CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2009 AWARD WINNERS

the bkd wow award: presented to Peggy martin

After 33 years at the helm, Peggy Martin from the University of Central Missouri retired in 2008 as the most victorious volleyball coach in NCAA Division II history. She was the first coach to achieve more than 1,000 victories and maintained one of the top 10 winning percentages among active head coaches. Under Peggy’s guidance, the Jennies (UCM’s women’s volleyball team), have won at least 25 matches in 31 straight seasons and has won or shared the league title every year since 1982. 

In April 2006, she was inducted into her hometown Sports Hall of Fame in Mobile, Ala., before earning a distinguished alumni award from Indiana University in 2007. She has been chosen AVCA Division II National Coach of the Year in 1987 after directing the team to their second-place NCAA Tournament finish. A colleague recently said, “Over the years, Peggy has influenced the lives of countless female athletes with her compassion, discipline and genuine love for her teams. She is highly respected in coaching circles and has been a pioneer advocating for opportunities for women participating in sports.”

Peggy authored the book 101 Volleyball Drills and produced four instructional videos; Training the Setter, Competitive Volleyball Drills, The Slide Attack and Training the Libero. 

The DST Systems Adversity Award: presented to Tatum Deister.

For some, the physical challenges cerebral palsy brings might prevent them from participating in sports, but not for Tatum Deister. Though the disease means the 9-year old has difficulty walking on her own, Tatum decided last summer to join a fast-pitch softball team with some of her school friends.

Though she didn’t get a hit all season, Tatum did reach first base a few times when she was walked. Each time, she dropped her bat and ran or walked as quickly as she could to first base, to the cheers of the inspired crowd of spectators. At the closing tournament, the pitches were thrown hard, and Tatum was hit in the shoulder by a pitch. She did not cry, only dropped her bat and walked to first base. Her bravery brought tears to the eyes of many in the crowd and on the field, including the umpire. At the end of the game, the other team awarded her the Most Valuable Player medal.

The UMB Senior Sportswoman Award: presented to Carol Flynn.

To say Carol Flynn is a multifaceted sportswoman would be an understatement. She is one of the original multi-sport athletes. After raising her family, Carol started running during a time when few women were active in the sport. She has won numerous medals within her age group, while running in the United States and abroad. Carol also participates in swimming, has won awards in synchronized swimming and takes part in a senior tennis league.

She has also shared her love of athletics throughout her life, working as a teacher and a coach. In the course of her many years as a swimming instructor, she has taught hundreds of children water safety. She also had a long career in the Kansas City area as a synchronized swimming coach.

Carol believes in healthy eating and in making activity a part of her daily life, viewing even mundane tasks such as leaf raking and yard work as a fitness opportunity. Now in her 70s, Carol still plays tennis outdoors year-round every Saturday morning, works out regularly at the YMCA, swims around the cove at the lake, and skis with her family. In short, she is an exemplary model to her peers, students, children and grandchildren of the healthy lifestyle she recommends.

The hallmark cards outstanding mentor award: presented to nancy schott 

Nancy Schott said she first learned the lesson of perseverance and hard work from her family. At Washington State University she “walked on” to the women’s soccer team, despite having never played the game before. In 1998, she received the devastating news that she had breast cancer. Since that time, she’s been diagnosed with pre-ovarian cancer and pre-throat cancer, had hand and foot surgery, and dealt with compartment syndrome. Throughout it all, Nancy has coached or played soccer, basketball, baseball, and even coached a high school football kicking squad. She has coached with a boot strapped on her foot, with wraps around her calves, and with a cordless microphone. Nancy’s husband, John, refers to her as “the old car that goes in the shop a lot but in the end is way better than a brand new car.”

As a coach in a local youth soccer club, Nancy has been given the biggest obstacles to overcome with teams that didn’t succeed and injured players. Despite those obstacles, Nancy is able to take any group of players and turn them into a formidable team every year.  The mother of one of Nancy’s former players said, “Nancy is one of those coaches that years from now, the girls that played for her are going to think back of fondly. When they are struggling to find the right answer in their jobs as engineers, doctors, lawyers, teachers, coaches, and moms they will hear Nancy’s voice telling them not to give up.”

The Lockton Courage Award: presented to Debra Callaway

Deb Callaway has always found a way to help others despite personal challenges. Several years ago, she made a decision to donate her kidney to a stranger. Her act of generosity undoubtedly saved the recipient's life. She trained vigorously prior to the surgery in order to be in top physical condition, giving herself the best chance for a successful operation. Though she has since been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Deb continues to compete as a marathon runner, cyclist and a triathlete.

As a teacher at an area high school geared for troubled teens, Deb is a positive role model for her students. With wit, humor and enthusiasm, she creates a rich environment for learning and encourages her students to set goals and participate in sports. In fact, she frequently offers to pay the entry fee and provide transportation for students interested in running local races with her. Regarding her kidney donation, she was recently quoted as saying, “Being a teacher, I don't get the chance to save lives,­ maybe to change them, but not to save them. This was my chance.”

The Sprint Spirit Award: presented to Julia Bargman.

Julia Bargman received the most nominations ever in the histroy of WIN for KC awards. This inspirational breast cancer survivor has been fighting the disease, on and off, for 12 years and continues the fight today. Throughout her life, Julia has been an athlete, a runner, a cheerleader and a coach.

Recently for the Pink Ribbon Football game, her cross-country team ran 20 miles with a football from the opposing team's high school to their school to raise money for breast-cancer testing. In the pouring rain and contrary to her doctor's orders, Julia ran the last mile with the team. Julia's sister said, "It was the most inspiring sight I have seen. She loves to run and loves her kids." Those who know Julia best say she maintains her positive attitude throughout the difficulties she has faced. Whether she is caring for her two boys and husband, counseling her middle school students, or coaching the high school team, she continues to serve as an inspiration to those who know her personally and to the broader Smithville community.

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