The Observer-Reporter began selecting boys and girls athletes of the year in 2000, when Washington's Mike Sutton and Ringgold's Kristen Lancas were elected in a vote by the sports staff.
Originally, the honor went to senior athletes.
Since 2006, however, the field expanded to include all high school athletes. During that time only one underclassman - Trinity's Andrew Sweat in 2007 - has been selected.
This year's class, Peters Township's Nick Wilcox and Bentworth's Amanda Kennedy, recently completed senior years that rival those of any previous selection.
Wilcox earned all-state honors in soccer and basketball, won WPIAL team titles in both sports, played for a state soccer championship and was the O-R Boys Player of the Year. Kennedy was one of the WPIAL's premier volleyball players, set school records in basketball and won her second consecutive WPIAL javelin championship.
The O-R sports staff chose Wilcox and Kennedy over several worthy candidates.
The list of boys finalists included:
• Joby Lapkowicz, Carmichaels. A three-sport (football, basketball, baseball) standout, Lapkowicz earned O-R Elite 11 distinction in football, started on the first Mikes basketball team to win a playoff game this decade and was one of the top baseball players in the WPIAL, again. Lapkowicz will play baseball at Slippery Rock University.
• Alex Frey, Trinity. Another three-sport (football, basketball, baseball) standout, Frey's hustle and effort matched his talent. An all-conference football player, Frey started at guard in basketball and, like Lapkowicz, was one of the premier pitchers in the WPIAL. Frey will play baseball at Youngstown State.
• Mike Hull, Canon-McMillan. Runner-up in the 2008 Athlete of the Year voting, Hull continues to make his mark at Canon-McMillan. A Penn State football recruit as a junior, Hull earned all-state and all-conference honors in addition to being named the O-R Player of the Year. Hull batted leadoff for the baseball team and hit .362 with 16 runs scored.
The list of girls finalists included:
• Jocelyn Floyd, Washington. One of the top girls basketball players in Wash High history, Floyd nearly averaged a triple-double during her senior year and she earned all-state honors. Floyd also started in center field for the softball team, hit .330 and stole 17 bases. Floyd will play basketball at Duquesne University.
• Emily Correal, Peters Township. Possibly the most heavily recruited girls basketball player in Washington County history, Correal chose William & Mary over a host of offers. A three-time O-R Girls Player of the Year, Correal earned all-state honors for the second consecutive year and finished her varsity career with more than 1,800 points and 1,200 rebounds.
• Ashley Morran, Trinity. As a junior, Morran excelled in basketball and softball. A selection to the O-R all-district team, Morran led the Hillers in scoring but made her biggest impact during the spring as a key member of the softball team. Morran, the Player of the Year, hit six home runs and drove in 23 as she sparked Trinity's run to the PIAA semifinals.
• Taylor Schram, Canon-McMillan. Like her classmate Hull, Schram accepted Penn State's full scholarship offer as a junior. She was named the Gatorade Pennsylvania Girls Soccer Player of the Year and already has scored 94 goals in her scholastic career. Schram is a member of the U.S. Under-17 National Team pool.