The PEGGY AUER AWARD
Annual Peggy Auer Award
With great sadness, after a nearly 5 year battle with cancer, we said goodbye to Coach Peggy. She was a solid figure in and around Columbus area diving. Coaching alongside her daughter, Jill, for the past 17 year for the Gahanna Sea Lions and Gahanna High School, as well as time spent as a referee and serving with the GCSL. She was an amazing encourager, mentor and friend to so many and will be missed.
Annually, we will take nominations for the Peggy award which will be given at Grand Champs. Please nominate a diver on your team who you would describe as: inclusive, constantly smiling, always kind, selfless, encouraging of others and supportive of the sport of diving. Send in a nomination and we will buy your lunch at Grand Champs! Below are the list of the past recipients of this award.
Thank you and Godspeed, Peggy.
The PEGGY AUER AWARD
2024 Peggy Auer Award
Cate Artemus is our 2024 recipient. Cate is a diver with Delaware Darts in the summer and Delaware Hayes HS. She is a very coachable and compassionate athlete who strives to create unity in her team and excellence in herself. Congratulations Cate! (pic to come :)
Our Other 2024 nominees were Stella Frost (NW), Dylan Sponsellar, and Mia Bowersock
The PEGGY AUER AWARD
2023 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Dylan Sponseller is our 2023 recipient Dylan is only 14, but has been in a coaching position with Plain Township Gators and has thrived. He is sweet, generous and knowledgeable. Coach Jill knows that Peggy would have LOVED him!
Our other 2023 nominees go to:
Mac Plank; Cate Artemus; Andrew Boldizar; Owen Rapp; Luke Lowe; Isla Swisher; Elizabeth Kopec
Past Award recipients
2022 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Zander Murnieks was selected as this years Peggy Award. Zander has been diving since the age of 7 at the Westerville JC Pool. He dives for Big Walnut High School and made the OHSAA State team for dive in 2022. His passion for the sport has grown over the years and his commitment to improving is very evident. Congratulations Zander!
2021 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Ashleigh Provan was nominated by fellow coaches and peers for the Peggy Award. Ashleigh graduated from Gahanna Lincoln HS. She was a diver with both her school and summer team- Gahanna Sea Lions. Ashleighs love of the sport and willingness to help make her our pick this year!
2019 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Hayden Apel was nominated by many coaches and athletes. He presents himself with professionalism and has great enthusiasm for diving. He was been around the pool for a lot of years- better known as "Shorty" by coach Jen, although he is now taller than her. He is a Hilliard Marlin diver and now helps his dad, Thad, coach! Congratulations Hayden- well deserved.
2018 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Congratulations to Lina Alli as the first recipient of the Peggy Award. Her constant smile, love of others and dedication to her team are some of the qualities which stood out about Lina. Not to mention, Coach Peggy adored her. Congratulations Lina!
2019 PEGGY AWARD RECIPIENT
Congratulations to Lina Alli as the first recipient of the Peggy Award. Her constant smile, love of others and dedication to her team are some of the qualities which stood out about Lina. Not to mention, Coach Peggy adored her. Congratulations Lina!
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