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)

Bernard Hopkins is Ageless. I am not.

Without reaching into the dark, undusted corners of my study to pull out the copies of old newspapers and magazines that serve as  a constantly yellowing, deteriorating record of my career as a writer, it’s tough for me to remember when exactly I first met Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins. It had to be around 2000 or so.

But I’ll never forget it.

I was on assignment at the Legendary Blue Horizon on North Broad, covering fights on a Friday night (it would become the first of many, many Friday nights spent at the press table in that dingy, wonderful building) but really writing about the experience itself.

And in the middle of the card, as one palooka was chasing another around the ring, Hopkins walked to ringside and sat down. Shortly (it’s always shortly after showing up) he decided to speak. Into the ring he went. Towards the mic he stepped. I have no idea what he said, but the crowd cheered, his trademark “executioner  X” was made with his arms, and back to his seat he went.

I figured I’d take a shot and try to get a quote or two from him about his own experience fighting in the Blue Horizon.  I politely introduced myself and true to form, he had plenty to say. As I recall, he talked about some of the great fighters that had proven themselves there—himself included—and he talked about how he had left his own DNA in the form of blood and sweat all over the ring and the room itself.

I’ve liked him ever since. And I openly, vocally root for him. Well, more openly I suppose when I’m watching him fight as a spectator (like on December 13, 2003 when he beat William Joppy in Atlantic City and I was there with a buddy as a birthday present) than as a reporter (like October 18, 2008 when he destroyed Kelly Pavlik in Atlantic City and I was there covering it for the Weekly Press). But even then I’m sure I clapped a little. I know I probably threw some imaginary jabs every now and then when he did.

That said, you’ll now have no trouble picturing me sitting in front of my television this past Sunday morning cheering as I watched B-Hop, who is 48 years old,  tempt fate on more time and step into the ring to face Tavoris Cloud, a man in his 20s, and end up walking away with the IBF Light Heavyweight title by unanimous decision.

You read that correctly. I watched it Sunday afternoon. Unlike Hopkins, who has somehow managed to stay young and healthy despite participating in a sport known for ruining men, I have aged dramatically since our first meeting. Now in my 30’s, a day of running errands, bouncing my 3-month old son on my knee here and there throughout the day and attending a fundraiser where I was required to do nothing more than eat and drink till 9:00 p.m. left me too exhausted to stay up for the fight. I watched the HBO rebroadcast Sunday morning.

But all is not lost. I was able to hold my son in my arms without putting him down for all 12 rounds.

I was sitting down of course, but still...

Bernard Hopkins to fight in Philly December 2. Proceeds Benefit 3 Local Charities

Yesterday, I covered the Bernard Hopkins/Enrique Ornelas press conference at the Liacouras Center in Philly. They'll be fighting there December 2. It's Hopkins' first fight here in Philly--his home--in 6 years. You can read about it at Philadephia Boxing Examiner. Click here.

It was great to see some familiar pug-scribes, like Bernard Fernandes. The first story I had published in Philly was about the Blue Horizon, the fabled boxing venue. After it came out, I was at the "Blue" covering fights and there, a few seats down from me was Bernie whose stuff I've read, but never met. I gave him a copy ans asked him to give it a read sometime and to let me know what he thought. He started reading right then and there. After what seemed like an eternity, he looked down press row and gave me a thumbs up.

(Photo by Kerry O'Connor)

Here's some footage I took of Hopkins at the press conference talking about Philly boxers needing a way to show off their talent.