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In just its second year, the SPORTYS @ Full Sail University will, according to a recent press release, recognize “the top area teams, high school, collegiate and professional athletes, coaches, deserving local residents and businesses throughout Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties.”
The Central Florida Sports Commission recently released the list of this year’s nominees, who vie for awards in 10 different categories (as seen below), as well as the winner of this year's Rich DeVos Community Spirit Award, Florida Citrus Sports.
Also released were the names of those athletes who will be inducted into the Central Florida Sports Hall of Fame: former Orlando Magic basketball player and eight-time NBA All-Star Vince Carter, professional female golfer Annika Sorenstam and former member of the 1984 U.S. Olympic basketball team and current head boys basketball coach at Lake Highland Preparatory School, Jeff Turner.
WFTV news anchor Greg Warmouth will host the SPORTYS awards ceremony, which will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 22 at Full Sail University. The evening will feature a red-carpet reception and Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse Overtime Party with free hors d’oeuvres, drinks and other entertainment. The SPORTYS winners will be announced that evening, and if you want part of the action, tickets ($85 per person) can be purchased through the Central Florida Sports website.
And now for the nominees
Team of the Year
Orlando City Soccer
Rollins Women’s Basketball
Spruce Creek Baseball
High School Athlete of the Year
Joel Berry – Lake Highland Preparatory School
Alexis Prince – Edgewater High School
Andres Arroyo – Colonial High School
College Athlete of the Year
Octavious Freeman – track & field, UCF
Lucas Jovita –tennis, Rollins College
Aurieyall Scott – track & field, UCF
Professional Athlete of the Year
Ryan Lochte – 2012 Summer Olympics swimming
Tyson Gay – 2012 Summer Olympics track & field
Dennis Chin – Orlando City Soccer
Coach of the Year
Anthony Jones – Dr. Phillips girls basketball
Adrian Heath – Orlando City Soccer
Terry Rooney – UCF Baseball
Business of the Year
Orlando Magic
Golf Channel
Orlando City Soccer
Employee of the Year
Kevin Weickel – Disney Sports
Troy Willrick – Daytona International Speedway
Matt Repchak – Florida Citrus Sports
Volunteer of the Year
Mike Gaboury – Sunshine State Conference
Tom Horan – Tavistock Group
Cathy Gahres – Central Florida Sports Commission
Media of the Year
Bright House Sports Network
WFTV Channel 9 Orlando
Mike Bianchi
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