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More Name-Dropping - Possible AOY Nominees...

Monday, 07 October 2024 00:10

By Simon

Later this month, Garfunkel and I will be selecting three male and three female nominees in several categories for this year's Minnesota Multisport Honors. Today, I'm looking at the list of women who deserve to be considered for Athlete of the Year nominations. Know that to be considered an athletes must have turned in at least three outstanding performances. Know also that some athletes have yet to complete their seasons, thus our list might require updating.

Here, in alpha order, are the current considerees for Female AOY nominations: 

KATIE DEREGNIER, 36, Farmington - Katie's highlights include two wins--Trinona Olympic and Big Lake Olympic--and a pair of 2nds--TriByKnight (IA) and Chisago Olympic. 

CAMI ECKHOFF, 38, Detroit Lakes - Two fast wins--1:05 at Northwoods and 1:00:54 at Young Life Sprint--plus impressive 2nds at Chisago 70.3 and Clearwater Olympic are Cami's 2024 highlights. Her improvement from year-to-year has been fun to watch...

ELENA JASPER, 27, Deephaven - Highlights include great wins at Chisago 70.3 (4:47 under extreme conditions) and Lake Minnetonka, plus 3rds at Timberman International and Maple Grove, two of our state's most competitive races. Her 5th at Ironman 70.3 Madison produced a personal best (4:44:45). Elena is demonstrating national-level talent.

CARYN HERRICK, 34, St. Louis Park - Three races, three wins, all worthy of Performance of the Year consideration. Her Ironman 70.3 Madison victory produced her PR (4:37:03). Caryn is special.

TIFFANY KARI CIZMAS, 44, Duluth - One of two Masters on this list, though we also gave Kadie Hokanson a hard look, Tiff's highlights include two wins--Buzz Ryan and One Last Tri International--plus 2nds at Brewhouse International and Square Lake Sprint an a 4th at Timberman. International.

HEATHER LENDWAY, now 40, St. Paul. - A thin, but interesting 2024 scorecard. We don't know how to evaluate her Hopkins win. If you were there, you know what we are talking about. Her 2nd at Timberman was solid, finishing behind aspiring pro Rachel Werking (WI). It was her third effort that rocked our world. She WON the AG National Championship in Atlantic City, outracing the 27-year-old Werking, who placed 2nd. Obvious POY nominee.

BECKY YOUNGBERG, now 50, Shakopee - Becky reached the 50-win milestore this season, winning  four of the seven races she did. Being a close 2nd behind Jasper at Lake Minnetonka was also a highlight.