John Terwilliger of Lake Shore was named the Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association’s (MnUSA) “Unsung Hero” For Outstanding Commitment to the Sport of Snowmobiling Feb. 9 at the annual Winter Rendezvous at Cragun’s on Gull Lake.

Terwilliger volunteered to take over as trail coordinator. He was instrumental in building two new trails in his area.

He met with landowners and convinced them to give a permanent easement. If the trail system didn’t have it, a portion of that trail would have been lost.

Terwilliger also organized the local club by requesting official minutes and reports, plus creating policies.

Since 1967, the local club was one of the best-kept secrets in the area until Terwilliger promoted its importance from a local to state level. Representation at regional meetings, including being mayor, has promoted the sport even more in his area.

Fifteen years after returning to the area, Terwilliger joined the Gull Lake Drifters and participated in the Crow Wing County Snowmobile Trail Association.

He’s a member of the Gull Lake Drifters Club and Minnesota United Snowmobilers Association. Terwilliger knows the importance of joining clubs and associations working to keep 22,000 miles of trails in good condition. Local clubs and volunteers are responsible for the maintenance and grooming of 21,000-plus miles of trails. The DNR maintains 740 miles.

Other awards were presented to Waldoch Sports of Forest Lake, dealer of the year; the Paul and Vicki Johnson family of St. Peter, the Snowmobile Family of the Year; Tyler Jorgenson of Fergus Falls and Kevin Riepe of Cottage Grove, Young Snowmobilers of the Year; and Greg Gellert of Fairmont, Snowmobiler of the Year.

The public may submit the name of an individual or business that would be an excellent candidate for one of these awards. Submit the name and fill out the nomination form at www.mnsnowmobiler.org.

MnUSA also offers a scholarship program that awards up to $3,000 to graduating high school seniors who are planning to pursue a two- or four-year college or vocational degree, or to individuals currently enrolled in such programs.

Scholarship applications must be received in the MnUSA office by March 31. For more information and an application, go to www.mnsnowmobiler.org.