Friesz Selected As Idaho’s Top Pro Athlete
As an NFL quarterback, John Friesz is accustomed to making handoffs.
In a welcomed change, however, Friesz was on the receiving end of a handoff when the Professional Athlete of the Year trophy was presented to the former University of Idaho star at the 34th annual Idaho Sports Banquet on Saturday night at the Coeur d’Alene Resort.
“I guess I’d have to say this is a dream come true,” said the unfailingly humble Friesz, the Coeur d’Alene native who plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
“To win an award like this is something special. This is a big moment in my life.”
He then pointed out another big moment in his life, introducing his wife, Julie, and their infant son, Hunter. Friesz also thanked his parents, Mel and Mary Jo, for inspiring him to attend college.
Friesz was selected from a group of finalists that included former Lakeland High golfer Tracy Hanson. She couldn’t attend - something about being within two shots of the lead and having to prepare for today’s final round in the Nabisco Dinah Shore tournament in Calif.
Some familiar names captured awards. Sandpoint High’s Alli Nieman, who will play volleyball and basketball at Idaho, won the North Idaho Female Athlete award.
“I’m a little nervous,” Nieman said at the podium. “I’d probably be more comfortable in front of all of you if I was playing volleyball or basketball.”
Post Falls’ Ian Waltz, who won the shot put for Washington State at a track meet earlier Saturday, accepted the Male Athlete trophy.
“I’d like to thank my family for their support over the years,” said Waltz, sounding a recurring theme of the evening’s winners, “and also my coaches for putting in the time with me.”
Lake City High girls basketball, A-1 state champions in 1995, was honored as the top Female Team while Deary’s state champion football team was voted best Male Team.
Troy High’s Bobby Hazeltine was picked Coach of the Year for directing her club to the latest in a string of girls A-4 state basketball titles.
In State of Idaho awards, UI won two of the four categories - three of five, if you count Friesz.
Idaho defensive end Ryan Phillips, a Division I-AA All-American, won best Male Athlete.
Idaho men’s track, champions of the Big Sky Conference, won Team of the Year, which made for a convenient acceptance speech.
“It’s gotta be a first when the presenter gives an award to his own team,” said a smiling UI track coach Mike Keller.
Other winners were Jerome track coach Tim Dunne (Coach), Richfield High track standout Becky Ward (Female Athlete), and Lewiston’s Bill Smith (Booster).
Inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame were former UI football players Earl Acuff, John Foruria and Ron Porter, and former Idaho High School Activities Association director Dick Stickle.
The Gar Anderson Memorial Award, honoring the North Idaho Sportsman of the Year, went to Moscow’s Clint Rand.
, DataTimes