By Gregg Mansfield
Seattle, Wash., December 6, 2011—Air National Guard Hydroplane Series driver Dave Villwock is one of five candidates nominated Tuesday by the Seattle Sports Commission for Professional Sports Star of the Year presented by ROOT SPORTS.
Nominated along with Villwock for the 77th annual Sports Star of the Year Award are: Jason Terry (Dallas Mavericks), Brandon League (Seattle Mariners), Kasey Keller (Seattle Sounders FC) and Earl Thomas (Seattle Seahawks).
"It's an opportunity for boat racing to take its place among the major professional sports," Villwock said of his nomination. "It's an honor to be mentioned among this group."
Fans can vote for Villwock or their favorite nominee online at www.seattlesports.org. The public is encouraged to vote through Friday, January 20, 2012 at 5 p.m. PST. The winner will be announced during the event on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Benaroya Hall.
The Spirit of Qatar driver capped a remarkable 2011 season on the Air National Guard Hydroplane Tour. Villwock became the sport's all-time winningest driver by surpassing the great Bill Muncey's 62-career wins record that stood for more than three decades. Villwock, who lives in Auburn, Wash., has 65 career race victories.
He won three races this season (Detroit, Tri-Cities, Wash., and San Diego) en route to his 10th career national high points championship. Villwock has won 65 out of 131 Unlimited races entered for a winning percentage of .496, which is the highest winning percentage in the history of the sport.
Every January, the Seattle Sports Commission honors the athletes, coaches, media figures, stories, sports executives and others in or from Washington state for their achievements during the previous year or season.
Since its creation in 1936, there have been nearly 100 Sports Stars honored at this event. Once an individual has been named a Sports Star, they become part of an elite ensemble, grouped with some of most notable sports icons in our region's history.
Nominees were selected by the Sports Star of the Year Committee, which is compiled of local sports historians, media and representatives of all major programs and franchises. This is the first time Villwock has been nominated for Professional Sports Star of the Year.
