Press Release
October 03, 1998
**PRESS RELEASE**
EMPIRE STATE GAMES NAME ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
(Albany, New York, October 3, 1998 ...) State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro announced today that Thrine Marie Kane of Long Island and Scott Rogers from Nyack, have been named Athletes of the Year for New York for their performances this summer in the Empire State Games.
"Thrine and Scott are wonderful examples of the dedicated and talented young men and women who participate in the Empire State Games," said State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro. "This program has been an inspiration to all New Yorkers. Congratulations to both of them."
Ms. Kane won an unprecedented four gold medals and established four records in rifle events at this past summer's Empire State Games. These accomplishments were in addition to the 12 gold, one silver and one bronze medal won at the Games over the previous five years.
She placed fifth out of 72 competitors at the National Junior Olympic championships in Colorado Springs earlier this year and has competed at the national level in other competitions.
A senior at Sanford Calhoun High School in North Merrick, Ms. Kane carries a 98 grade average. She is a member of the National Honor Society and has won awards for both art and writing.
Mr. Rogers has competed in both one and three meter diving in the Empire State Games since 1989 and is a six time medalist. As a teacher, Mr. Rogers has shared his knowledge and expertise in diving with younger athletes and has been an exceptional role model for beginning divers and for Empire State Games.
The National Congress of State Games consists of more than 40 states which conduct games patterned after New York's Empire State Games. Each state selected a male and female athlete who was then judged by a panel of state game administrators to select the National Athlete of the Year. New York's selections were made by a statewide committee after reviewing recommendations of coaches and sports chairpersons.
The Empire State Games is a 27-sport, Olympic style amateur athletic competition for outstanding New York athletes. The Games are a program of the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation with support from the New York Lottery.