2014 Kentucky Sportsman of the Year nominees
The 34th Herald-Leader Kentucky Sportsman of the Year award winner will be announced Wednesday night simultaneously here on Kentucky.com and at the fourth annual Bluegrass Sports Awards banquet in Lexington. The full Sportsman of the Year results will be published in Thursday's Herald-Leader.
Below is the list of nominees the Herald-Leader presented to media members across Kentucky to vote on for the 2014 Kentucky Sportsman of the Year Award.
Media members were asked to rank their top 10 choices. Voters were allowed to write in candidates not among these nominees.
2014 KENTUCKY SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
JESSICA ADELL, softball — Ballard CF (.591 BA, 53 R, 40 SB) was named Miss Softball.
LEON ALLEN, football — WKU star RB ran for 1,542 yards & 13 TDs. Ran for 237 yards in overtime upset of unbeaten Marshall & for school-record 345 yards in win over Army.
ELVYONN BAILEY, track & field — WKU sprinter repeated as Sun Belt men’s 200m & 400m champ & anchored victorious WKU 4X400 relay. In NCAA championships, anchored WKU 4X400 relay to 4th-place finish, school’s best finish ever.
MITCH BARNHART, administration — In 2013-14 school year, Kentucky AD saw athletics department finish all-time best 11th in Director’s Cup standings.
BOB BEATTY, football — Coached Trinity (10-5) to 6A state title, the coach’s state-record tying 11th state championship.
HRISTINA BECHTEL, swimming — UK standout was 5th in NCAA championships 200 butterfly (school-record 1:53.65). Runner-up in SEC championships in 100 butterfly & 4th in 200. One of 6 named to 2014-15 USA national team in 100 & 200 fly.
MORGAN BERGREN, volleyball — UK setter (1,291 assists, 2nd most in school history in 25-point rally era) was chosen 2nd Team All-America by American Volleyball Coaches Association.
MALLORY BLACKWELDER, golf — Ex-UK golfer finished 10th on the Symetra Tour’s money list, earning LPGA Tour card.
NIKKI BOLTJA, lacrosse — U of L star was named 1st team All-American by Women’s Coaches Association. Was 3rd in country in goals (71), 4th in points (100) & 24th in assists (29).
NATHAN BOSTON, wrestling — Woodford County star (49-0) won state championship at 120 pounds, his 2nd straight season with an unbeaten state title.
SOUFIANE BOUCHIKHI, track & field —EKU star was named OVC Men’s Outdoor Track Athlete of Year. Finished 15th in NCAA Championships 5K run. A 6-time All-American in cross country, indoor & outdoor track.
TEDDY BRIDGEWATER, football — Made 12 starts as rookie QB for Minnesota (went 6-6). Ex-U of L QB completed 64.4% of passes (259-of-402) for 2,919 yards with 15 TDs vs. 12 interceptions.
IVY BROWN, basketball — LaRue County standout (24.4 ppg, 12.6 rpg) was named Miss Basketball. Ended career with 2,906 career points, 1,168 rebounds & 622 steals.
JEFF BROHM, football — 1st-year WKU head coach led Hilltoppers (8-5) to championship of Popeyes Bahamas Bowl, the school’s 1st FBS bowl win. Upset previously unbeaten Marshall (then 11-0). Produced prolific offense (44.4 ppg & 534.6 yards a game).
DEZEREA BRYANT, track & field — UK junior won 200 at NCAA indoor championship, the 1st Wildcat athlete ever to win a national title at a sprint distance.
NICK BURDI, baseball — Louisville closer (3-1, 0.49 ERA, school-record 18 saves; 65 K’s, 2 ERs in 37 innings) was named 1st team All-America & National Stopper of Year by National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Chosen 46th overall in MLB Draft.
DREW BURWASH, soccer — Coached Lindsey Wilson women (18-3-3) to NAIA national title.
JOHN CALIPARI, basketball — Coached UK men (29-11) to 3rd Final Four in 5 years & NCAA runner-up finish.
MICHELLE CLARK-HEARD, basketball — Coached WKU women (24-9) to Sun Belt Tournament title & 1st NCAA tourney since 2008.
RANDALL COBB, football — Ex-UK star went over 1,000 yards receiving (91 catches, 1,287 yards, 12 TDs) for 1st time in Green Bay career.
GLENN COSEY, basketball — EKU guard (18.7 ppg, school-record 115 three-pointers) was voted 1st team All-OVC & All-OVC Tournament. Led Colonels (24-10) to berth in NCAA tourney.
DeMARCUS COUSINS, basketball — Sacramento center (22.7 ppg, 11.7 rpg) broke Chris Webber’s franchise record for double-doubles in season (53). Ex-UK star (9.6 ppg, 5.6 rpg) helped Team USA to gold medal in FIBA World Championships.
ANTHONY DAVIS, basketball — New Orleans center (20.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, league-leading 2.8 blocks, 2.0 steals) made 1st appearance in NBA All-Star Game. Ex-UK standout (12.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg) helped Team USA to gold medal in FIBA World Championships.
CONNOR DAVIS, rifle — UK sophomore won NCAA individual championship in air rifle. Named 2nd team All-America by Coaches Association.
HAROLD DAVIS, football — Coached DeSales (14-1) to 2nd straight Class 2A state title.
JOAO De LUCCA, swimming — U of L star repeated as NCAA champion in 200 freestyle (1:31.96) & won 100 freestyle (:41.7). 1st male swimmer to claim NCAA championships in 100 & 200 freestyle since 1995.
BRANDON DOUGHTY, football — WKU QB ended regular season as nation’s leader in passing yards & TDs. Including bowl win over Central Michigan, threw for 4,830 yards & 49 TDs. Set FBS record for TD passes in a road game (8) at Marshall. Winner of Sammy Baugh Award as nation’s top passer. Named C-USA MVP.
KALEB DUCKWORTH, baseball — Henderson Co. INF/OF (.447 BA, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 38 SB) was co-Mr. Baseball & Gatorade Kentucky Player of Year.
ELVIS DUMERVIL, football — Ex-U of L star was named AP All-Pro 1st Team after finishing 3rd in NFL in sacks (17) for Baltimore.
ALVIN “BUD” DUPREE, football — UK senior DE (74 tackles; 12.5 TFL; 7.5 sacks) finished 2nd on Cats’ career sacks list (23.5). 1st team All-SEC by both AP & coaches.
ANN EASON, track & field, cross country — EKU senior won OVC cross country championship. Finished 42nd in NCAA championship. Won OVC Outdoor track titles in 5K & 1,500-meters runs. OVC Scholar Athlete Award winner.
BROCK ERVIN, wrestling — Union County senior won state championship at 132 pounds, Became 1st wrestler in state history to win state titles 5 straight years.
KENNETH FARIED, basketball — Denver forward (13.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg) finished 9th in NBA in FG% (54.5). Ex-Morehead St. star (12.4 ppg, team-best 7.5 rpg) helped Team USA to gold medal in FIBA World Championships.
ANDY FRYE, football — Coached Centre (10-1) to its 1st undefeated regular season since 1955, to its 1st Southern Athletic Association championship & berth in NCAA Division III playoffs.
TODD GARVEY, volleyball — Coached Mercy (40-1) to state championship & PrepVolleyball.com mythical national title.
WILLIAM GAY, football — Ex-U of L standout was named Pittsburgh Steelers’ Man of Year for off-field contributions. Cornerback had 69 tackles & 3 interceptions — all of which he returned for TDs.
ARIN GILLILAND, soccer — UK senior (7 goals, 8 assists, 22 points) was 1st player in school history named All-American (2nd Team) by National Soccer Coaches Association. SEC Defensive Player of Year. SEC All-Tournament. Won 2014 Honda Inspiration Award (a national honor). Spent time with US under-23 National Team.
CHASTITY GOOCH, basketball — WKU star (18.4 ppg, 9 rpg, 51.2 FG%) was named Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of Year for 2nd season in row. All-Sun Belt First Team. MVP of league tourney (26 points, 12 rebounds in finals).
KIANNA GRAY, track — North Hardin junior won Class 3A state titles in four events, 100 meters (:11.81), 200 (meet record :24.09), 400 (meet record :54.6) & 100 hurdles (:14.29). Has won 7 Class 3A individual state titles in past 2 years.
DEVIN HAIRSTON, baseball — Tates Creek standout (.409 BA, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 42 runs) was named co-Mr. Baseball.
DAMIEN HARRIS, football — Madison Southern running back (1,576 yards, 23 TDs in seven games as senior; 6,746 career rushing yards, 113 rushing TDs) won high school Paul Hornung Award.
POKEY HARRIS, football — Murray St. junior led FCS with 3 kickoff return TDs. Named 1st Team All-America kickoff return specialist by 5 different organizations.
AARON HARRISON, basketball — UK guard (13.7 ppg) hit game-deciding shots in 3 straight NCAA tourney victories over U of L (39 seconds left), Michigan (2.3 seconds) and Wisconsin (5.7 seconds).
KENDRA HARRISON, track & field — UK hurdler won 100 & 400 hurdles at SEC outdoor championship, 1st SEC athlete to do so since 1999. Won 60 hurdles at SEC indoor championship. Was silver medalist in NCAA Outdoor Championships in 400 & 5th in 100.
DOMONIQUE HAYDEN, football — Thomas More senior RB led NCAA Division III in rushing TDs (25) & was 3rd in rushing yards (1,421 in 9 games). Semifinalist for Gagliardi Trophy (Division III Heisman). 1st Team All-America by D3football. com & 2nd Team AP Little All-American. Thomas More all-time leading rusher (5,461 yards).
PHILIP HAYWOOD, football — Coached Belfry (13-2) to 2nd straight 3A state title, the coach’s 4th state championship.
BILLY HICKS, basketball — In February, Scott Co. coach became all-time wins leader (857) in Kentucky boys’ basketball history. Led Scott County (35-4) to state finals for 5th time, where it lost to Covington Catholic in OT.
JOHNNY HINES, football — Coached Pulaski Co. (13-2) to 5A state title, school’s 1st football state championship. Named AP Coach of the Year.
GEROD HOLLIMAN, football — U of L safety tied all-time FBS, single-season record with 14 interceptions. Was 1st team AP All-American & Walter Camp All-American. Won Jim Thorpe Award & Jack Tatum Award as nation’s top DB.
J.B. HOLMES, golf — Ex-UK golfer capped remarkable recovery from two brain surgeries by winning PGA Tour’s Wells Fargo Championship in Charlotte, his 3rd career win. Finished 35th on earnings list ($2.365 million).
DANIELLE HOOP, cross country, track — Cumberlands star won Mid-South Conference women’s cross country championship meet (18:09 for 5K). Finished 26th in NAIA championship. 8-time NAIA All-American. In track, Owen Co. product won Mid-South championship in 3K steeplechase & was runner-up in 5K run.
DELANEY HOWSON, golf — Murray St. star hit birdie putt on 18th hole of OVC Tournament championship to clinch team title. Set league record by winning OVC women’s individual title by 13 shots. OVC Player of Year.
MEREDITH JEWELL, volleyball — Mercy outside hitter (1st on team in aces & kills, 2nd in blocks) was named Miss Volleyball. Led Jaguars (40-1) to state title & PrepVolleyball.com mythical national title.
LARRY JUST, basketball — Coached Butler girls (32-3) to state basketball championship.
GABRIELLA KARAS, cross country — M.L. Collins HS sophomore won her 4th straight Class 2A state championship (17:57.70 for 5K).
LEE KIEFER, fencing — P.L. Dunbar alum won gold medal in Pan Am Championships & Junior Worlds; bronze medalist in North American Cup.
COREY LANERIE, horse racing — Swept riding titles at all three Churchill Downs meets (tied for 1st in September meet). Has been leading rider at 7 of last 8 Churchill meets.
DANIELLE LAWRENCE, basketball — Butler senior (14.9 ppg, 5.2 rpg) was Girls’ Sweet Sixteen MVP after scoring 70 points & grabbing 29 rebounds while leading school to state title.
RACHEL LAWSON, softball — UK coach led Wildcats (50-19, school record for wins) to Women’s College World Series for 1st time. Headed National Fastpitch Coaches Association Division I Coaching Staff of Year.
JON LIPSITZ, soccer — UK women’s coach led Wildcats (16-7-1) to NCAA tourney round of 16 for 1st time in school history.
ANGEL McCOUGHTRY, basketball — Ex-U of L star finished 3rd in WNBA MVP voting for Atlanta Dream (18.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.6 apg, league-leading 2.4 steals). Helped Team USA win FIBA World Championships gold medal (6.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.2 apg).
DAN McDONNELL, baseball — Coached U of L (50-17) to College World Series for 2nd straight season & 3rd time in eight years.
MORGAN McINTYRE, track & field — Fairview standout won Class A state pole vault championship for 5th straight year by clearing state record of 12 feet.
DY’SHAWN MOBLEY, football — EKU RB (1,491 yards & 20 TDs rushing; 30 receptions for 309 yards, 1 TD) was named OVC Offensive Player of Year for Colonels (9-4).
JOE MORRIS, football — Coached Mayfield (14-1) to 3rd straight Class A state title, the coach’s 5th state championship.
ROSIE NAPRAVNIK, horse racing — Louisville-based jockey rode Untapable to wins in Kentucky Oaks & Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Won riding title (16 wins) at Keeneland Fall Meet for 2nd year in a row. Won 5 races in one day (May 25) at Churchill Downs, 1st female rider to do so. Rode 189 winners in 2014 before retiring to have a baby.
LAUREN NEMEROFF, soccer — Dixie Heights standout (17 goals, 11 assists) was named Miss Soccer.
JEFF NEUBAUER, basketball — Coached EKU (24-10) to OVC Tournament title and NCAA Tournament berth.
KELSEY NUNLEY, softball — UK sophomore pitcher (30-11, 1.88 ERA) worked every inning for Kentucky on NCAA Tournament run that ended in Women’s College World Series. Named to WCWS All-Tournament Team.
DeVANTE PARKER, football — Limited to 7 games by injury, U of L senior WR (43 catches, 855 yards, 5 touchdowns, four 100-yard games) still made 3rd Team All-ACC. Had career-high 214 receiving yards vs defending national champion Florida St. MVP of U of L-UK game (6 catches, 180 yards, 3 TDs). Tied all-time U of L career TD catch record (33).
CAMERON PAYNE, basketball — Murray St. guard (16.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 5.4 apg) was named OVC Freshman of Year, All-OVC 1st team & CIT MVP (20.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 5 apg in five games) while leading Racers to CIT championship.
KENNY PERRY, golf — WKU product won twice on PGA Champions Tour & finished 6th on earnings list ($1.566 million).
BOBBY PETRINO, football — In 1st year in ACC, coached Louisville (9-4) to a berth in Belk Bowl.
RICK PITINO, basketball — Coached U of L men (31-6) to share of American Athletic Conference regular season title, championship of AAC Tournament & NCAA tourney round of 16.
JESSICA RAMSEY, track & field — WKU standout won Sun Belt championships in shot put, hammer throw & discus. 1st woman in school history to qualify for 3 events in NCAA championships.
KEN & SARAH RAMSEY, horse racing — Won or shared owners’ titles at Churchill Downs September & fall meets, the 23rd time the couple have done so. Also leading owners at Keeneland Fall Meet for a track record-tying 14th time. Ramsey-owned horse Bobby’s Kitten won Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
JULIUS RANDLE, basketball — UK power forward (15 ppg, 10.4 rpg) led nation with 24 double-doubles. Was 1st team All-SEC by coaches & the AP. SEC Freshman of Year (coaches), SEC Newcomer of Year (AP) & 3rd team All-America (NABC). Chosen 7th in 2014 NBA Draft.
AJ REED, baseball — UK star (.336 BA, nation-leading 23 HRs, 73 RBI; as pitcher, 12-2 with 2.09 ERA) swept all five major national Player of the Year awards, including Dick Howser Trophy. Won John Olerud Award as nation’s best two-way player. Named SEC Player of Year & SEC Male Athlete of Year. First player in SEC history to lead league in home runs & pitching victories in same season. No. 42 overall pick in MLB draft.
BEN REVERE, baseball — Philadelphia outfielder, a Lexington Catholic product, led National League in singles (162), & was 5th in hitting. (306), 3rd in stolen bases (49 bases) & 9th in triples (7).
DALLAS ROBINSON, bobsled — Georgetown resident was sole Kentuckian to compete in Winter Olympics. Was pusher & brakeman for 2-man U.S. sled that finished 13th.
EBONY ROWE, basketball — Ex-P.L Dunbar standout led Middle Tennessee St. to 4th straight NCAA Tournament appearance (21.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg, school record 26 double-doubles). Left MTSU as all-time leading scorer (2,453 points) & rebounder (1,410). Named C-USA Female Athlete of Year, Women’s Basketball Player of Year & Tournament MVP. Second Team Academic All-American.
NICK RUTHSATZ, basketball — Covington Catholic guard (21.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) was State Tournament MVP after scoring 91 points & doling out 23 assists while leading Colonels to state title. SCOTT RUTHSATZ, basketball — Coached Covington Catholic (33-2) to its 1st Boys’ Sweet Sixteen championship.
SHONI SCHIMMEL, basketball — U of L senior (17.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.8 apg) led Cards (33-5) to 2nd straight NCAA tourney round of 8. Ended career as 1st player in U of L history to go over 2,000 points (2,174) & 500 assists (600). The 8th pick in 2014 WNBA Draft by Atlanta, Scored 29 points in WNBA All-Star Game.
DAVE SCHWEPKER, volleyball — Coached Murray St. (26-6) to its 1st OVC regular season title, OVC tourney title & berth in NCAA tourney.
ASIA SEIDT, swimming — Sacred Heart sophomore won state championships in 200 IM (state record 1:58.53) & 100 back (:53.40). Was chosen Most Outstanding Competitor after helping team to state crown.
ELIJAH SINDELAR, football — Caldwell Co. QB (3,609 yards passing, 49 TDs) was chosen Mr. Football after setting state records with 144 career TD passes & 41 straight games with a TD pass. Finished 2nd in state history with 12,637 career passing yards.
RUSS SMITH, basketball — U of L senior (18.2 ppg, 4.6 apg, 2.0 steals) was the 6th consensus 1st Team All-American in U of L men’s history. Only player to end U of L career with more than 1,800 (1,908) points, 350 assists (378) & 250 steals (257). The 47th pick in 2014 NBA Draft.
QUENTIN SNIDER, basketball — Ballard guard (21.9 ppg, 5.9 assists) earned Mr. Basketball honors. Finished career with 2,442 points, surpassing Allan Houston as Ballard’s all-time leading scorer.
SAM STOCKTON, soccer — Trinity standout (14 goals, 21 assists) was named Mr. Soccer.
EMMA TALLEY, golf — Ex-Caldwell Co. star, an Alabama junior, helped U.S. win 2014 Curtis Cup over Great Britain & Ireland. Was low amateur (17th) at Ladies British Open. Made cut at US Women’s Open.
JUSTIN THOMAS, golf — Ex-St. Xavier star earned PGA Tour card after finishing 5th on Web. com Tour (1 win, 7 Top 10s) money list.
UNTAPABLE, horse racing — Kentucky-bred filly won Kentucky Oaks, Mother Goose Stakes, Cotillion Handicap & Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
JOHN WALL, basketball — Washington Wizards guard (19.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 8.8 apg) made 1st NBA All-Star Game. Ex-UK star won 2014 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
JEFF WALZ, basketball — Coached U of L women (33-5) to 2nd straight appearance in NCAA Tournament round of eight.
BRIAN WEINRICH, football — 1st-year head coach led Highlands (13-2) to 4A state title, the school’s 23rd state championship.
MAC WHITAKER, baseball — Longtime Harrison County High School coach went over 1,000 career wins (1,012-300), the 3rd coach in state history to do so.
WISE DAN, horse racing — In 7-year-old season interrupted by colic surgery & shortened by an ankle injury, gelding went 4-for-4. Won graded stakes at Keeneland, Churchill Downs & Saratoga.
LOGAN WOODSIDE, football — Toledo QB (2,263 passing yards with 19 TDs vs. 8 ints.), a Franklin Co. product, led Rockets to 9-4 record & GoDaddy Bowl win.
RAY ZUBERER, football, basketball, baseball — Owensboro Catholic junior QB led state in passing (3,661 yards) & passing TDs (56). In baseball, hit .389 with 27 runs, 23 RBI. Averaged 10 ppg in hoops.
This story was originally published January 25, 2015 at 3:53 PM with the headline "2014 Kentucky Sportsman of the Year nominees."