Comments About Honorees

• On Vivian Acosta: “Recognized as one of the pioneers of gender equity in sports, Dr. Acosta co-authored with Dr. Linda Jean Carpenter, a ground breaking 27 year longitudinal study of the status of women in intercollegiate sport which still stands as the model for women’s equity in sports.”



• On Andre Agassi: “Andre Agassi has seamlessly made the transition from World No. 1 Professional Tennis Player to the Founder and Director of the renowned Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. He and his wife Steffi Graf offer many extraordinary opportunities for at-risk students, including opening a very successful school, College Academy for grades K-12.”



• On Jody Conradt: “Hailed as one of the finest basketball coaches in NCAA history, Jody Conradt became a coaching legend at the University of Texas. She achieved as much acclaim for her emphasis on education as she did for her brilliant coaching.”



• On Bob Costas: “Widely acclaimed as the premier sportscaster in America, Bob Costas is also an award winning TV sport show host who tackles the tough issues in the sport’s world with great wisdom, fairness and perspective.”



• On Dr. Harry Edwards: “Dr. Harry Edwards is widely recognized as the leading authority on issues of race and sport. He is an activist who is credited with helping forge great strides for the academic discipline of sports sociology.”



• On Dr. Lillian Greene-Chamberlain: “A national champion runner, Dr. Greene-Chamberlain has dedicated her life to developing health education and sports programs nationally and around the world. She is currently a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, and a passionate advocate of various sports education issues.”



• On The Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh: “Fr. Hesburgh is one the most revered educators in America. He served as president of Notre Dame University for 35 years. He has been awarded many of the nation’s highest honors including the NCAA’s Gerald R. Ford award for leadership. He has received an astounding 150 honorary degrees.”



• On Don Hooton: “Don Hooton is a tireless crusader on the dangers of performance enhancing drugs among today’s youth. Thousands of students and parents have benefited from his inspired message on this critically important topic.”
• On Eunice Kennedy-Shriver: “Eunice Kennedy-Shriver has, in the Kennedy tradition, given selflessly of her time and energy to help those less fortunate. Her work with the Special Olympics is as fine a model of using sport as a medium to help people as has ever been seen in American history.”



• On Dr. Donna Lopiano: “Since beginning her career as an outstanding athlete, Dr. Lopiano has continued to excel in every aspect of sport. With great distinction, she served on The United States Olympic Committee’s Board of Directors and had a brilliant tenure as CEO of The Women’s Sports Foundation.”



• On Sandy Padwe: “Sandy Padwe has used his vast knowledge and experience in sports journalism to become a master teacher on the subject at the Columbia University School of Journalism. With equal measures of kindness and wisdom, Mr. Padwe has successfully mentored many young journalists who have been fortunate enough to be taught by this exceptional man.”



• On Joe Paterno: “No one in the collegiate sport’s world has earned more respect than Joe Paterno. For over five decades, Coach Paterno has conducted his program with competence and class. He epitomizes what the model coach should represent.”



• On Bill Russell: “Bill Russell is not only considered the greatest winner in team sports history but is widely regarded as one of the most insightful individuals in American sport. As an acclaimed author and speaker, Mr. Russell has enriched the lives of thousands with his great wisdom and perspective. Known for his infectious laugh, he has turned his competitiveness to promoting his many charities including the Bill Russell Foundation and the B.E.A.T. Arthritis Group.”



• On Dr. Kevin Speer: “Dr. Speer is one of the preeminent surgeons in the sport’s medicine field. A true scholar-athlete, Dr. Speer was an outstanding football player at Indiana University. His work as Director of the Duke Sports Medicine program earned him international acclaim. He is also known for his extremely insightful commentary on a variety of sports medicine issues.”



• On Vivian Stringer: “A true sports educator, Coach Stringer has achieved justifiable renown for helping her athletes grow as much off the court as on it. Throughout her career, she has been a wonderful model of doing things the right way. A magnificent example of the true sports educator.”



• On Judith Sweet: “One of the most admirable and effective administrators in American sport. Judith Sweet is a true pioneer whose many accomplishments include being named the first female NCAA President. She has also earned a sterling reputation for always putting the student-athlete first.”



• On Dr. Harold Vanderzwaag: “One of the true ‘founding fathers’ of graduate school sports administration. Dr. Vanderzwaag compiled a brilliant record at the University of Massachusetts in its groundbreaking sports management program. He is considered a ‘treasure’ in the sports management community.”



• On Peter Westbrook: “Peter Westbrook was a 6-time Olympian in fencing and continues to keep his Olympic fencing spirit alive with the Peter Westbrook Foundation by giving inner-city youth of New York the discipline and dedication needed to compete in fencing and the wherewithal to stay off the streets. Mr. Westbrook epitomizes the notion of an effective sports educator.”



• On Coach John Wooden: “An American treasure whose enlightened thinking will be studied and honored for centuries to come. Without doubt, the most respected coach in NCAA history.”



• On Tiger Woods: “Not only is Tiger Woods the most recognized athlete in the world, but his work through the Tiger Woods Foundation is as fine an example of a superstar giving back to society as has ever been seen in American sport history. The Tiger Woods Foundation has already reached a staggering 10 million young people through its varied-and highly creative- programs. It is exciting to contemplate what Tiger Woods will contribute to society in the coming decades.”

Sports Education Teams

• National Senior Games: “With great effectiveness, the National Senior Games has reached an extraordinary number of senior citizens, encouraging literally thousands to enjoy the benefits of living a healthy and active life. The National Senior Games has provided innumerable opportunities for adults over 50 to continue to participate in competitive events, all the while enjoying the camaraderie of fellow competitors. An inspiring program”

• Springfield College: “Under the able direction of President Richard Flynn, the school has become synonymous with excellence in the field of Physical Education. Springfield College graduates have had a global impact on health, recreation and the sports education mission. A tremendous legacy of excellence.”

• The United States Track and Field Federation (USATF): Led by its outstanding CEO, Craig Masback, the USATF has effectively focused on educating coaches, athletes and support personnel through such acclaimed programs as “Zero Tolerance” and the “Be A Champion” Program. The Zero Tolerance program was among the first official policies of its kind to advocate the now ubiquitous phrase of “zero tolerance” for drug use in sport. The Be A Champion program is an athlete outreach program in which Olympic Medalists go around the country and educate youth about the importance of sportsmanship and teaching the positive results of leading a physically active, drug-free and healthy lifestyle.