LEWISTON, Idaho -- Lewis-Clark State College and the Warrior Athletic Association released the nominees for the second annual WAA High School Awards at a press conference on Wednesday at the LCSC Activity Center.

Athletic directors from 22 area high school in southeastern Washington and north central Idaho selected their school's nomination for Male Athlete of the Year, Female Athlete of the Year, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year, and, a recently added honor, the Meritorious Award. The complete list of nominees is shown in the table below.

All of the nominees will be honored on Oct. 15 at the WAA High School Awards Dinner.  At this event one individual from each category will be announced as the overall winner. The awards banquet will be held at the Lewis-Clark State College Activity Center starting at 7 p.m.

Tickets for the banquet are $25 per person and can be purchased from the LCSC Athletic Ticket Office, located upstairs in the Activity Center. Tickets also can be purchased with a credit card by calling (208) 792-2471. Those planning to attend the event and accompany a nominee are advised to purchase tickets early because tickets bought at the door will be on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be available seating only.

Now in its second year, the WAA High School Awards program is an event that brings area high schools and communities together to congratulate and encourage regional high school athletes and teams on their efforts and accomplishments.

High schools ranging from as far west as Pomeroy, north as Potlatch, and east as Grangeville submitted their nominations based on no set criteria. From these nominees, finalists and the overall winners will be chosen by officials from Lewis-Clark State College, the Warrior Athletic Association, and area high school sports enthusiasts.

The finalists in each of the categories will be announced Oct. 1.

Last year, with 21 schools participating, Orofino High School's Ellen Rouse, Kamiah High's Clayton Foster, the Genesee High boys' basketball team and Asotin High football coach Sal Lopez all came away with top honors.

Major sponsors of the event include Lewis & Clark Orthopaedic Institute, Tyler & Kelly Motors, and Pepsi. For more information visit http://www.lcsc.edu/athletics/WAA/hs-awards.htm.