Stafford and Mortimer Receive Mower Awards for 2019-20

Cody’s Baylee Stafford and Worland’s Luke Mortimer have been announced as the Wilford Mower Award winners for the 2019-20 school year.

Stafford excelled in cross country and soccer for the Fillies. She’s a four-time All-State selection in cross country and three-time All-State in soccer. Stafford finished in third place in 2019, 2018, and 2017 at the Class 3A State Cross Country Championships. She was seventh as a freshman in 2016. Stafford helped the Cody girls win the third cross country team title in school history last fall. She led the Fillies to three straight Class 3A championships on the pitch. Stafford also competed for Cody in indoor track this past season running in the 1600 and 3200-meters, plus on the Fillies 4x800 meter relay squad.

Mortimer was a four-sport star for the Warriors in football, basketball, soccer, and track and field during his prep career. Mortimer earned two All-State awards in basketball and one in football. On the hardcourt, Mortimer led Worland to a 24-1 record and a berth in the Class 3A state basketball tournament during his senior season. He averaged 13.9 points, three assists, and 2.8 steals per game. Mortimer shot 48 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range. On the gridiron, Mortimer helped the Warriors to a 3-6 record and a playoff appearance in 2019. He finished with 32 catches for 441 yards receiving and four touchdowns. Mortimer added six carries for 175 yards on the ground and two more TDs. He returned two kickoffs for touchdowns and also took a punt back for a TD in the 2019 season. Mortimer finished second on the Worland defense with 116 points. He had 41 total tackles with three fumble recoveries, four interceptions, and 11 pass breakups. In soccer, as a junior, Mortimer scored eight goals and had six assists for the 3A State Champion Warriors. As a sophomore in 2018, he qualified and competed at the 3A State Track Championships in the 110 and 300 hurdles, plus the high jump.

The Wilford Mower award is presented to the most outstanding male and female senior student-athlete in Class 3A/4A within the Northwest Quadrant. Athletic Directors from all the 3A and 4A schools in the quadrant nominate their best athletes. After a presentation of all nominees, the AD’s vote for their top selection.

Stafford and Mortimer will move on for consideration in the Milward Simpson Award, which is given to the top male and female student-athlete in the state. It’s considered the most prestigious honor a high school student-athlete can win in Wyoming.