by Ray Sanchez 12.30.13
Here are the Best in Sports in El Paso for 2013. Five members of the El Paso sports media in addition to this writer contributed to the following selections.
SPORTS PERSONS of the Year – President Alan Ledford and general manager Brad Taylor of the El Paso Chihuahuas. Not only have they done an outstanding job of organizing El Paso’s first Triple A baseball team, they have deflected complaints of the nickname of the team in such a cool and understanding manner it has won many people over.
College Coach of the Year – Keitha Adams, coach of the UTEP women’s basketball team. Who else? She has brightened the UTEP sports scene with outstanding success.
High School Coach of the Year — Bruce Reichman of Del Valle High School. He’s won two state soccer championships and almost won another this year, losing 1-0 to Waco in the state title game.
College Athlete of the Year – Aaron Jones, UTEP. The former Burges High school running back was a big star for the Miners.
High School Athlete of the Year – Devin Vasquez, Eastwood state wrestling champion.
Sports Writer of the Year – Felix Chavez of the El Paso Times. Formerly a highly regarded sports writer in New Mexico, he joined the El Paso Times and when he was asked to work the high school beat he went to it with gusto and his excellent writing skills. With so many high schools in the El Paso area the high school beat is probably the hardest beat of all at a newspaper. He’s handled it like the professional that he is. He’s also a horse racing authority.
Radio Sportscaster of the Year – Steve Kaplowitz of KROD Radio. How can one not pick one of the most knowledgeable and talented sports show hosts El Paso has ever had? He also writes a sports column for the weekly “What’s Up?”
TV Sportscaster of the Year – Beau Bagley of KTSM-TV. He continues to do an excellent job of local sports coverage while sports director Fred Albers is off covering PGA events and Bagley goes about it in such a pleasant manner it’s a joy to see him work..
Sports Photographer of the Year – Ruben Ramirez, chief photographer of the El Paso Times. He not only directs an excellent photo staff but gets into the action himself with his customary uncanny talent. He’s become a legend in the business.
HONORABLE MENTION
Following are others who were nominated for the above honors:
Sports Person of the Year – Bernie Olivas, Sun Bowl director; Wayne Thornton, El Paso Recreation Department.
High School Coach of the Year – Raul Lawrence, Coronado volleyball; Robert Padilla, Bowie football;
Scott Brooks, Canutillo football.
College Athlete of the Year – Azia Nicholson, UTEP soccer; Kayla Thornton, UTEP basketball.
High School Athlete of the Year – Jenny Chiu, Franklin soccer; Seth Gonzalez, Chapin football; KeAndre Bates, Burges track; Joe Brown, Eastwood swimmer; Eddie Senegal, Andress football; LeDerrick Wilson, El Dorado football.
Sports Writer of the Year – Bret Bloomquist, El Paso Times; Bill Knight, El Paso Times.
Radio Sportscaster of the Year – Chad Middleton, KROD; Jon Teicher, UTEP.
TV Sportscaster of the Year – Asher Wildman, KVIA-TV; Aaron Rich, KTSM-TV.
Photographer of the Year – Melody Parra, El Paso Inc.; Victor Calzada, El Paso Times; Mark Lambie, El Paso Times.