Full List of 2014 Philly Sports Writers Association Banquet Award Winners and Honored Guests

For 109 years, The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (of which I am a board member) has recognized the accomplishments and character of the athletes we cheer for when they’re wearing their uniform, and we benefit from when they contribute to the community.

And this year is no different.

On Monday, January 27, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association will hold their 110th Annual Awards Banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ. The banquet, which is open to the public, opens its doors at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $95.00 per person and can be purchased at www.PSWADinner.com.

As usual, the dais will host some of the biggest names in sports, some of whom will be receiving awards (see the lists below) and others who have accepted invitations to be honored guests of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, such as Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., Phillies skipper Ryne Sandberg, Phillies third baseman Cody Asche, La Salle University Men’s Basketball coach Dr. John Giannini, University of Pennsylvania Men’s Basketball coach Jerome Allen and former Philadelphia Union defender Chris Albright. Adding his humor and multiple impersonations to the night’s festivities will be banquet staple local radio personality and comedian Joe Conklin.

2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Traditional Award Winners:

*Philadelphia Pro Athlete – Danny Garcia (Light welterweight boxer: Undefeated light Welterweight Champion )

*Outstanding National Pro Athlete: LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles running back)

*Native Son: Bo Ryan (head coach of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men's basketball team)

*Living Legend: Bill Barber (former Philadelphia Flyers forward)

*Athlete Good Guy: Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles receiver)

*Team of the Year: Boston Red Sox

*Amateur Athlete: Rondell White (West Chester University running back)

*Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernard Hopkins (Middleweight Boxer: multi-champion/belt holder)

*Ed Snider Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian: Jim Murray (former Philadelphia Eagles general manager, founder of the Eagles Fly for Lukemia campaign, founder of first Ronald McDonald House)

*Penn Relays Frank Dolson Award: Emily Lipari (Villanova University)

*Army/Navy Game MVP: Keenan Reynolds (Navy quarterback)

*1973 & 1974 Stanley Cup Commemoration: Bernie Parent & Bob Clarke (former Philadelphia Flyers goalie and former Philadelphia Flyers captain)

2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Special Achievement Award Winners:

*Wayne Hardin (Temple University & Naval Academy football coach, College Football Hall of Fame inductee)

*Tim Van Liew (Rutgers-Camden track & field: javelin)

*Denise Dillon (Head Coach, Drexel University Women’s basketball)

* Jay Greenberg (Philadelphia Flyers beat writer, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee)

*Eastern High School Field Hockey (14 straight N.J. State Field Hockey championships and this year won N.J. Tournament of Champions)

2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Honored Guests:

*Lou Guzzi (PGA Teacher of the Year)


*Carolyn Gray (Philadelphia & Boston Marathon runner)


*Brandon Matthews (Temple University golfer)


*Michael Mills (University of Pennsylvania fencer)


*Alfredo Santana (La Salle University men’s track)


* John Robertson (Villanova University quarterback)


*Mo Hawkins (St. Joseph’s University women’s soccer)


*Ken Tribbet (Drexel University men’s soccer)


*Kristen Blye (Philadelphia University women’s basketball)


*Marcelin Withler (Rowan University running back)