Earlier this month, the 2018 Statesman Journal Mid-Valley Sports Awards took place for the third year at the Salem Convention Center. On June 4th, high school athletes from the Mid-Valley gathered here to celebrate their accomplishments from this year in addition to good sportsmanship and to honor the parents, coaches and community members who have helped them along the way. One of the highlights of the evening for many of us was meeting former Portland Trail Blazers player, Olympian and NBA Hall of Famer, Clyde 'The Glide' Drexler! Mr. Drexler took the time to deliver an inspirational message to the high school athletes and met with a number of fans during the event (including a number of our own staff members). Now in its 3rd year, the Statesman Journal Mid-Valley Sports Awards honors local high school athletes and supporters that best demonstrate great sportsmanship, athletic skills, and overall character. Previous guest speakers Statesman Journal Mid-Valley Sports Awards have included three-time Super Bowl champion and San Francisco 49er, Jerry Rice (2016) and two-time Olympic gold medalist, and FIFA Women's World Cup champion Mia Hamm (2017). To learn more about this exciting evening and to see the list of winners including Coach of the Year, Male Athlete of the Year and Female Athlete of the Year, please visit The Statesman Journal.