Hillsboro, Ore. - Antonio Arredondo and Haley Downey of George Fox University have been recognized by their peers as the recipients of the prestigious Northwest Conference Jack Sareault Award for the 2023-24 academic year. The award, which recognizes outstanding contributions in sports communication within the Northwest Conference, is a testament to Arredondo and Downey’s dedication and excellence in their roles.
Antonio Arredondo, who stepped into the role of Director of Sports Information at George Fox University in November 2022, has been pivotal in managing the university’s sports communication operations. A George Fox alum, Arredondo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role, having previously served as a student worker for the Bruins and completed a postgraduate internship with the East Oregonian newspaper as part of the University of Oregon’s Charles Snowden Program for Excellence in Journalism. Arredondo marks the youngest Director of Sports Information to receive the Jack Sareault Award at 23 years of age.
Meanwhile, Haley Downey brings her wealth of coaching and management experience to her role as the Assistant Director of Athletic Communications. Having served as the strength and conditioning coach and assistant coach for George Fox’s women’s soccer team, Downey’s transition has been instrumental in the success of the department. With a background in health and human performance, coupled with a master’s degree in sports administration, Downey’s multidisciplinary approach adds a unique experience to the team.
"I am beyond honored and grateful to have been chosen for the Jack Sareault Award by a group of colleagues that I have the utmost respect for. I could not have done any of my work without Haley Downey, the rest of the talented George Fox athletics staff, or any of the SIDs around the conference — this award is a reflection of the great effort so many have put into collegiate athletics this season” said Arredono.
"Receiving the Northwest Conference Jack Sareault Award is an incredible honor, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of those who have won before me” says Downey. “It is truly a team effort, and I wouldn't have been able to complete the year without the help from the George Fox athletic department, especially Antonio Arredondo, and all of the SIDs across the conference. This award motivates me to continue striving for excellence in sports information."
Jack Sareault, who served for a number of years as sports information director for the Northwest Conference, was instrumental in documenting the league's entire sports history, going all the way back to its founding in 1926. In recognition of his invaluable work, the NWC SID of the Year award was named in his honor and is given annually to the top athletics communications office as voted on by all the conference’s athletics communications personnel.
Previous Jack Sareault Award winners
2022-23 - Steve Flegel, Whitworth University; 2021-22 - Robert McKinney & Chris Sabato, Willamette University; 2020-21 - Kelly Bird & Avi Mehta, Linfield University;2019-20 - Ryan Goff, Lewis & Clark College;2018-19 - Steve Flegel, Whitworth University;2017-18 - Gregor Walz, Puget Sound; 2016-17 - Ryan Goff, Lewis & Clark College; 2015-16 - Casey Grogan, Pacific; 2014-15 – Kelly Bird/Katherine Brackman, Linfield; 2013-14 - Blair Cash, George Fox; 2012-13 - Steve Flegel, Whitworth; 2011-12 - Nick Dawson, Pacific Lutheran; 2010-11 - Blake Timm, Pacific; 2009-10 - Chris Thompson, Puget Sound; 2008-09 - Blair Cash, George Fox; 2007-08 - Kelly Bird, Linfield; 2006-07 - Blake Timm, Pacific; 2005-06 - Steve Flegel, Whitworth/Northwest Conference