SEATTLE - For nearly eight decades Seattle has taken one evening every year to honor its standout athletes. Friday night hundreds gathered to find out who would be the MTR Western Sports Star of the Year.
Former Sonics player Slick Watts said he always attends the awards ceremony.
"This is in my soul. I always look forward to coming back, seeing everybody, and talking to everybody," said Watts.
This time around there's a lot to talk about, according to attendees.
Sports journalist Kenny Mayne said, "I am going to call it a good year. Didn't we have a perfect game? That's a good year. We had an overachieving football team."
Swimmer Ariana Kukors is among many talking about the big achievements and hoping to soon see the Sonics back in Seattle.
"It is an exciting time to be a Seattle athlete," said Kukors.
Pro Sports Star of the Year: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks running back
Male Sports Star of the Year: Nathan Adrian, Gold Medal Swimmer
Female Sports Star of the Year: Mary Whipple, Gold Medal Rower
Sports Story of the Year: Felix Hernandez's perfect game
Executive of the Year: Adrian Hanauer, Sounders FC co-owner and GM
