The Wichita Sports Commission will host the 26th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet, Wednesday, June 26th at Intrust Bank Arena. At the event, local amateur and professional athletes will be recognized for their accomplishments. Greater Wichita Area Athletic Directors were sent nomination forms in April, and members of the local media voted to determine the finalists.
This year’s featured speaker, former NBA player Maurice Evans, will be in attendance alongside San Francisco Giants legend and 2008 National Collegiate Catcher of the Year, Buster Posey. The 2012 National League MVP and three-time World Series Champion will announce the 2024 Buster Posey National Collegiate Catcher of the Year Award.
The student-athlete and professional-athlete award finalists are:
Lynette Woodard High School Female Athlete of the Year:
- Adryana Shelby, Wichita Northwest High School
- Hayden Snodgrass, Andover Central High School
- Elizabeth Tjaden, Clearwater High School
Barry Sanders High School Male Athlete of the Year:
- Bryce Barkdull, Andover Central High School
- Omari Elias, Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
- DaeOnte Mitchell, Wichita East High School
Junior College Female Athlete of the Year:
- Rossana Papa, Cowley Community College
- Kiki Smith, Hutchinson Community College
- Freddie Wallace, Butler Community College
Junior College Male Athlete of the Year:
- Caden Kickhaefer, Butler Community College
- Jeff Nwankwo, Cowley Community College
- Cooper Wesslund, Hutchinson Community College
College Female Athlete of the Year:
- Patricia Limo, Newman University
- Destiny Masters, Wichita State University
- Gianna Moreno, Friends University
College Male Athlete of the Year:
- Michael Beltran, McPherson College
- Caden Favors, Wichita State University
- Keegan Martin, Friends University
Professional Athlete of the Year:
- David Banuelos, Wichita Wind Surge
- Jay Dickman, Wichita Thunder
- Emma Koepp, Wichita Aero FC
Additional awards being presented at the sports banquet will include:
High School Boys Coach of the Year:
- Shelby Wehrman, Cheney High School
High School Girls Coach of the Year:
- Steve Harshberger, Bishop Carroll High School
Gene Stephenson Coach of the Year:
- John Ontjes, Hutchinson Community College
Robert E. “Bob” Hanson Impact Award:
- Tonya Atta, Wichita Sports Commission
