EVENT CELEBRATES STAN THE MAN’S LEGACY AND THE YEAR’S GREATEST MOMENTS OF SPORTSMANSHIP
TICKETS AVAILABLE STARTING AT JUST $30
ST. LOUIS – Dec. 1, 2015 – Legendary golfer Arnold Palmer, St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and Turner sportscaster Ernie Johnson are among those who will be recognized at the Musial Awards Saturday night. They will join an incredible lineup of individuals who have displayed remarkable character, kindness, selflessness and integrity in sports. The event, which honors Stan Musial’s legacy and celebrates the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship, takes place at the Peabody Opera House at 7:30 p.m. Tickets starting at $30 are available to the public. Ticket details appear later in this release.
Palmer is receiving the Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award, the pinnacle honor bestowed at the Musial Awards. One of the most popular and accessible sports figures, Palmer built an army of admirers through his down-to-earth, personable approach on and off the golf course. His success in the sport – seven major championships including four Masters titles – is matched by his kindness and philanthropic commitment.
Matheny is being recognized for the class and dignity he exemplifies in the dugout, and the commitment he has made to change the culture of youth sports. To read more about Matheny’s story, visit MusialAwards.com.
Johnson won the Sports Emmy Award for best studio host earlier this year. In the audience at the ceremony that night were Taelor and Sydni Scott, daughters of the late ESPN anchor Stuart Scott, who passed away earlier this year from cancer. Upon accepting the Emmy, Johnson asked Taelor and Sydni to come on stage, and gave the award to them in honor of their father. To read more about Johnson’s story, visit MusialAwards.com.
Eight other recipients of the Musial Award will be celebrated for acts of extraordinary sportsmanship. The names of the 2015 honorees and their inspiring stories can be found atMusialAwards.com.
ST. LOUIS SPORTS COMMISSION ANNOUNCES THE WINNERS OF THE 2015 MUSIAL AWARDS
ARNOLD PALMER, ERNIE JOHNSON, MIKE MATHENY AND THOSE CONNECTED TO 2015’S MOST INSPIRING MOMENTS OF SPORTSMANSHIP TO BE HONORED IN ST. LOUIS ON DEC. 5
ST. LOUIS – Nov. 5, 2015 – From Arnold Palmer to 10-year-old Keaton Hamin, it will be a show for the ages at this year’s Musial Awards. The golf legend and the youth hockey player are among those coming from all levels of sport – and all walks of life – to be honored in St. Louis for extraordinary sportsmanship. They will join an unforgettable lineup of award recipients that includes Turner sportscaster Ernie Johnson, Cardinals manager Mike Matheny and other individuals who have displayed remarkable character, kindness, selflessness and integrity in sports.
The Musial Awards – presented by Maryville University – honor Stan the Man’s legacy by celebrating iconic “good sports” and the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship. The event is produced annually by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation. This year’s show takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Peabody Opera House in downtown St. Louis.
Here are the recipients of the 2015 Musial Awards:
Arnold Palmer: “The King” is receiving the Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award – the pinnacle honor for sportsmanship and one of two special awards presented at the Musial Awards. One of the most popular and accessible sports figures, Palmer built an army of admirers through his down-to-earth, personable approach on and off the golf course. His success in the sport – seven major championships including four Masters titles – is matched by his kindness and philanthropic commitment.
ARNOLD PALMER TO RECEIVE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR SPORTSMANSHIP AT THE MUSIAL AWARDS IN ST. LOUIS ON DEC. 5
LAUREN HILL TO BE HONORED POSTHUMOUSLY WITH EXTRAORDINARY CHARACTER AWARD
TICKETS ON SALE TOMORROW FOR SHOW CELEBRATING STAN THE MAN’S LEGACY AND ALL THAT’S RIGHT IN SPORTS
ST. LOUIS – Oct. 19, 2015 – The golf legend known as “The King” is receiving the ultimate award named for “The Man.” Arnold Palmer will accept the Stan Musial Lifetime Achievement Award – the pinnacle honor for sportsmanship – at the Musial Awards in St. Louis on Saturday, Dec. 5.
Hosted annually at the Peabody Opera House in downtown St. Louis, the Musial Awards – presented by Maryville University – honor Stan the Man’s legacy by celebrating the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship from throughout North America. The program showcases remarkable examples of character, kindness, selflessness and integrity in sports – virtues Musial embodied.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is one of two special awards bestowed at the event. It recognizes an iconic sports figure whose career is defined by class, dignity, generosity and excellence. Like Musial, Palmer epitomizes those qualities. One of the most popular and accessible sports figures, Palmer built an army of admirers through his down-to-earth, personable approach on and off the golf course. His success in the sport – seven major championships including four Masters titles – is matched by his kindness and philanthropic commitment. Palmer’s generosity has touched many across the nation.
In addition to being legendary ambassadors of their respective sports, Palmer and Musial are linked by their Western Pennsylvania roots – making it all the more fitting for the golfing great to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award named for Stan.
“I am humbled by the honor and its connection to Stan Musial and sportsmanship,” Palmer said. “Stan and I were very good friends for many years. He was one of my boyhood heroes and a man I came to admire even more in later years when our paths crossed fairly often.”
ST. LOUIS – Oct. 15, 2015 – All-session tickets for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials – Men’s Gymnastics and P&G Gymnastics Championships for women’s and junior men’s gymnastics go on sale Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. CT. Scheduled for June 23-26, both events will be held at Saint Louis University’s Chaifetz Arena, which hosted the 2012 men’s and women’s national championships. This is the first time in recent history that the Olympic Trials for men’s gymnastics has been held in St. Louis, and the third time the city has hosted USA Gymnastics’ national championships for men’s and women’s gymnastics.
All-session tickets include tickets for all eight competition sessions and range in price from $150-$495 (plus applicable fees), depending on seat location. The platinum package ($495 plus fees) comes with a reserved seat in the first five rows, pre-event hospitality, an Olympian meet-and-greet, a special USA Gymnastics gift, and an Olympian Chalk Talk. The gold package ($395 plus fees) features a special USA Gymnastics gift and an Olympian Chalk Talk. Tickets may be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, Ticketmaster outlets, and at the Chaifetz Arena Box Office. For more information, go to stlouis2016.com.
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GOLF EVENT OFFERS CHANCE TO MEET GREATS OF THE GAME AT OLD WARSON COUNTRY CLUB IN SEPTEMBER
ST. LOUIS – Aug. 10, 2015 – The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Salute to Greatness golf tournament is coming to St. Louis this September. The two-day toast to the greats of the game provides a chance to rub elbows and play golf alongside Pro Football Hall of Famers like Eric Dickerson, Jackie Slater, Kellen Winslow and Jack Youngblood. These and other Gold Jackets (living Hall of Famers) will be in St. Louis to raise funds for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) institution, and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Local fan favorites and Hall of Famers Dan Dierdorf and Aeneas Williams are co-chairing the event.
The Salute to Greatness kicks off on Sunday, Sept. 20 at Old Warson Country Club with a cocktail reception, dinner and auction. On Monday, Sept. 21, Old Warson hosts the Salute to Greatness golf tournament in which each foursome is matched with a Gold Jacket or pro football celebrity – providing a unique and unforgettable experience for all participants.
Companies and individuals can support the event by purchasing a foursome, individual golf package or dinner tickets. More information is available at stlsports.org/salutetogreatness or by calling 314-345-5111.
ST. LOUIS – June 25, 2015 – On Saturday, July 4, St. Louisans and visitors from across the United States will run through Forest Park during the fourth annual Freedom 4 Miler and Family Fun Run presented by Schnucks. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit the USO of Missouri, a private non-profit organization, whose mission is to support the troops by providing morale, welfare, and recreation-type services to military personnel and their families.
“The USO of Missouri is extremely honored to partner with the St. Louis Sports Commission and Schnucks for the fourth annual Freedom 4 Miler & Family Fun Run,” said Katy O’Connor, executive director of the USO of Missouri. “We are excited that these two great organizations are helping support our troops and their families!”
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FOUR AREA STUDENTS ARE RECOGNIZED FOR EXEMPLIFYING CLASS AND CHARACTER ON THE PLAYING FIELD
ST. LOUIS – June 17, 2015 – Marissa Voelker, Fatima Sehic, Quentin Phillips and Lauren Disper are the recipients of the 2015 Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded by the St. Louis Sports Commission’s young professionals group, the Sports Commission Associates, and recognize graduating high school seniors from the region who embody outstanding sportsmanship. The four students were selected from 105 nominations – a record number submitted in the scholarship’s seven-year history.
Voelker, a 2015 graduate of Parkway North and incoming freshman at the University of Missouri, received the top award of $5,000 to apply to her higher education expenses. Her selfless approach was punctuated by her actions at a high school diving meet this year. The senior achieved a personal best score and second place finish at the meet. But in recalculating the results, Voelker realized she mistakenly had been awarded too many points, so she sought out an official to correct the error and then found the rightful competitor to personally give her the second place medal.
Sehic received the runner-up scholarship prize of $2,000. She graduated from Hancock Place High School and is enrolled at Mizzou. Phillips and Disper each received honorable mention scholarships of $1,000. A graduate of Cardinal Ritter College Prep, Phillips is attending Louisiana State University. Disper graduated from Marquette High School and will continue her education at the University of Arkansas. Bios highlighting all four scholarship recipients and the reasons for their selection appear later in this news release. Their photos are available at http://sportsmanship.org/stl-programs/sportsmanship-scholarship/.
The Sports Commission Associates created the Sportsmanship Scholarship in 2009 to recognize and reward local high school seniors for their integrity, civility, selflessness and compassion in athletic competition. The Associates have since awarded $45,000 to 20 college-bound students. The scholarship program supports the mission of the Sports Commission’s affiliated St. Louis Sports Foundation, which promotes sportsmanship in the community. Candidates are evaluated strictly on their approach, character and respect for others on the playing field – athletic performance does not factor in the selection – making the scholarship unique.
In addition to choosing the recipients of the Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship, the Sports Commission Associates raise the funds to maintain the program. The group hosts an annual Trivia Night benefitting the scholarship. This year’s Trivia Night takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22 at Temple Israel in Creve Coeur. To register a team or obtain more information, call 314-345-5101. Information on the 2016 Sportsmanship Scholarship will be available in January.
In 2013, the Sportsmanship Scholarship was named in honor of the late Carl Fricks, whose daughter, Holly Yoakum, chaired the Associates group. Holly is a passionate champion for the scholarship, and her father embodied the virtues the award seeks to recognize.
2015 Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship Recipients:
Marissa Voelker
The Sports Commission Associates awarded Marissa Voelker their top Sportsmanship Scholarship honor for 2015. The Parkway North graduate and multi-sport varsity athlete in swimming, diving and softball will receive $5,000 to begin her collegiate education. Marissa’s efforts as a first team all-district softball player helped lead Parkway North to a district championship in 2015. However, it was Marissa’s actions as a diver that earned her this year’s top award. During a diving meet earlier in the season, Marissa placed second with a personal best score. Marissa was simultaneously confused and elated. On one hand, she had posted her best performance ever. On the other, she thought there was a competitor who may have done better than she did. When the awards ceremony ended, Marissa looked at her score sheet and noticed an error in the calculation. She had not placed second after all, but she was the only one who knew. Marissa found the athlete who had rightfully placed second, explained the situation to the young lady and her coach, and then promptly handed over the medal. Marissa’s act of sportsmanship not only negated a lifetime-best performance, but it took away valuable team points. Instead of disappointment, Marissa’s coach, Natalie Vonarx, expressed great pride in what her diver had done. “Marissa’s ability to see something that was wrong with her dive sheet and take action on her own illustrates her integrity and selflessness.” Marissa will continue her education at the University of Missouri.
Fatima Sehic
Fatima Sehic competed in varsity softball and basketball at Hancock Place High School and served as the basketball team’s captain her senior year. Opponents are not enemies and Fatima made that point clear each time she stepped onto the field or court. She gained a reputation for being the athlete who would welcome the opposing team and thank officials postgame. During a lengthy rain delay in a softball game against rival Bayless High, Fatima took it upon herself to visit the opposing bench and break the ice. Hancock Place softball coach Nicole Herman said, “Within minutes, the entire benches of both teams were in the outfield laughing, dancing, telling stories, etc. For 15 minutes, they were no longer rivals. There was no hatred or competition. Thanks to Fatima, they were just 25 softball players.” On another occasion – this time on the basketball court – Fatima discovered there were athletes on the opposing team who did not have any water. Having brought extra water bottles from home for the game, she shared them with her opponents in hopes that “it would ease the game for them.” It is this type of positive attitude and concern for others that made Fatima a 2015 Sportsmanship Scholarship honoree. She will continue her education at the University of Missouri.
Quentin Phillips
Quentin Phillips was a four-year varsity baseball player and senior team captain at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. Quentin’s selection as a 2015 Sportsmanship Scholarship honoree comes on the strength of an incident retold by his AAU summer league coach, former Cardinal Curt Ford. During a game in the fall of 2013, Quentin was at third base after hitting a triple. In the next at-bat, he saw an opportunity to reach home plate. A close play at the plate resulted in a collision that injured the catcher. Quentin immediately helped the player to his feet and gave him water as first aid help arrived. He apologized to the young man and his parents before leaving the park. Quentin’s passion for the game of baseball is only eclipsed by his compassion for others. Quentin will continue his education at Louisiana State University.
Lauren Disper
Lauren Disper was a varsity softball player at Marquette High School. She led an effort her sophomore year to raise money for a former teammate who had been diagnosed with cancer. Lauren’s coach, Lizy Indelicato, called Lauren’s actions the most selfless thing she has seen in her four years of coaching and eight years of playing. Indelicato said, “Even though Lauren had not spoken with her since she left the team, she took time to visit her (at the hospital) and play games to help pass the time (during radiation and chemo treatments).” When a helmet decal was created in the young lady’s honor, Lauren purchased enough for her teammates to wear and encouraged their sale to other St. Louis area teams. During Lauren’s senior year, when a young lady from Eureka tragically passed away in a car accident, Lauren orchestrated a moment of silence at home plate with Eureka’s seniors that included a presentation of Eureka’s colors in a unique bouquet of purple and white flowers. As a softball player, Lauren is a frequent traveler, but it is her care for others that will take her the furthest and the reason why she is a 2015 Sportsmanship Scholarship honoree. Lauren will continue her education at the University of Arkansas.
For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-345-5121
bshulman@stlsports.org
FANS CAN ORDER TICKETS ONLINE OR IN PERSON AT TROPICANA LANES
ST. LOUIS – April 1, 2015 – Single-session tickets for the 2015 NCAA Women’s Bowling Championship in St. Louis are on sale now through ncaa.com/tickets and at Tropicana Lanes in Richmond Heights. Fans have the opportunity to purchase $15 tickets to the sessions on Thursday, Friday or Saturday, and $18 tickets for the Championship on Saturday night (April 11). The three-day event will take place April 9-11 at Tropicana Lanes.
All-session packages, providing admission to the qualifying rounds, bracket rounds, and championship session remain available for just $30.
FANS CAN ORDER TICKETS ONLINE OR BY PHONE
BRACKETS ARE SET FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
ST. LOUIS – March 4, 2015 – Single-session tickets for the 2015 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships in St. Louis go on sale Friday, March 6 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster. Fans have the opportunity to purchase tickets to any of the event’s four sessions, including the finals on Saturday night (March 14). Session prices range from $12 to $22. The two-day event will take place March 13-14 at Chaifetz Arena on the campus of Saint Louis University.
All-session packages, providing admission to the four sessions during the tournament, remain available and start at just $40. Tickets are subject to Ticketmaster convenience charges. Tickets can be purchased online at ncaa.com/tickets or by phone at 800-745-3000.
ORGANIZATION’S YOUNG PROFESSIONALS GROUP TO AWARD $5,000 TO
HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR WHO EXEMPLIFIES OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP
NOMINATION PACKET NOW AVAILABLE
ST. LOUIS – Jan. 28, 2015 – The St. Louis Sports Commission is accepting nominations for its annual Carl Fricks Sportsmanship Scholarship. Unique to the region, the $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school student from the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and character in athletic competition. Administered by the Sports Commission Associates – the Sports Commission’s young professionals group – the scholarship is part of the organization’s efforts to promote sportsmanship in the community.
The Sportsmanship Scholarship nomination packet can be obtained online at sportsmanship.org/scholarship or by calling 314-345-5130.
Nominations must be received by March 31, 2015. The recipient will be selected by April 30.