NSM accepting nominations for the 2011 Niagara Sports Awards

As part of the new Niagara Sports Magazine we are asking fans to put forward their nominations for their 2011 Niagara Sports Awards. Candidates have to be from the Niagara Region. Their awards and accolades have to have taken place between Jan. 2011 and Dec. 2011.

The following are the categories we will have. 

Amateur Male Athlete of the Year
Amateur Female Athlete of the Year
College / University Male Athlete of the Year
College / University Female Athlete of the Year

High School Male Athlete of the Year

High School Female Athlete of the Year

Minor Sports Youth Male Athlete of the Year

Minor Sports Youth Female Athlete of the Year

Male Coach of the Year
Female Coach of the Year

Niagara Sports Magazine - Online Version

Click the following link for the online version of November's issue of Niagara Sports Magazine.

Featured in the first issue are Alex Friesen, Mike and Jessica Kemp, Sabrina D'Angelo and Rocky DiPietro.

http://issuu.com/niagarasports/docs/nsm-november2011-final-web1

November 2011 Issue - Niagara's Top Performers

In November's issue of Niagara Sports Magazine the Niagara's Top Performers ... Presented by Swiss Chalet include Cam McLean (Niagara Falls Canucks), Daniel Clarke (Niagara Generals), Brianne Jenner (Cornell University), Mohammed Ahmed (University of Wisconsin), Tonya Verbeek (Brock Wrestling), Matthew Falvo (University of Ottawa), Mike Lewis (Brock University),  Freddie & Dougie Hamilton (Niagara IceDogs) and Jonathon Dilario & Jeremy Currie (Grimsby Peach Kings)

Athletic to Business Success - Mike and Jessica Kemp

By Shawn Whiteley
Niagara Sports Magazine
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In the business of athletics and the working world not many can say they have excelled in both before the age of 30.

Local siblings Mike and Jessica Kemp, who grew up in Niagara Falls, had what it took to be successful right from a young age. They were provided with positive role models from their parents Rick and Anne, both successful business and community members in the Niagara Region for the past 35 years.

In addition, Rick’s brother Darrell played college baseball at Niagara University and played in the Anaheim Angels minor league system. He has also been a role model growing up and has been part of the family business for 25 years.

Freshman Standout - Sabrina D'Angelo

By Joseph Cassidy
Niagara Sports Magazine
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After Sabrina D’Angelo’s freshman season playing goalkeeper in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, it’s probably safe to say that the 18-year-old Welland native is displaying all the characteristics of a rising star.

Not only did D’Angelo help backstop the University of South Carolina Gamecocks to a 15-6 regular season record. As the starting keeper she posted a 13-4 win-loss record. She also earned four prestigious honours from the Southeastern Conference for her freshman performance on the pitch.

Former CFL Star Now Teaches Teens About Gridiron Success - Rocky DiPietro

Angus Gillespie
Niagara Sports Magazine
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Perhaps one of the greatest gifts a former professional athlete can give back to his sport is to accept the challenge and responsibility of mentoring young up-and-coming athletes and passing on some of that immense knowledge.  It’s an opportunity to impart wisdom from direct experience and instill it into the hearts and minds of enthusiastic youngsters coming up through the minor athletics’ systems.

Such is the case with CFL legend Rocky DiPietro, the former Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver/slotback who is now in his fourth year as head coach of the perennially powerhouse Lakeshore Catholic Gators high school football team in Port Colborne.

From Backyard Rink to Centre Stage - Alex Friesen

By Rod Mawhood
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Many kids dream about a life in hockey, the great Canadian past time.  However, Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Alex Friesen does, indeed, live the dream.

Ever since he can remember, hockey has been a part of his life.  The now 20-year old Niagara IceDog centreman vividly remembers when he first picked up a hockey stick.

“I always remember my dad making an ice rink in the backyard for me and my brother,” said Friesen who made his organized hockey debut in the Niagara-on-the-Lake system, before making the move to AAA hockey in Niagara Falls when he was 12 years old.