Candidates are nominated by members of the Star Tribune sports department, and a selection committee of staff members makes the final choice.

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.