Maes Named Rocky Mountain State Games Athlete of the Year

Zachary Maes, 2006 High School Nationals Champion, was named the Rocky Mountain State Games Athlete of the Year after wins in both judo and wrestling at this year's event. Photo Credit: Northglenn Judo Club.

The Colorado Springs Sports Corporation named Zachary Maes (Wheat Ridge, Colo. / Northglenn Judo Club) as their Male Athlete of the Year. Archer Jane Mowbray (Westminster, Colo.) earned Female Athlete of the Year honors.

Maes not only won the 60kg division in the judo competition on Aug. 5, but took gold in the 119lb. freestyle wrestling competition as well.

A two-time Junior National Champion earlier this summer and former Grand Slam winner, Maes has excelled in both sports, placing fifth in the 103lbs. division at the State 4A Wrestling Championships.

Maes began his involvement in judo as an eight-year-old, joining his father, mother and sister in the sport. When not training, Maes helps out his dad, John, who is the head wrestling coach at Mullen High School and helps classes for younger judo players.

Currently ranked #7 on the Senior Roster at 55kg, Maes says his dream is to become #1 and ultimately to represent the United States at the Olympic Games.

With that dream in mind, and his passion for two sports in the Rocky Mountain State Games, he embodies the spirit of amateur sports and the ideals of the State Games