The 2020s
2023 Dan Blair
The man who built Northern Essex Community College into an athletic powerhouse.
2022 Maureen Noone
The long-time Andover High field hockey coach not only dominated the area and state with championships, but changed countless lives.
2021 Dave Dyer
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 fighter broke on to national scene in Mixed Martial Arts with the UFC and became world champion contender.
2018 Charlie Daher
The Daher family of Andover generously supports local sports including Commonwealth Motors Christmas Classic basketball tourneys.
2017 Bert Hammel
Legendary Merrimack College basketball coach still gives back to the Lawrence Boys Club after heart surgery.
2016 Paige Christie
North Andover native is one of 340 women ever to swim English Channel
2015 Ryan Hanigan
The self-made catcher from Andover 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 woman organized and helped coach Ugandan lacrosse national team.
2013 Cam Lyle
Track star from Plaistow sacrificed final meets to donate bone marrow.
2012 Nicole Boudreau
Led Andover High girls basketball to three state hoop titles, topping off one of the greatest careers ever for Merrimack Valley athlete.
2011 Mark Dennehy
Built struggling Merrimack hockey into formidable team that was nationally ranked and force in Hockey East after some down years.
2010 Arthur Nicholson
Former Methuen principal attended thousands of games and big supporter of all Rangers sports.
The 2000s
2009 Kevin Bradley
The legendary Methuen athlete built Whittier Tech into a champion as a teacher, coach and athletic director.
2008 Zak DeOssie
The former Phillips Andover sensation from North Andover helped the N.Y. Giants stun unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl.
2007 Carlos Pena
The American League Comeback Player of the Year from Haverhill was thought to be done, but built a great career as power hitter leading the Rays.
2006 Chris Sharpe
The Derry, N.H., native won the 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
The former Timberlane wrestling great from Atkinson, N.H., died while fighting in Iraq. As tough as they come and was part of the start of Timberlane wrestling dynasty.
2003 Mike Bolduc
Salem, N.H., man left Salem wrestling team to train units heading to combat over in Middle East.
2002 Larry Klimas
The late coach built Methuen into football/track power after being an all-time great athlete in high school.
2001 Ray Bourque
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 Christmas Tourney founder did so much for local sports, particularly the biggest sporting even in the Merrimack Valley.
The 1990s
1999 Fernando Braz
Braz guided long-suffering Lawrence cross country to MVC title.
1998 Carlos Pena
The Northeastern University star from Haverhill went from possible pro to 10th pick overall in the MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers.
1997 Bill Brouder
The beloved Lawrence volleyball coach helped put girls program on the city map and dominant MVC power.
1996 Leo Polizoti
Served Methuen Little League for 46 years helping several thousand boys and girls play baseball.
1995 Joe Marinaro
The University of Michigan’s top offensive lineman on a national contender was a product of Andover High.
1994 Kristin Cobb
The Atkinson, N.H. was the Dartmouth valedictorian.
1993 Harry McNamara
Spearheaded effort to finally get lights at Haverhill Stadium for night games.
1992 Steve Heinze
The North Andover native starred in Olympics and played for Bruins.
1991 Steve Bedrosian
World Series champion pitcher from Methuen closed out the title for the Minnesota Twins.
1990 Ted Murphy
The beloved Haverhill golf pro for he and his family’s devotion to helping others through golf.
The 1970s
1977 Steve Sorota
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
Legendary Lawrence High athlete and later athletic director and coach.
1974 Fred B. Cole
Retiring after more than four decades as a sportswriter at The Eagle-Tribune.
1971 John Boda
Longtime Andover Country Club pro.
1970 Jim Kent
Lawrence All-State track champ.
The 1960s
1968 Greg Kent
Lawrence running great, who died in Vietnam War.
1967 Fran Murphy
Late two-time Rogers golf champion.
1966 Charles McCullom
Gave countless hours to Andover sports.
1965 Bill McEvoy
North Andover man founded several youth leagues in the town.
Note: A Sportsman of the Year wasn’t named every year.