Honors Program

Dave and Kelly Tines and Gary Brown Among Honorees at the 2019 Sonic GABL Honors Program

Dave and Kelly Tines, founders of the West is Best Scholarship Program, Gary Brown, long-time Eclipse girls basketball coach, and Rich Hunter, GABL Senior Executive Director, were among the honorees at the 2019 Sonic GABL Youth Sports Foundation Honors Program. The event was held Tuesday, March 26 at the Thompson Barn (formerly the Lenexa Conference Center).

Dave and Kelly Tines received the “Making a Difference” Award, honoring individuals who positively impact youth, serve their community, and promote athletic participation values. They have been active in youth football, baseball, lacrosse, basketball, and Scouts. In 2012, they launched the West is Best Scholarship Fund to help students in the SM West area participate in afterschool activities regardless of financial background. Since then, 775 scholarships totaling over $72,000 have been awarded.

Gary Brown was honored with the Marcus Priddy Award, recognizing coaches who make a difference in players' lives. Coach Gary has been coaching for over 30 years and has served as the Eclipse Basketball Club’s Recruiting Coordinator, dedicating time to mentoring athletes and building lasting relationships.

Rich Hunter received the first GABL Lifetime Achievement Award for over 30 years of service, including his leadership in expanding GABL from a winter league for 2,200 boys to a year-round program for over 8,000 youth.

Ted Allen was the 2019 recipient of the Mark Cahill CHIPPA Award for Officiating Excellence, honoring officials who demonstrate Communication, Hustle, In Position, and Positive Attitude. Ted has officiated across youth, high school, and college levels for 30 years.

The GABL Court of Honor (2019) inducted Jim Walsh, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Rich Hunter for their longstanding contributions and support of GABL.

2018 Honors

Honorees at the 2018 Sonic GABL Honors Program included Sonic’s Briley Family and Coach Rocky Lamar (MidAmerica Nazarene University).

The Briley Family received the “Making a Difference” Award for their ongoing support of youth sports, including 3&2 Baseball, Midwest Sports, and GABL.

Coach Rocky Lamar earned the Marcus Priddy Award for his impactful coaching career at MidAmerica Nazarene University, known for building lasting relationships with players and families.

Mike Harmon was awarded the CHIPPA Officiating Excellence Award, recognizing his 33 years of officiating at all levels of play.

Dan O’Dell was inducted into the GABL Court of Honor for his leadership on the GABL Board and his work in transitioning GABL into a foundation.

Coach of Character 2018:

• Kara Boshart (4th Grade Girls)
• Justin Titus (5th Grade Boys)

2017 Honors

The 2017 honorees were Jeff Briley and Coach Mark Quandt.

Jeff Briley received the “Making a Difference” Award for his leadership in GABL programs, community service, and youth initiatives.

Coach Mark Quandt earned the Marcus Priddy Award and was also inducted into the GABL Court of Honor, recognizing his years of coaching and commitment to youth sports.

Don Fazio received the CHIPPA Officiating Award for 44 years of service in multiple sports.

GABL Court of Honor (2017):

• Frank Dodd
• Mark Quandt

Coach of Character 2017:

• William Gray (4th Grade Girls)
• Sean Thompson (4th Grade Boys)

2016 Honors

Honorees in 2016 included Coach Sean Reilly (St. Thomas Aquinas) and Lane Green (Blue Valley School District Athletics Director).

Lane Green received the “Making a Difference” Award for his career in athletic administration and service to youth sports programs.

Coach Sean Reilly earned the Marcus Priddy Award for his impact on student-athletes through decades of high school and college coaching.

Brian Watson was awarded the inaugural CHIPPA Officiating Excellence Award and also served as a GABL Academy instructor and elementary school principal.

GABL Court of Honor (2016):

• Dennis Nicely
• Aaron Miller

Coach of Character 2016:

• Kimberly Wittman (7th Grade Girls)
• Brandon Henry (1st Grade Boys)