Over the next twelve months, this space will be devoted to featuring feedback on each honoree, based on discussions, recommendations and written notes over the three year period of review. In the case of the 100 Most Influential Sports Educator honorees, this space will feature 20 at a time. In case of the 15 Sports Education Teams, this space will feature three at a time. This strategy will provide readers with the opportunity to read and reflect on smalls groups, rather than the entire group.

The next series of comments regarding the 20 Sports Educators and three Sports Education Teams will be posted on this website on December 15, 2007. (Over the next 12 months, comments are being posted in no order of priority).

Comments About Honorees

• On Bob Bigelow: “Mr. Bigelow has developed an extremely well thought-out youth sports message which he expertly delivers with clarity and passion.”



• On Dr. Myles Brand: “Dr. Brand has made many important changes within the NCAA, including the introduction of well thought-out academic reform. He has also steadfastly advocated for the student-athlete at all levels. No one could do this tough job better.”



• On Myles Campbell: “A very high impact high school sports educator. The program that Mr. Campbell administers at Mount Carmel High School is extremely creative, and places a wonderfully positive emphasis on sportsmanship and leadership. His program is a real model for other high schools around the United States.”



• On Jody Conradt: “With large measures of class, competence, and dignity, Coach Conradt has defined the role of sports educator in a highly successful major college program. An extraordinary legacy of excellence and honor.”



• On Frank Deford and Alex Wolff: “The field of sport is fortunate that these two brilliant and fair-minded men have chosen sport as the subject matter to impart their enlightened thinking. They write beautifully, and consistently raise the bar for all sports journalists.”



• On Anita DeFrantz: “It is common to hear Anita DeFrantz referred to as the most powerful woman in sports. What so impressed the committee is the thoughtful and reasoned manner in which Ms. DeFrantz handles her position of power. It is clear that Anita DeFrantz could be anything from senator to CEO. Sports is fortunate to have her!”



• On John Gerdy: “A remarkably astute thinker whose books and essays reflect a great knowledge of all elements of sport, including the inherent problems that exist in intercollegiate sport. A magnificent sports educator!”



• On Christine Grant: “One of the most inspiring sports educators in history, and a dynamic and effective advocate for true equality in sport.”



• On Jackie Joyner-Kersee: “The embodiment of a positive role model who has effectively used her star status to help countless others, particularly young people.”



• On Billie Jean King: “One of the very few superstars whose off the court societal contributions equal her extraordinary record as a player.”



• On Mike Krzyzewski: “Probably the finest athletic representative of a college in the history of intercollegiate sports.”



• On Dr. Richard Lapchick: “A man of great courage and vision whose inspiring work will be felt for generations to come.”



• On Chuck Mitrano: “A young lion whose creative genius, especially on sportsmanship matters, is having a major impact on a national scale.”



• On Dr. Terry Don Phillips: “With a law degree, a PhD, and a great athletic background, Dr. Phillips is a true renaissance educator who is a wonderful example of leadership in a major college program which consistently puts the student-athlete first.”



• On Donald “Dee” Rowe: “No coach in history has successfully mentored more young people than Dee Rowe. A true American athletic treasure.”



• On Pat Summit: “A sports educator of uncompromising integrity, great intellect and vision, and extraordinary passion. Coach Summit’s impact on her players, both during their time at the University of Tennessee and after graduation, is extremely positive.”



• On Susan Summons: “A brilliant speaker and motivator. Coach Summons’ eloquent and inspiring message should be heard by as many student-athletes, coaches and parents as possible. Hopefully, her inclusion in the Top 100 will help with this important objective.”



• On Jim Thompson: “As fine an example of successful social entrepreneurship in the field of sport as has ever been seen. Mr. Thompson started with a wonderful idea. With an admirable combination of perseverance, planning and execution, he has turned that idea into one of the most effective sports education initiatives in history- The Positive Coaching Alliance.”



• On Gary Walters: “One of the most brilliant and principled administrators in intercollegiate sport – now or in history.”

Sports Education Teams

• On The New York Times Sports Department and Team Co-Captains Thomas Jolly and William Pennington: “No other individual or team selection generated as much passionate discussion as the New York Times Sports Department. Some Institute staffers and committee members expressed the view that the Times coverage of the Duke Lacrosse case was egregiously unfair and an unfortunate example of journalistic “rush to judgment.” Others felt the coverage was fair. Ironically, the spirited discussions about this particular issue has caused the Institute to add “Sports Journalism Ethics” as a theme day at the 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games. The scholar-athletes and scholar-artists will be required to read a series of New York Times columns/articles on the Duke lacrosse case, and share their own judgments at a June 29, 2008 United States Scholar-Athlete Games theme day discussion on the issue.
  
  Despite the differing views, there was unanimity of opinion that The New York Times Sports Department is made up of a brilliant group of writers who do as effective sports educators do - they cause us to think, question, disagree and grow in critical thinking skills. As fine a group of sports journalists as has ever been assembled at an American newspaper.”

• On USA Swimming and Team Captain Chuck Wieglus: “USA Swimming has an admirable commitment to address the needs of swimmers and parents at all levels- not just the elite level- with a consistent focus on the educational value of sport. Executive Director Wieglus is an inspiring leader who brings great perspective and wisdom to his position.”

• On The Blauner Books Literary Agency and Team Captain Andrew Blauner: “What is so impressive about this remarkable literary agency is the consistently high standard of books that the agency and Mr. Blauner represent. It is clear that a key agency objective is to publish books that make worthy contributions to the concept of sports education.”