AFL Names Award Winners
August 17, 2002 - Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I) News Release
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- With ArenaBowl XVI just two days away, the Arena Football League announced its end-of-season award winners at the ArenaBall Awards Gala on Friday night.
The Commissioner's Award, presented to the organization(s) that displays excellence both on and off the field, was presented to the Los Angeles Avengers and the expansion Dallas Desperados. The Avengers, in their third season of Arena Football action, advanced to post season action for the first time this past season, as they averaged 12,398 fans per home game at STAPLES Center. The expansion Desperados, owned by Dallas Cowboys owner JERRY JONES led the league in attendance, averaging over 13,603 fans per contest, as they qualified for the playoffs in their inaugural season.
Arizona Rattlers general manager, GENE NUDO, was awarded the prestigious Founder's Award, given to the person who has been dedicated to the growth and development of the AFL throughout its 16 seasons. Nudo, who has been involved in the AFL in some capacity since 1988, is a three-time Executive of the Year.
Los Angeles Avengers President/COO TODD MERKOW was named the AFL's Executive of the Year. Merkow has helped shape the Avengers into one of the top teams, both on and off the field, as they increased attendance by 62% over the previous season. Veteran AFL official JOE RIDER, who has spent 11 years officiating Arena Football and will serve as the alternate official for ArenaBowl XVI, has been named the Fox Whistle Most Dedicated Official. This award honors the official who has helped promote and grow the game during their service.
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