Watch: Sports Minneapolis, Meet Minneapolis – Impact: Tourism with Purpose

MEDIA CONTACT
Kevin Kurtt, Public Relations and Communication Manager, 612-767-8118, kevink@minneapolis.org
Or email MeetMinneapolisPR@Minneapolis.org