MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARD

THE LEBAHN-PROHOFSKY AWARD

In 2001 the Most Valuable Player Award was created in honor of Tony Lebahan and Ed Prohofsky for their groundbreaking initiatives in the development of the Minnesota Association for Adapted Athletics (M.A.A.A.).

Tony Lebahn, from his wheelchair and using prosthesis for arms and with no legs, provided the role model for students with physical and or other health impairments. Tony courageously lobbied for athletic opportunities where they did not exist, participated as an athlete, coached, officiated, created adaptations for game rules and served on the MAAA Board.

Ed Prohofsky, as an adapted physical education teacher, listened to the voices of his students who requested the same opportunity to participate in high school sports as regular athletes. As its "Founding Father", Ed provided the leadership in the establishment of the athletic conference, the Minnesota Association for Adapted Athletics which offered season and state tournament play. Because of Mr. Prohofsky's vision and leadership, the Minnesota State High School League adopted this unique, "one of a kind" interscholastic high school athletic program.

One student from each division will be awarded this top honor each year.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

GOLD (C.I.) DIVISION

2001-2002: Important Layeni - South Suburban "Jets"
2002-2003: Darin Kingsberg - Park Center/Maple Grove/Osseo "79ers"
2003-2004: Todd Knuth - South Washington County "Thunderbolts"
2004-2005: Christian Brown - Park Center/Maple Grove/Osseo "79ers"
2005-2006: Josh Bell - Robbinsdale "Robins"

MAROON (P.I.) DIVISION

2001-2002: Kyle Sakry - Park Center/Maple Grove/Osseo "79ers"
2002-2003: Michael Boss - Robbinsdale "Robins"
2003-2004: Brandon Kight - White Bear Lake "Bears"
2004-2005: Brendan Downes - Dakota United "Hawks"
2005-2006: Shawn Loughlin - South Suburban "Flyers"