The following athletes have been nominated for the Sask Sport Inc. March Athlete of the Month Award:

• Morgan Waldo, 17, Moose Jaw
  Waldo captured gold in each of her four alpine ski events at the Miele BC Cup. She finished first both in the Giant Slalom and the Slalom on each day of the two day competitions. Due to her accomplishments she may be named to the Alberta Women's Provincial Ski Team.

• Sam Valentine, 14, Saskatoon
  A member of the Junior National Diving Team, Valentine won first and second in his events at the John Dickenson Invitational, where a total of 140 competitors participated, with 12 in Valentine's category. Due to his achievements, he will participate in the China Training Camp and then compete at the Germany Invitational. Valentine made the Junior National Team after breaking the International Standard of 400 points with a total score of 430. He is the only athlete to break 400 points.

• Kelly Parker, 28, New Jersey
  At the Cyprus Cup, Parker helped the Canadian National Soccer Team reach the final and capture silver, playing 89 minutes in two games. In addition to her commitment to the national team, Parker is an Assistant Coach at the University of Texas, plays for the Ottawa Fury during the summer, and often returns to Saskatchewan to coach.

• Kendra Chernoff, 17, Saskatoon
  At the 2009 Spring Nationals, Chernoff not only defeated the former national champion, record holder, and 2008 Olympic Team member to win the 100m butterfly event, she also set a new Senior/Open National record and a new 15-17 National Age Group record in the event. In total, she set 12 new Short Course Provincial records in both the 15-17 and Senior/Open age categories at the competition. She also won gold in the 100 fly, placed fifth in the 200 fly, and finished ninth in the 50 fly. Due to her accomplishments, she may be selected to the national team that will compete at the 2009 World Aquatic Championships.

• Darren Mazzei, 20, Regina
  Mazzei won two gold medals at the CIS University Championships in the 1000m event and the 4x800m Relay, with a new facility record of 7:33.02. He also won a Varsity Highlight Award for the University of Victoria, which recognizes student athletes through leadership, dedication, community involvement, attitude and a positive contribution to their program. Mazzei is preparing to qualify for the 2009 Sask Canada Summer Games team.

• Jasmine Slinn, 18, Regina
  Slinn won gold at the Junior National Championships in the 48kg weight class, after not having a point scored against her throughout the entire tournament. She was voted by the coaches as the Outstanding Female Wrestler of the championships. As a result of her achievements, Slinn qualified to compete at the 2009 Canada Cup and the Junior World Championships.

The recipient will be named next week. For more information contact Pat Rediger at (306) 780-9307 or email prediger@sasksport.sk.ca

For information regarding the Athlete of the Month Awards program, including previous nominees and recipients, visit www.sasksport.sk.ca/awards.php

April 8, 2009