The two All-Marine standouts took different paths to becoming Pendleton's male and female Athletes of the Year, but they both earned the prestigious honor using the same formula: hard work, dedication and most importantly, talent.
Atwin, a gunnery sergeant with Installation Personnel Administration Center and Betts, a sergeant with 9th Communications Battalion, were officially named the base's top athletes for 2008 during one ceremony May 20 at Semper Fit headquarters. Col. Philipe D. Rogers, commanding officer, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Base, made the announcement.
Rogers credited Atwin and Betts for their accomplishments and leadership, saying the Athlete of the Year awards are testaments to their hard work and ability. "It takes a lot of preparation and natural skills to reach this level," he said.
Atwin, 41, has enjoyed tremendous athletic success during the tail end of his tenure in the Corps. The native of New Brunswick, Canada is set to retire this summer.
But before exiting, he was able to lead the Varsity ice hockey squad to back-to-back championships in 2008 and 2009 in recreational competition, while also captaining 1st Marine Logistics Group to last year's West Coast Regional Softball Championship title. Atwin was then selected to the elite All-Marine softball team.
"The last two years have been the best of my career," Atwin said. "I'm kind of at the pinnacle of my career, so to be recognized is overwhelming. I'm just honored to be mentioned as an Athlete of the Year.
