FARMINGTON – More than 200 hundred people turned out to the Farmington Civic Center on Thursday night as area athletes and coaches were honored at the first Wally D Sports Foundation banquet.
Prep athletes from around San Juan County were awarded more than $20,000 in scholarship money to aid them in pursuing their goals of a college education, as well as continuing their careers in their respective sports.
Walter Dorman, a longtime radio broadcaster and the creator of the foundation, was joined at the banquet by coaches, school administrators and local politicians such as Zac Stevenson, who serves as the commissioner of officials for the New Mexico Activities Association and delivered the keynote address.
Receiving recognition as athletes of the year during the most recent school year were Bloomfield High School quarterback Ryan Sharpe and Aztec High School wrestler Makayla Munoz. Both athletes received more than $2,500 in scholarship moneys to go toward their collegiate endeavors.
Also recognized for their efforts in the past school year were Bloomfield wrestler Adan Benavidez, who won a $1,000 scholarship as top boys wrestler in the region. Benavidez wrapped up a perfect season on the mat and earned a third consecutive state title with a victory in the 133-pound state finals at the Rio Rancho Events Center earlier this year over Moriarty’s Jonathan Valdez.
Munoz, a four-time state champion wrestler from Aztec High School, recently signed her letter of intent to attend Oklahoma City University this fall. She wrapped up her senior year with a record of 43-0 while finishing her four-year prep career with only one loss in 128 matches.
“I have had such a great journey and experiences, and I’m very excited to continue my career at the collegiate level,” Munoz said while accepting one of her two awards on the night. “This sport has really changed my life and given me many opportunities. I’m excited to see what the future holds for me.”
Scholarship checks also went out to Farmington High School’s Jevon Smith and Kamalani Anitielu, who were both named as top basketball players in the region.
Piedra Vista’s Kaden Peace received a scholarship award for being voted the top baseball player in the county, while Panthers softball standout Emma Lovato also earned a scholarship award.
In addition to $1,000 scholarship checks awarded to the winners in their respective categories, all nominees received $250 in scholarship checks, thanks to donations made by businesses and community leaders and money raised by the foundation.
“What it really says about the community and how much support this area has for its sports is incredible,” said Dorman. “I’m really pleased and blessed to see this many people turn out to support all of our local athletes and schools across the county.”
The foundation is a nonprofit organization in which all funds received go directly to scholarships and awards.
Local and area teams were also selected as being the best in the region, with Bloomfield High School’s football team receiving recognition as team of the year. Head coach Mike Kovacs earned an award as local coach of the year.
The Bobcats, the defending Class 4A champions in football after a 13-7 win last November over Silver, were led on the field by Sharpe, who returned from multiple leg injuries sustained in his junior season to guide the Bobcats to the championship. Sharpe was also voted as comeback player of the year.
Farmington High School’s Chloe DeWees was awarded with a $1,000 scholarship for her efforts as leading volleyball player in the region.
Dorman was confident at the conclusion of the event that the best is still yet to come for the foundation moving forward.
“The people and the businesses in the county really stepped up tonight, as they always have for local sports,” Dorman said. “I’m excited to see how this event will grow and how we can make it even better.”
Wally D Foundation award winners
Outstanding Boys Wrestler – Adan Benavidez, Bloomfield.
Outstanding Girls Wrestler – Makayla Munoz, Aztec.
Outstanding Volleyball Player – Chloe DeWees, Farmington.
Outstanding Boys Basketball Player – Jevon Smith, Farmington.
Outstanding Girls Basketball Player – Kamalani Anitielu, Farmington.
Outstanding Baseball Player – Kaden Peace, Piedra Vista.
Outstanding Softball Player – Emma Lovato, Piedra Vista.
Outstanding Football Player – Ryan Sharpe, Bloomfield.
Sportsmanship Award – Ashley Smouse, Piedra Vista.
Comeback Player Award – Ryan Sharpe, Bloomfield.
Top Female Athlete – Makayla Munoz, Aztec.
Top Male Athlete – Ryan Sharpe, Bloomfield.
Coach of the Year – Mike Kovacs, Bloomfield.
Team of the Year – Bloomfield High School football.
