Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – Bliss Blackburn

Two athletes who enjoyed stellar senior years competing have been named Del Norte High athletes of the year.

Kanyon Starkey and Bliss Blackburn received the prestigious accolades on Wednesday night.

Starkey earned the Case McGilvray Clausen Award for outstanding male athlete, while the Dee Sullivan Award for outstanding female athlete went to Blackburn.

Both standouts left their mark on multiple sports fronts and competed with three different teams each this year.

Starkey, who played quarterback for the Warriors, was named all-league in football and also provided some much-needed leadership on the basketball court when he was the only senior on a young Del Norte team.

He also played a key role on the Del Norte baseball team, which qualified for the Charles Lakin Tournament and the North Coast Section playoffs.

“Kanyon has been a three-sport athlete in all his years at Del Norte High,” Del Norte Athletic Director Taylor Duncan said on a social media post. “He is an ultimate competitor that truly grew as a leader his senior year.”

Blackburn was equally impressive.

The senior standout was named all-league in volleyball and received an all-league honorable mention in basketball.

She closed out an impressive high school career on the softball field, where she helped lead the Warriors to an NCS quarterfinal appearance.

“Bliss is a passionate student-athlete, both on and off the playing fields,” Duncan said. “She has given fans and the community many memorable moments during her time at Del Norte High School. 

Kanyon Starkey (2)

“Her commitment to athletics and support for young student-athletes in Del Norte County and beyond is where Bliss has truly shined.”

Blackburn’s impact was also felt off the field of competition.

Earlier this year, she also organized the second annual North Coast National Girls and Women in Sports Day, which highlighted the many positives competing in sports can have for young girls.

Blackburn was also named to the H-DNL All-League Sportsmanship team.

She plans to attend Cosumnes River College and play volleyball and beach volleyball.