Lloyd Gaskill Award- The award is named for the legendary Limon HS coach. It is given to an individual who has given his/her time and support for the betterment of Colorado high school athletics. Dr. Rick Bettger was born and raised in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, graduating in 1970 before heading to Western State and later, the University of Denver, earning his BA, MA, MBA and Ph.D. degrees along the way. Rick served for 30 years in the Aurora Public Schools as a teacher, trainer, athletic director, league president, wrestling official, assistant principal, and director of curriculum and instruction, and 10 years at Pitkins Technical College in Aurora. Some of the many impressive awards and recognitions that Rick has received include: 1988 Colorado Athletic Director of the Year, Regional Athletic Director of the Year, Honorary Lifetime Member of the Colorado Wrestling Officials Association, CHSAA Distinguished Service Award, and 44 years as a member of CADA. Rick has also served as Athletic Trainer at CHSAA State Championships for 29 years. For over 40 years Rick has been providing college credit at CHSCA clinics and events. Rick serves coaches as the Director of Education for the CHSCA and he has been an adjunct professor at both Adams State College, and Colorado State University. According to Rick “I chose to go into education because of some outstanding teachers and coaches that I had as a student in Steamboat Springs, and later at Western State College.” Away from CHSCA work Rick can be found skiing, biking, traveling or at a casino. He says he is a “lucky man” getting married for the first time to his wife, Donna who has 4 wonderful kids, and 4 wonderful grandchildren. Benefactor Award—The award is given to an organization, business or individual that has provided material and/or financial support to the CHSCA. Rodney Padilla is a Denver native who graduated from Adams City High School in 1977. He then went on to earn his BS from Colorado State University, and later, his MA from the University of Phoenix. Rodney has been in coaching and education for the past 36 years in California and Colorado, including at Westminster HS, Overland HS, Chaparral HS and now as the Athletic Director at Hinkley HS. During this time he has coached wrestling, football, track and wheel chair basketball. He has been named 2018 CADA New Athletic Director of the Year, 2017 IBM High School Hero, 2017 Thunderbird Hero Award, 2015 Colorado 5A Wrestling Coach Of the Year, and the 2009 and 2015 Chaparral High School Coach of the Year. Rodney says “I found this awesome advice on the wall of every Jimmy Johns Restaurant I have ever ordered a sandwich from—'Do what you're supposed to do, when you're supposed to do it, so that someday you can do what you want to do, when you want to do it.” Rodney has 4 children and is a self-proclaimed beach bum who loves Disneyland. When not in a gym or at school he enjoys a drive in his Dodge Challenger or a ride on his 1996 Harley Davidson Road King. He loves Andy Griffith reruns and movies about winning like, Glory Road, McFarland, Brave Heart, Rocky, and Vision Quest. Dick Katte Sportsmanship Award- This award is given to a coach who exemplifies the conduct, attitude, and dignity as a coach and role model to athletics and athletes in Colorado. Ray Van Heukelem is a Denver native who graduated from Denver Christian High School, then returned and taught at his alma mater for 38 years. There, he coached with Dick Katte for 34 years, and had the privilege of being tutored by him directly and indirectly in teaching and coaching. Ray says that Dick’s emphasis on sportsmanship and his Christian values influenced his career. Ray has also coached 5 years at Littleton High school and 4 years at Prospect Ridge Academy. During his career Ray has been recognized as CHSCA Hall of Fame, Metro League Hall of Fame, Metro League Coach of the Year ten times, Girls Soccer State Championship 1993, Boys Soccer State Championship 1997, Boys Basketball State Championship 2013, and CHSCA Teacher/Coach of the Year 2013. “I believe in coaching and teaching the whole person with values, creativity and passion, but I have to remind myself that kids see your weaknesses and faults as well, and will stop listening if your words don't match your deeds.” Ray has been married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, for 50 years, and they have six children, all married, and 18 grandchildren ages 2 - 17. With his free time he says “I love to fly fish whenever I can, and enjoy golfing with my grandson.”