Yuma Sun, Yuma Rotary Club honor top athletes and coaches at all region sports awards banquet

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Yuma Sun and the Yuma Rotary Club came together to celebrate some of the top athletes and coaches across Yuma County during the annual All Region Sports Awards Banquet at the Yuma Civic Center.

The event marked the largest sports banquet the Yuma Sun has ever hosted. Recognizing standout athletes, coaches and teams from across the region for their accomplishments throughout the school year.

Among the night's top honors, Yuma Catholic baseball coach Judd Thrower was named Coach of the Year after leading the Shamrocks to their third straight state championship appearance.

Gila Ridge High School's Kameron Potter earned Male Athlete of the Year honors. While Kofa High School's Sabrina Anaya was named Female Athlete of the Year.

Yuma Sun Sports Editor Mac Friday said the banquet is one of the most meaningful events of the year because it gives local athletes the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication.

“This is the most special day we have all year. I’ve put in a lot of work here. I mean, everybody at the Sun, the Rotary Club. To be able to do something like this is so special," Friday said. "We love honoring our athletes. And you know this is one of the highlights of the year for me… To be able to honor so many athletes and give them the recognition that they deserve… I hope it was as special for everybody else as it was for me.”

Friday also credited the work of the Yuma Sun staff and the Yuma Rotary Club for helping organize the event and making the celebration possible.

The Yuma Sun say they hope to continue expanding the banquet in future years. With the goal of creating a countywide celebration that highlights the entire sports season and the achievements of Yuma area athletes.