Romeo Vivit Becomes First to Win Multiple 'Gunner Garrett Equipment Manager of the Year' Awards
March 16, 2012 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Rapid City Rush News Release
(Rapid City, SD) - The Central Hockey League (CHL) announced today the winners of the 2011-12 Athletic Trainer of the Year and Gunner Garrett Equipment Manager of the Year awards as determined by voting among the equipment managers and athletic trainers from the CHL. For the second consecutive season, Rapid City's Romeo Vivit has been voted the top Equipment Manager in the league. The award is also the third in four years for the Rush. Shawn "Stixy" Smith won the award in Rapid City's inaugural season of 2008-09.
"I am truly humbled," said Vivit. "Winning the CHL Championship is the goal, but to be voted by your peers two seasons in a row is a great honor. I'd like to thank my peers, the CHL, the Rush organization, and the entire Rapid City community once again. More importantly, I would like to thank my family for their understanding and continued support in allowing me to pursue a career in a sport I love. I've always thought that, if you're not going to do it with passion, then don't do it at all."
Vivit is in his third season as the Equipment Manager with the Rush and he becomes the first person to win the award twice. Vivit has worked each of the last two CHL All-Star Games serving as the equipment manager for the Rush in the 2011 game and working as the equipment manager for the CHL All-Stars during this year's game. The Park Ridge, Illinois native served as the Hockey Director for the City of Rapid City and as a volunteer coach, skills developer and consultant for the Rushmore Thunder Youth Hockey Association. The National American University (Rapid City, SD) graduate won convincingly earning 45 points in the voting process appearing on 11 of the 13 possible ballots (eight first place votes). Finishing in second place was Tulsa's Steve Enlow with 19 points.
Athletic trainers and equipment managers were asked to rank the top workers in each category, one to three. A first place vote earned five points, a second place vote earned three points and a third place vote earned one point.
The All-CHL Team and CHL All-Rookie Team will be announced on Monday, March 19 with the remaining CHL Awards will be announced throughout the next 10 days. The CHL Most Valuable Player recipient is set to be unveiled on Monday, March 26.
Other Rush News:
Prorated full and partial season ticket packages are still available. Groups of 10 or more receive discounted tickets by calling 716-PUCK (7825).
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