The SPORTYS @ Full Sail University
September 22nd, 2012
Full Sail Live at Full Sail University
3300 University Blvd. Winter Park, FL 32792
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A crowd of more than 350 of Central Florida's sports elite were on hand to experience the SPORTYS @ Full Sail University, which took place on Saturday, September 22 at Full Sail Live. Winners of the SPORTY in each category are listed below. In case you missed it live, check out the broadcast on WFTV Channel 9 on Saturday, Sept. 29 at 2pm and on WRDQ TV 27 on Sunday, Sept. 30 at 4pm!
The Central Florida Sports Commission annually hosts the SPORTYS @ Full Sail University, an "ESPYs-like" sports awards show, honoring top area teams, high school, collegiate and professional athletes, coaches, deserving local residents and businesses throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties.
During the show, the Hall of Fame Class of 2012 was inducted into the Central Florida Sports Hall of Fame, where more than 80 other Central Floridians have already been honored for their accomplishments in the sports industry.
The Central Florida Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2012 includes:
Vince Carter – Vince Carter, born in Daytona Beach, was a high school McDonald’s All-American and was voted Florida’s 1995 Basketball Player of the Year. An eight (8) time NBA All-Star, Carter played 1 ½ seasons with the Orlando Magic. Current player with the Dallas Mavericks, Carter continues to support Central Florida through his Embassy of Hope Foundation which offers yearly scholarships as well as support to organizations serving the Central Florida Community. Vince donated 2.5 million dollars to his former high school and to honor his gift, the Volusia County school district named the athletic center at Mainland High School the Vince Carter Athletic Center. In addition, in 2007 Vince was recognized with the Governor’s Point of Light Award which recognizes Florida residents and organizations that demonstrate exemplary volunteer service to their community.
Annika Sorenstam – Widely considered the greatest female golfer of all time, Annika Sorenstam rewrote the record books by accumulating 89 worldwide victories; ten (10) of which were major championships. In 2003, Annika was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Sorenstam continues to support and give back to the Central Florida Community through the ANNIKA Foundation. The Foundation hosts three annual golf events for aspiring junior girls, as well as partners with several key organizations to promote healthy and active lifestyles for children, including the SPARK, the leading physical education program for schools. The ANNIKA Foundation also supports Florida Hospital for Children’s Healthy 100 Kids initiative and the First Tee, developing the Nine Healthy Habits curriculum for children.
Jeff Turner – Following a great college career at Vanderbilt University, Jeff Turner was drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets in 1984. Jeff was a member of 1984 U.S. Olympic Basketball team that won the gold medal in Los Angeles, CA. He played ten (10) seasons in the NBA, with the Nets and the Orlando Magic, and spent nine (9) years as a radio broadcaster for the Magic. Jeff currently serves as the head boys basketball coach at Lake Highland Preparatory School here in Orlando.
Dress to Impress: That means semi-formal cocktail attire!
Plenty of parking is available at no charge
The SPORTYS @ Full Sail University nominees are listed below. The winner is in bold.
Team of the Year - Presented by Orlando Health
Orlando City Soccer – Won 2011 USL Pro Championship and finished in 2012 1st in USL Pro regular season standings
Rollins Women’s Basketball – Conference and region Champions, first trip to the NCAA DII Elite Eight
Spruce Creek Baseball – Won the 8A Baseball State Championship, which is the first in school history
High School Athlete of the Year - Presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
Joel Berry – Lake Highland guard won the Gatorade Player of the Year and named Mr. Basketball
Alexis Prince – Led Edgewater to 6A State Championship, named McDonald’s All-American and Ms. Basketball
Andres Arroyo – Won a total of three state championships for Colonial in cross country and track
College Athlete of the Year
Octavious Freeman – Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field All-American and Conference USA Champion at UCF
Lucas Jovita – Won Division II Tennis National Championship and Conference Player of the Year at Rollins
Aurieyall Scott – Two time NCAA Outdoor All-American and Conference USA Champion at UCF
Professional Athlete of the Year - Presented by University of Central Florida
Ryan Lochte – Won 5 medals at the 2012 Summer Olympics; 2 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze
Tyson Gay – Silver medalist in the 4x100 meter relay at the 2012 Summer Olympics; first Olympic medal
Dennis Chin – Leading scorer for Orlando City Soccer, with 11 goals and 2 assists
Coach of the Year - Presented by Pizza Hut
Anthony Jones – Won back to back state championships for Dr. Phillips in girls basketball
Adrian Heath – Lead Orlando City Soccer to 2011 USL Championship and 2012 USL regular season champions
Terry Rooney – Coached UCF Baseball to best season in school history; advancing to NCAA Regional
Business of the Year
Orlando Magic
Golf Channel
Orlando City Soccer
Employee of the Year - Presented by Orlando Solar Bears
Kevin Weickel – Disney Sports
Troy Willrick – Daytona International Speedway
Matt Repchak – Florida Citrus Sports
Volunteer of the Year - Presented by WFTV Orlando
Mike Gaboury – Sunshine State Conference
Tom Horan – Tavistock Group
Cathy Gahres – Central Florida Sports Commission
Media of the Year - Presented by Coca-Cola
Bright House Sports Network
WFTV Channel 9 Orlando
Mike Bianchi
Rich DeVos Community Spirit Award
Florida Citrus Sports
With the exception of the Rich DeVos Community Spirit Award, the winner of The SPORTY in each category was announced the evening of the event.
Special thanks to all of our event partners:
Click HERE to check out a highlight video from the 2011 SPORTYS. Special thanks to Full Sail student Nick Podniestrzanski for producing this for us!
Click HERE for photos from the 2011 SPORTYS.
Click HERE for the 2011 post event press release for more details and to find out who took home the SPORTY in each category.
