2012 Iditarod Awards Banquet

From Iditablog Correspondent Nate Sobie

It seemed like half of the city was packed into the Nome Recreation Center gymnasium for the 40th Iditarod Awards banquet. Hearing the stories from the trail and giving accolades to well deserving individuals is always a exciting. I particularly enjoy watching the faces of the rookie mushers sitting among the crown, soaking everything in, and listening to the cheers of their family members when they take the podium. Another highlight is to see which mushers will win the prestigeous awards for the Spirit of Alaska, Sportsmanship, and the coveted Humanitarianism Award, among others. Here is a rundown of the 2012 awards. Congratulations to Dallas Seavey, each of the finishers, the rookies, and the award winners:

Pen Air Spirit of Alaska Award – Aliy Zirkle

GCI Dorothy G. Page Halfway Award – Jim Lanier

Wells Fargo Bank Alaska Gold Coast Award – Aliy Zirkle

Nome Kennel Club Fastest Time from Safety to Nome Award – Mike Williams, Jr.

Horizon Lines Most Improved Musher Award – Rohn Buser

Jerry Austin Rookie of the Year – Brent Sass

Fred Meyer Sportsmanship Award – Lance Mackey

ExxonMobil Mushers Choice Award- Dan Seavey

Northern Air Cargo Herbie Nayokpuk Memorial Award – Michelle Phillips

Golden Clipboard Award – Community of Nulato

Golden Stethoscope Award – Ruth Kothe, DVM and Tanja Kruse, DVM

Alaska Airlines Leonhard Seppala Humanitarian Award – DeeDee Jonrowe

City of Nome Lolly Medley Golden Harness Award Winner – Guinness, Lead Dog of Dallas Seavey

Northern Air Cargo Four Wheeler Drawing Winner – Peter Kaiser