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MMHs For Kyle, Bella, Kort & Brooks...

Thursday, 18 November 2021 00:10

KYLE SWENSON

JUNIOR OF THE YEAR - The slam-dunkiest of all the pics was this one. In his final year of JOY eligibility, Kyle collected his 2nd Top Teen honor. This time, though, he made history becoming the first junior male to be nominated in the AOY category. He is also the first junior, male or female, to have a POY nomination. This, plus his four wins and consistently fast times, suggest that Kyle is the most talented male junior that Minnesota has ever produced....

ISABELLA BUENTING

JUNIOR OF THE YEAR - Also a slam dunk selection, despite the fact that 2020 JOY Macy Iyer and first-time nominee Grace Busch rocked the local scene. Bella, meanwhile, was making a name for herself against established adults and top collegiate competition at major races in Wisconsin, California and Ohio. Bella has one more year of JOY eigibility, thus she could enter her twenties with three JOY honors on her resume. 

Historically, Buenting takes her place alongside our state's premier juniors, i.e. four-time JOY Beth Zirbes and two-time JOY Greta Danielson (Koppy).

KORTNEY HAAG

MASTER OF THE YEAR - Another slam-dunk pick, 42-year-old Kortney Haag raced well enough to be nominated for AOY, winning three of the four races she entered. Two of those Ws were in half IMs, her 10th and 11th at the distance, and raising her career victory total to 25.

BROOKS GROSSINGER

MASTER OF THE YEAR - Though a committee member or two favored Josh Blankenheim for ths honor, Brooks ultimately got the nod thanks largely to racing volume--he raced five times, whereas Josh raced only thrice--and consistency. While Josh raced in more competitive events, Brooks' three wins all boasted stellar times.

Next - Grand Masters and Team MInnesota