by Via Sacred Hoops Basketball – Allan Bertram
Each Year Sacred Hoops awards one male and one female athlete at the Lakota Nation Invitational the Athlete of Character Award. It is one of the coolest things we do and something we as a staff look forward to so much. This award is given to athletes who go out and do amazing things to help better their communities, schools, and the youth. They are role models on and off of the court, aspiring to make an impact on others!!
We recently lost one of our closest friends, in Kernit Grimshaw. Kernit was a person who embodied all of the ideals that we look for in the athletes that we award the Athlete of Character to each year. Even more important is the fact that Kernit was such a staple at so many athletic contests throughout the year, taking pictures and sharing those for the athletes to have as everlasting memories. Kernit was a walking Man of Character each and every day. Helping others, giving back, just simply wanting the best for everyone. It is fitting that today we will rename our Athlete of Character Award to the Sacred Hoops/Kernit Grimshaw Athlete of Character Award.
With no LNI this year and again in fitting with Kernit, who became a staple across SD at most major sporting events, this year, we will open up this award to any and all athletes across South Dakota. It is an extensive application process and the athlete must be nominated by their coach or school personnel.
We will Post the application process and will also send out to all HS Coaches across South Dakota this week with the idea of naming our Winners around the same time as we would have if LNI was taking place this year on Dec. 18th..
Past Winners:
2018 – Raven Cournoyer – Todd County & Ale Rama – Red Cloud
2019 – Kelsie Herman – Todd County & Riyen Carlow – Red Cloud
