The 2020s
2022 Maureen Noone Andover The long-time Andover High field hockey coach not only dominated the area and state with championships, but changed countless lives.
2021 Dave Dyer Haverhill Long-time Eagle-Tribune sportswriter who won several national awards for wrestling coverage.
2020 Michael Yastrzemski Andover has a history of producing baseball talent, none bigger than Mike Yaz. Finally made The Show and became everyday player.
The 2010s
2019 Calvin Kattar Methuen Broke on to national scene in Mixed Martial Arts with the UFC and became world champion contender.
2018 Charlie Daher Andover Daher family generously support local sports including Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic basketball tourneys.
2017 Bert Hammel Methuen Legendary college basketball coach still gives back to the Lawrence Boys Club after heart surgery.
2016 Paige Christie North Andover One of 340 women ever to swim English Channel
2015 Ryan Hanigan Andover The self-made catcher didn’t get much interest until a big season on the Cape League, later spending seven seasons with Cincinnati, one with Tampa Bay, before coming home to the Boston Red Sox.
2014 Aimee Dixon North Andover Organized and helped coach Ugandan lacrosse national team
2013 Cam Lyle Plaistow Track star sacrificed final meets to donate bone marrow
2012 Nicole Boudreau Andover Led Andover High girls basketball to three state hoop titles, topping off one of greatest careers for Merrimack Valley athlete.
2011 Mark Dennehy Andover Built struggling Merrimack hockey into formidable team that was nationally ranked and force in Hockey East after some down years.
2010 Arthur Nicholson Methuen Former Methuen principal attended thousands of games and big supporter of all Rangers sports.
The 2000s
2009 Kevin Bradley Methuen Built Whittier Tech into a champion as a teacher, coach and athletic director.
2008 Zak DeOssie North Andover The former Phillips Andover sensation helped the N.Y. Giants stun unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl.
2007 Carlos Pena Haverhill The American League Comeback Player of the Year was thought to be done, but built a great career as power hitter leading the Rays.
2006 Chris Sharpe Derry, N.H. NCAA Division 2 football national MVP
2005 Paul Neal Lawrence Basketball coach rallies around paralyzed star to lead inspiring Lancers team and season.
2004 Dimmy Gavriel Atkinson, N.H. Wrestling great died fighting in Iraq. As tough as they come and was part of the start of Timberlane wrestling dynasty.
2003 Mike Bolduc Salem, N.H. Left Salem wrestling team to train units heading to combat over in Middle East.
2002 Larry Klimas Methuen The late coach built Methuen into football/track power after being an all-time great athlete in high school.
2001 Ray Bourque Topsfield After a trade from the Bruins, to play for a winner, his dream came true as he led Colorado to Stanley Cup.
2000 John Kelleher Lawrence The Lawrence Christmas Tourney founder did so much for local sports, particularly the biggest sporting even in the Merrimack Valley.
The 1990s
1999 Fernando Braz Peabody Braz guided long-suffering Lawrence cross country to MVC title.
1998 Carlos Pena Haverhill The Northeastern University star went from possible pro to 10th pick overall in the MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.
1997 Bill Brouder Lawrence The beloved Lawrence volleyball coach helped put girls program on the city map and dominant MVC power.
1996 Leo Polizoti Methuen Served Methuen Little League for 46 years helping several thousand boys and girls play baseball.
1995 Joe Marinaro Andover The University of Michigan’s top offensive lineman on national contender.
1994 Kristin Cobb Atkinson, N.H. The Dartmouth valedictorian/star runner.
1993 Harry McNamara Haverhill Spearheaded effort to finally get lights at Haverhill Stadium for night games.
1992 Steve Heinze North Andover Starred in Olympics and played for Bruins.
1991 Steve Bedrosian Methuen World Series champion pitcher closed the title for the Minnesota Twins.
1990 Ted Murphy Haverhill The beloved Haverhill golf pro for he and his family’s devotion to helping others through golf.
The 1970s
1977 Steve Sorota Andover The Phillips football coach for 40-plus years of service, including Bill Belichick’s post-grad year in 1970.
1976 Pal Alexander Eagle-Tribune Late outdoors writer
1975 Ralph Wolfendale Lawrence Legendary Lawrence High athlete and later athletic director and coach.
1974 Fred B. Cole Eagle-Tribune Retiring after more than four decades as a sportswriter.
1971 John Boda Andover Longtime Andover Country Club pro
1970 Jim Kent Lawrence All-State track champ
The 1960s
1968 Greg Kent Lawrence Running great died in Vietnam
1967 Fran Murphy Late two-time Rogers golf champion
1966 Charles McCullom Andover Gave countless hours to Andover sports
1965 Bill McEvoy North Andover Founded several youth leagues
Note: A Sportsman of the Year wasn’t named every year