Wanted: Athletes of the Year

It’s hard to believe that the spring season is already beginning to wind down with a race to the playoffs. It seems like only yesterday I was preparing my summer football previews, yet here we are only two weeks away from spring sport playoffs.

April 22, 2008 1:47 pm

It’s hard to believe that the spring season is already beginning to wind down with a race to the playoffs. It seems like only yesterday I was preparing my summer football previews, yet here we are only two weeks away from spring sport playoffs.

So as the 2007-2008 school year winds down, I’m asking you, the Bellevue Reporter readers, for help.

We want to identify a boys and girls Bellevue Reporter Athlete of the Year, and we want to hear what you think.

We’re looking to recognize an athlete from our community who has excelled on and off the field in a multitude of ways this season. The athletes will be featured in an article before the end of the school year.

So what are we looking for? Someone who has been a standout in more than one sport and a solid stalwart for our community. Someone who really shows what it means to be a MVP.

Who’ll it be? We have some ideas, but would like to hear your thoughts. Send your nominations to me at Jwillits@reporternewspapers.com.

Quick hits

With the Sonics season over, the only thing for fans to look forward to now is the team’s court date regarding the Key Arena lease situation. The June court date should be interesting, especially if the ruling goes against the team.

If you’re not watching the NHL playoffs, you should be. You are missing out on some of the best sports action around. Tune in to Versus each night, as all of the games have been featured on that channel.

At 10-10 and two games back in the AL West, the Mariners are sitting pretty. Wait, what? Yes, you heard me right. I’m perfectly fine with the M’s playing .500 ball right now and you know why? Because they’re getting it done without two of their main cogs, Erik Bedard and JJ Putz.

Felix Hernandez has stepped up to fill the ace role that Bedard should be while the lefty deals with his injury issues.

The bullpen has been less than impressive while Putz recovers from his rib injury. His return should bring some stability to the end of games, where the Mariners bullpen has squandered more than one lead in the first twenty games of the season.