Athletes of the Year
| Athletes of the Year |
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2011 Athletes of the Year
Female Bailey Atkinson, 18 of Topeka, is named the 2011 Female Athlete of the year after earning three gold medals in Rowing. Atkinson crossed the finish line first in the Women’s 400 Junior Single, Women’s 400 Open Double and the Women’s 400 Open Single. Bailey also brought home a silver medal in the 400 Mixed Quad. Bailey has been rowing for five years for the Topeka Rowing Association and has already captured three National Club Medals. Overall in her short rowing career, Atkinson has earned over 150 medals and is now parlaying her success on the water into a scholarship at the University of Kansas. A graduate of Shawnee Heights High School, Atkinson has dedicated herself to the sport of rowing, routinely taking part in two-a-day practices and assisting with hosting regattas at Lake Shawnee. Bailey became a Junior Representative for the Topeka Rowing Association when she was 15. Bailey also finds time to volunteer for several local events including Winter Wonderland, the Tinman Triathlon and of course the Sunflower State Games. Atkinson was a valuable volunteer for SSG in 2011 as she worked tirelessly with other members of the club to put in the course for this year’s regatta. "Rowing is not that popular in Kansas, so the fact that the Sunflower State Games has it as a sport is great, it gets the word out there and gets more people involved. In short it gives Kansas rowers another reason to get together on a great lake and have a good time," said Atkinson. Bailey contributes her success on the water to the support she has received from her family.
Male Travis Conley, 27 from Mission, is named the 2011 Male Athlete of the year after capturing two gold medals in the Sunlfower State Games. Conley took first place in both the Advanced Gi 19-29 Division and the Advanced Gi Absolute Division. A long time student of Jiu Jitsu, Travis opted out of competing in the No-Gi divisions and the opportunity to win two more medals so he could assist as an official for the remainder of the tournament. Travis Conley graduated High School from Spring Hill, KS and then went on to Central Missouri State University to earn his bachelor’s degree in professional training, fitness, nutrition. Travis is passionate and dedicated to leading and promoting a healthy lifestyle as he owns his fitness company, Underground Gym. Conley is active in the community by leading fundraisers and sponsoring events with non-profit organizations. Travis’ hobbies include Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, working out and traveling. Travis spends a great deal of time with his two brothers and two nieces. Conley also volunteers his time as a coach for his former high school wrestling team. Overcoming two shoulder surgeries from his previous wrestling career, Conley defied his doctor’s belief that he would compete in high impact sports such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Travis learned the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the Renato Tavares Association and quickly burst onto the tournament scene. Conley has multiple tournament titles, including the U.S. World Team Grappling Trials in Las Vegas. His success has earned him a spot on Team USA to compete in the FILA World Grappling Championships in Belgrade, Serbia in September 2011. "The Sunflower State Games are a perfect avenue for everyday athletes to fullfill the need for competition, be active and stay mentally motivated to achieve a goal," said Conley.
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