The Ahepan Fall 2017 - 29

ATHLETICS

Athletic Excellence Honored in Orlando
The AHEPA National Athletic Department presented awards to outstanding athletes, scholar-athletes, and former athletes at its
Athletic Luncheon held at the 95th Supreme Convention, July 27, in Orlando, Fla. The luncheon presented a special opportunity
to recognize Hellenes who excel in their individual sports or who display excellence in the classroom, on the field of athletics and
volunteerism within their respective communities. They are committed to perpetuating and promoting these ideals, all part of the
AHEPA family's mission.
"We are thrilled to present our national AHEPA athletic awards," then-Supreme President Andrew C. Zachariades said. "Each
recipient is truly deserving of the accolades they have received during their athletic careers. They have worked extremely hard to
achieve excellence and reach great heights in their respective sport."

Nine Scholar-Athletes Honored
This year, nine national scholar-athletes were honored by
AHEPA. They were:
Margarete Calmar, Stonington, Conn., recipient of
the Past Supreme President Franklin R. Manios ScholarAthlete and Service Award, which recognizes outstanding achievement in academics and athletics as well as
extra-curricular activities and community service.
Kyra Vidas, Chicago, recipient of the Past Supreme
President Dr. Kimon Doukas Collegiate Scholar-Athlete
Award, which is presented to the most outstanding Collegiate Scholar-Athlete for excellence in academics and athletics.
Barbara Euripides, Charlotte, N.C., and Alexandra Norris, Nashua, N.H., recipients of the John Peter Vlahos Scholar-Athlete
Award, which is awarded to outstanding high school Scholar-Athletes.
Sara Nicholas, Kennelwood, Ill., recipient of the Past Supreme President Louis G. Manesiotis Scholar-Athlete Award, granted to
an outstanding high school senior for accomplishments in athletics.
Haralambos "Bobby" Tsirambidis, Broadview Heights, Ohio, who was awarded the Past Supreme Athletic Director Dr. Monte N.
Kofos Scholar-Athlete Award, granted to an outstanding high school or college athlete.
Michael Gadinis, San Diego, Calif., recipient of the Excellence in Athletics Award, which was established by AHEPA's Athletic
Booster Club to honor the outstanding Greek American high school athlete in the United States.
Panayioti Logothetis, Woodcliff Lake, N.J., and Theofani Karras, Bellbrook, Ohio, recipients of the Spanakos Brothers High
School Scholar-Athlete awards, endowed by Hall of Famers Petros and Nikos Spanakos and awarded for athletic and academic
achievement.

Five Inducted into AHEPA Hall of Fame
The AHEPA Hellenic Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2017 included:
* May Kotsopoulos, college and professional basketball player;
* Dan Mavraides, college and professional basketball player;
* Nick Tsiotos, college basketball player and journalist;
* Aleke Tsoubanos, college tennis player and coach; and
* Dr. James Vailas, college football player and sports medicine.
"The 2017 Induction Class is comprised of individuals who have reached the highest levels of their respective areas of competition or profession," Zachariades said. "They also represent a wonderful cross-section of sports, spanning all levels, be it amateur,
scholastic and professional. Their one common denominator is they have sustained success over a long period of time."
The AHEPA Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1974 and now includes more than 140 inductees.

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Fall 2017 · THE AHEPAN

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