George Watkins

Watkins was a sports writer with the Salinas Californian for 37 of his 40-year career. He won several awards from Gannett (parent company of the Californian) for his columns. In 2011, he was given the Media Award by the California Coaches Association. On his retirement in 2014, CCS officials honored him with the Elgie Bellizio Award. Memorable columns featured prep sports, leaders, and coverage of events, such as the California Rodeo, Laguna Seca Raceway, Big Sur Marathon and AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. His writing helped keep the spirit and history of Monterey County sports alive to readers of the Salinas Californian.