Former Denver Post sportswriter Dick Connor died in 1992 after an illustrious career. A longtime columnist, one of the few who hadn’t missed a Super Bowl, Connor took a personal interest in Colorado high school sports.
Accordingly, The Denver Post offers the Dick Connor A.C.E. (Adversity Conquered through Excellence) Award, which is presented annually to a high school senior who has overcome a handicap, hardship or tragedy to excel in sports. The winner must have exhibited courage, resolve, leadership and citizenship.
This year’s winner, Tanner Nemkov of Heritage, was honored Thursday at a lunch with Post personnel, the Nemkov family, school personnel and Connor’s widow, Mary Kay Connor-Spieler. Nemkov received a $2,000 scholarship from The Post and a copy of Connor’s book of columns.
PAST WINNERS
1993: Ashley Tindle, Heritage
1994: Amy Feinsinger, Glenwood Springs
1995: Kelley C. Roswell, Central (G.J.)
1996: Jason Salazar, East
1997: Allie Gausman, Fort Collins
1998: Kelly Rheem, Arapahoe
1999: Girls soccer team, Columbine
2000: Jon Severy, Aspen
2001: Ian Grant, Denver Christia
2002: Philip Devlin, Idalia
2003: Jeff Mielnicki, Cherry Creek
2004: Daniel Belger, Bear Creek
2005: Daniel Steefel, Littleton
2006: Patty Turgeon, Mullen
2007: Jordan Kessler, Broomfield
2008: Jonny Stevens, Battle Mountain
2009: Jimmy Schweitzer, Loveland
2010: Tanner Nemkov, Heritage
