Lincoln, NE (November 10, 2023) – The Nebraska Sports Council (NSC) presented awards Tuesday to several top athletes and volunteers at its annual awards banquet at the Graduate Hotel in Lincoln.
Cornhusker State Games (CSG) 2023 Athletes of the Year included: Youth Female — Anna Midyett, 10, Bennington, Youth Golf; Youth Male – Rudy Rodriguez, 16, Grand Island, Wrestling; Female – Becky Mantonya, 51, Lincoln, Swimming; Male – Emmett Hassenstab, 19, Omaha, Track and Field; Senior Female –Susan Benson, 74, Blair, Archery; Senior Male – Larry Allen, 75, Cozad, Martial Arts-Taekwondo.
Midyett won two gold medals: one in the Summer Youth State Championship and one in Youth Stroke Play. She is now a two-time gold medalist for both events. She also recently qualified for the Drive, Chip and Putt National Finals at Augusta National Golf Course for the second straight year.
Rodriguez won four gold medals in the following wrestling categories: Scholastic, Beach, Freestyle, and Greco. He also won the Outstanding Wrestler Plaque.
Mantonya has earned well over 50 medals in her 25 years of competing in the CSG. She has participated in open water swimming and the triathlon and has even medaled in the gravel grinder. This year, she won four gold medals in the Women’s Master Swim meet including the 50 meter back; 100 meter back; 200 meter free and the 800 meter free.
Bensen walked away with two gold medals. She won the Indoor Archery 450, which now makes her a two-time gold medalist in this event, and she also won the outdoor Target Archery 760. Her achievements are especially remarkable given she took up archery just two years ago at the age of 72.
Allen won 1st and 2nd place medals in the Sparring and Forms competition. He has now earned 70 gold and silver medals in 35 appearances at the CSG.
Hassenstab, who also received the National Athlete of the Year Award, has been competing with his family in the CSG for several years before he suffered a spinal cord injury in 2021. Emmett’s inspiring story of resilience and determination captured the hearts of many. He defied the odds and embarked on a remarkable journey of rehabilitation. His triumphant return to competitive sports culminated in a gold medal win as the anchor of the Family 4×100 relay at the Cornhusker State Games. Emmett’s story is one of courage and the unyielding spirit of a true athlete.
Aaron and Jeri Lyn Rogge received the Joe Neal Memorial Volunteer of the Year Award for years of dedicated service as HAM radio operators and over-seeing volunteer lunch deliveries.
Mike Catron and Hilary Catron won the Russ White Memorial Sport Director of the Year Award. They’ve served 18 years as the CSG Taekwondo Sport Directors.
The John Axe Memorial Board Service was presented to three outgoing Board members: Stephanie Mattoon, 10 years; Jeff Maul, 17 years; and Ed Swotek, 22 years.
Volleyball Director Daryl Korinek and his wife, DeAnn, were honored, and received a standing ovation, for 35 years of service. Other Sport Director Service Awards included: Five-Year – Dave Case, Cornhole; Larry Pape, Shore Fishing; Erik Gustafson, Miniature Golf; Rick Royers, Karate; Dena Noe, CSG Walk; and David Charroin, Wrestling. 10-Year – Matt and Becky Carmin, Archery. 15-Year – Brian Gorman, Karate. 20-Year – Mike Jochum, BB Gun and Air Rifle/Pistol. 25-Year – Anita Jackson, Disc Golf.
The Awards Banquet was sponsored by Lincoln Federal Savings Bank and The Graduate. Contributing Partners include: University of Nebraska – College of Journalism and Mass Communications, Kinkaider Brewing Company, Single Barrel and the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.
The Nebraska Sports Council has one remaining event in 2023, the Heartland Havoc Wrestling Tournament Nov. 11-12 at Lincoln Sports Complex in Lincoln. Thus far in 2023, more than 25,000 Nebraskans from more than 80 Nebraska counties have participated in NSC events.
The Nebraska Sports Council is a 501 c 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote healthy/active lifestyle choices and provide quality competition for athletes of all ages and abilities. Platinum Partners include Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln, Farmers Mutual, The Nebraska Medical Association and Nebraska Orthopedic Center. Learn more at NebraskaSportsCouncil.com.