So, here’s the story. Way back in the fall of 2009, after Kevin Jorgensen won the Northern Athletic League varsity 5,000m cross country race and was third in sections, I gave him an Impact Player Award—sort of. I gave him his T-shirt, but never did the story. Believe it or not, I was waiting to get a photo of Kevin, and eventually so much time went by that it seemed a good idea to wait for track season.

I told Kevin that when he won the league in track, I’d do the Impact story. I was actually expecting him to come up big in the 1600m or 3200m. That would make sense for a cross country champ, right?

Nope, instead he wins the NAL 800m title and the North Section crown, apparently preferring to get his races done a bit quicker.

At sections, Kevin didn’t just win, he dominated. His time of 1:57.04 was nearly four seconds faster than the second place finisher. As impressive as that was, Kevin did something even better.

After a bit of celebrating and breath catching at the end of the race, Kevin noticed the third place runner from Chico bent over on his knees just past the finish line. Kevin immediately went over to check on the young man, helped him up, and stayed with him until he got his breath under control. The encounter ended in an embrace.

That was a class move that showed respect and caring for one of his competitors and a fellow human being. It also says more about Kevin than any championship ever will.

So there you have it. Kevin Jorgensen: 800m and cross country champion, Impact Award Winner, and awesome human.

The Impact Player Award is given on a monthly basis and goes to Siskiyou County high school athletes, male or female, that have had a significant impact on the success of their team. I select the players based on my own observations, sometimes in consultation with the player’s coaches.

Up to four awards may be given each month and are not school specific; they can go to a player at any school that Siskiyou Youth covers. Winners receive Impact T-shirts that were designed by Golden Grotto. The T-shirts and award are cosponsored by SiskiyouYouth.com and NorCal Classic Hits radio, KCWH, 102.3/101.7