Candidates are nominated by members of the Star Tribune sports department, and a selection committee of staff members makes the final choice.
Past Star Tribune sportsperson of the year winners
December 25, 2008 at 2:13AM
2007: ADRIAN PETERSON
The Vikings rookie sensation became an instant star and in only his eighth game set an NFL single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers.
2006: MINNESOTA TWINS ORGANIZATION
A playoff team with a Cy Young Award winner (Johan Santana), an MVP (Justin Morneau) and a batting champ (Joe Mauer) also got approval for a new outdoor stadium.
2005: GREG ESLINGER
Virtually unnoticed by recruiters, the consensus All-America center became one of the greatest Gophers.
2004: LINDSAY WHALEN
The driving force behind the transformation of the Gophers women's basketball program.
2003: JOHN GAGLIARDI
The St. John's coach earned his 409th victory on Nov. 8, 2003, becoming college football's winningest coach, and his team won an NCAA Division III title.
2002: HARRY CRUMP
The Hennepin County judge issued a restraining order that kept the Twins out of baseball's contraction plans.
2001: JOE MAUER
The baseball, basketball and football star at Cretin-Derham Hall was one of the all-time great prep athletes.
2000: JAC SPERLING
The Wild's chief executive officer led the NHL back to Minnesota and started the rally to build the "X".
1999: GLEN MASON
The Gophers' most successful football season in three decades earned him Coach of the Year honors from his Big Ten peers.
1998: RANDALL CUNNINGHAM
Out of football before joining the Vikings as a backup, he led the team to a 15-1 regular season.
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Minnesota opens a new season Wednesday against Oral Roberts, and there will be opportunities for at least a handful of fresh faces to make their mark.
