Hoffa, Winkler speak to area's top athletes

On a night filled with inspiration, Reese Hoffa and Scott Winkler shared a simple message.

Don't give up.

Hoffa, a two-time Olympic shot putter, and Winkler, a Paralympic shot putter were the featured guests at the Greater Augusta Sports Council's annual GAMES (Greater Augusta Medals for Excellence in Sports) ceremony Friday at Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites.

Hoffa and Winkler gave brief talks about their lives before participating in a question-and-answer session.

Winkler, a U.S. Army veteran who suffered a spinal cord injury in Iraq, relayed his message about overcoming obstacles. He went on to win gold in the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Track and Field Trials.

Likewise, Hoffa told stories about his initial mediocre attempts at throwing the shot put. It took inner strength and dedication for him to continue to progress, he said.

Hoffa went on to become a Georgia High School Association state champion at Lakeside before becoming a four-time All-American at Georgia and eventually the No. 1 U.S. shot putter.

"Hopefully, this will get these kids to the next level," said Hoffa, who won a GAMES medal in 1997. "It takes a lot of hard work."

The 31-year-old failed to medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing -- his second consecutive appearance in the Olympics. Hoffa said the showing caused him to lose some of his tenacity. On top of that, a knee injury derailed him for a while.

But at the Qatar Super Grand Prix earlier this month, Hoffa regained his confidence after defeating 2008 Olympic shot put champion, Tomascz Majewski, with a pair of 21.64-meter throws to Majewski's 21.13m.

"That just showed I'm back," said Hoffa, who currently lives and trains in Athens, Ga. "That's huge."

In the new Collegiate Star category, former Augusta State All-American center Garret Siler, who's currently preparing for June's NBA Draft, won the gold medal. Former USC Aiken point guard Meredith Legg, who set the school's all-time scoring record and in April underwent surgery and radiation to eradicate a rare form of eye cancer, won silver in the Collegiate Star category.

Lantz Lamback, who won gold, two silvers and a bronze in the 2008 Paralympic Games, won the top Adaptive Athlete award.

The sports council recognized Fort Gordon for its volunteer support. Also, a video tribute was held for the Augusta Rowing Club.

In the All-Around Athlete category, Greenbrier's Kaila Hunt won the female portion, while Evans' Jonathan Finch won the male award.

Other winners included: Becca Phelan (Amateur Star), Rebecca Shine (Outstanding Athlete, female), Tucker Hawley (Outstanding Athlete, male), Midland Valley's Michelle Yeater (Outstanding Coach), Haley Zuehlke (Rising Star, female), Gabe Eichel (Rising Star, male) and Midland Valley softball team (Outstanding Team).

Reach Chris Gay at (706) 823-3645or chris.gay@augustachronicle.com.