PRESS RELEASE -- The Pensacola Sports Association will host the COX PSA Annual Awards Banquet on Thursday, April 10 at New World Landing. Nearly 30 people and teams will be recognized for their performances in the 2013 seasons.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a reception prior to dinner.

Taking home the top awards of the evening will be Justin Gatlin (Professional Athlete of the Year), and John Hurd (Amateur Athlete of the Year). Following his medal winning performance at the 2013 Olympic Games, Gatlin had a standout year in 2013.  Gatlin finished in the top two in eight meets including six first places and two second place finishes.  John Hurd is an accomplished sprinter in his own rights, winning the 50M and 100M at the 2013 National Senior Games.

Being inducted into the PSA Hall of Fame are Joe Durant, Robert Freeman, Dennis Lewallyn, and Horace Jones.  Durant turned pro on the PGA Tour in 1987. In addition to his four tour victories, Durant has been very visible in Pensacola and instrumental in the start-up and growth of the First Tee Program of Northwest Florida.  Robert Freeman is a longtime teacher, coach, and administrator at Pace High School.

Dennis Lewallyn began his 11 year professional baseball career in 1972 with the Los Angeles Dodgers farm system, making his MLB debut in 1975.  After his playing days, the Escambia High School graduate has continued to work in baseball as a coach and scout. He’s currently the pitching coach for the Mississippi Braves, the double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves.

Horace Jones played six seasons in the NFL after playing college football at the University of Louisville.  Following his NFL career, Jones, who graduated from Washington High School, worked in the Escambia County School District Administration.

The winners of the Sportsman of the Year and Volunteer of the Year will be announced at the banquet.

Reservations are required. Tickets are available at the Pensacola Sports Association through April 8. Tickets are $40 for Pensacola Sports Association members and $50 for non-members. Corporate tables are available. Please call the PSA at 434-2800 or e-mail[email protected] for more information.

Award Winner List (In No Particular Order)

Justin Gatlin                     Professional Athlete of the Year            Track & Field

John Hurd                        Amateur Athlete of the Year         2013 National Senior Games Gold Medalist

Carl Stallworth                    Special Olympic Athlete of the Year    Special Olympics

Joe Durant                           Hall of Fame                                        PGA Tour

Robert Freeman                     Hall of Fame               Pace High School Coach, Administrator

Dennis Lewallyn                     Hall of Fame                         MLB Player, Coach

Horace Jones                       Hall of Fame                           NFL, Oakland Raiders

Tori Bindi                             Special Achievement         Gulf Breeze High School Swimming

Darryl Davis                  Special Achievement             West Florida High School Weightlifting

Darroneshia Lott                 Special Achievement    South Plains College Cross Country

Austin Droogsma                 Special Achievement      Gulf Breeze High School Track & Field

Kevin Ducros                           Special Achievement         University of West Florida Tennis

Patricia Flynn                           Special Achievement     National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Amanda Friar                           Special Achievement         Navarre High School Weightlifting

Kelly Hayes                               Special Achievement    Pensacola State College Softball

Trent Higginbothem           Special Achievement     Tallahassee Community College Baseball

Pensacola Ice Flyers                  Special Achievement      President’s Cup Champions

Richard LaBounty                       Special Achievement      Catholic High School Baseball

Navarre HS Girls Weightlifting Special Achievement        Girls Weightlifting State Champions

Megan Oberholtzer                   Special Achievement        Washington High School Swimming

Chelsea Palmer                        Special Achievement         University of West Florida Soccer

Delvin Purifoy                            Special Achievement        Catholic High School Football

Bruno Savi                                 Special Achievement         University of West Florida Tennis

Nathaniel Thomas                     Special Achievement         Pace High School Swimming

Washington H.S. Swimming     Special Achievement          Girls Swim Team State Champions

Boo Weekley                              Special Achievement                      PGA Tour Champion

Johna Whitaker                      Special Achievement    Pine Forest High School Track and Field

Ellis Young III                             Special Achievement            University of West Florida Tennis

Catholic High School Baseball    Special Achievement                          State Champions

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