POULSBO — The winners of the 2013 Joe Shandera award have left their mark on Viking sports.
From the North Kitsap Community Pool, and stadium, to 2A State tournaments held around Washington, Ali Nausid-Nichols and Ian Christen have competed at many venues in multiple sports. The two North Kitsap High School seniors are the recipients of the school’s award.
Among Nausid-Nichols most recent accomplishments on the field was helping the girls varsity soccer team clinch the Olympic League title and advance to the first round of the 2A State Tournament in the fall. The title and State appearance was recognized by the North Kitsap School Board Dec. 6, 2012. Christen was among the North Kitsap swimmers who advanced to the 2A State Championship Meet at the King County Aquatic Center. He finished 16th in the 500 Yard Freestyle, and was a swimmer on the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay team and 400 Yard Freestyle team. The teams finished 10th and 11th respectively. The award is named for Joe Shandera, a former coach and teacher at North Kitsap High School. The award was established in 1969.
The award is given to student-athletes who are exemplary on the field, and in the classroom, an emphasis on being a positive teammate.
Criteria to be a recipient includes dedication to excellence in athletics, good academic standing, good sportsmanship, responsibility toward school and community, loyalty, leadership, senior standing, participating in multiple sports, sacrifice to achieve, coach-ability, admiration, overcoming disadvantages, achieving potential.
The 2013 nominees also included: Reagan Colyer, Amanda Ladner, Karin Muggli, Andrew Ash, Nathan Foster, Brendan Best, Michael McPherson, Greg Warns, AJ Milyard.
The 2011-12 recipients were Sebastian Ford and Indigo Williams.