On a scorching spring day pushing 90 degrees, Mike Yamamoto is out there working hard at the Liberty High track, getting everything ready for an upcoming meet. He’s making sure all the equipment is in place, all set for the athletes to have the best experience possible.
For Yamamoto, this dedication is all about being part of the Liberty family. “Even though this school is huge, it feels like a small community,” he says. “I just love the vibe here.”
Yamamoto isn’t just your average guy at Liberty. He’s the athletic trainer, helping athletes with their prep, treatment, and recovery. On top of that, he’s also the head groundskeeper, making sure the athletic fields and school grounds look top-notch.
But here’s the thing about Yamamoto – he’s not one to seek out attention. He’s all about working behind the scenes, staying humble. In fact, when he found out about winning this award, he told his colleagues to pick someone else who deserved it more. “I’m always in the background, so this was a bit unexpected,” he said.
In the running for the award were Candice Avila from Western, David Cunningham from SLAM Nevada, and Rikkisha “Rikki” Dunlap from Desert Oasis. Avila rocked it as the athletic secretary and interim director while coaching the cheerleaders at Western. Cunningham, also known as “Pops,” has been the go-to guy for transporting teams, managing buses, and organizing field trips at SLAM Nevada, all in his 80s. And then there’s Dunlap, the campus monitor at Desert Oasis High, who not only saved a choking staff member but also led championship teams while mentoring students and providing security.
So, there you have it – a bunch of amazing folks doing incredible work behind the scenes and making a real difference in their communities. Hats off to them!
Ray Brewer and Hillary Davis have been part of the Greenspun Media Group for quite a while now, bringing you all the latest scoop on high school sports and general news around town. Brewer has been on the scene since the mid-1990s, while Davis joined the team in 2020, adding her flair to the news reporting.
And that’s a wrap, folks! Keep on shining bright and making a difference in your communities, just like these outstanding individuals.
