OFC is Proud to Support the 2nd Annual Greater Mankato Area Athletic Awards
Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic was proud to serve as a Presenting Sponsor of the 2nd Annual Greater Mankato Area Athletic Awards, held July 21, 2026 at Minnesota State University.
The evening brought together student-athletes, coaches, families, and members of the Greater Mankato community to celebrate another year of outstanding athletic achievement. Athletes representing schools across the region were recognized for their accomplishments, dedication, and hard work both in competition and throughout their seasons.
Celebrating Local Athletes
OFC physicians, athletic trainers, and staff were proud to be part of the evening, helping recognize some of the area's top student-athletes and coaches.
Awards were presented throughout the night by OFC's Scott Allen, MD, Jesse Botker, MD, Scott Stevens, MD, Landon Messner, MBA, SCSC, Amy Bond, ATC, and Dylan Ward, ATC.
Congratulations to all of this year's winners and nominees!
2026 Award Winners
Female Athletes
Volleyball: Carlie Wendinger, Mankato East
Cross Country: Keira Friedrich, St. Peter
Soccer: Laina Peterson, Mankato East
Swimming & Diving: Emma Born, Mankato East
Tennis: Sam Williams, Mankato East
Basketball: Livi Downs, Mankato West
Hockey: Ilamay Draheim, Mankato East
Gymnastics: Maria Hagen, Mankato West
Softball: Mariah Anderson, United South Central
Track & Field: Ruby Marble, Mankato West
Golf: Ella Quist, Mankato East
Male Athletes
Football: Deron Russell, Waseca
Cross Country: Soren Kelly, Mankato Loyola
Soccer: Kaden Haslach, Mankato East
Swimming & Diving: Elliot Bartell, Mankato East
Basketball: Deron Russell, Waseca
Hockey: Blake Brekke, Mankato West
Wrestling: Max Morgan, Mankato East
Baseball: Carson Hart, Mankato East
Track & Field: Carter Schwartz, Mankato East
Golf: Noah Banse, Mankato West
Special Awards
Team of the Year
Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Softball
Female Athlete of the Year
Livi Downs, Mankato West
Male Athlete of the Year
Deron Russell, Waseca
Coach of the Year
Nick James, Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Boys Basketball
OFC has a long history of working with athletes and athletic programs throughout the Greater Mankato area. Our physicians, athletic trainers, physical therapists, and Performance Lab team are proud to play a role in helping local athletes stay healthy, recover from injuries, and get back to doing what they love.
Congratulations again to all of the 2026 Greater Mankato Area Athletic Awards winners, nominees, coaches, and teams. It was a great night celebrating the athletes and people who make local sports so special.