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AHL Grand Rapids Griffins

Sixth Annual West Michigan Sports Awards Wet for May 13

April 7, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Grand Rapids Griffins News Release


Grand Rapids, Mich. - The March of Dimes will present the sixth annual West Michigan Sports Awards on Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids. The public is invited to join the celebration as 15 of the area's best professional, amateur, college and high school athletes, coaches and teams are honored.

Legendary Detroit Tigers radio broadcaster Ernie Harwell, recipient of this year's Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award, will serve as guest speaker for the event, which includes a reception, dinner and silent auction of sports memorabilia and other unique items. All proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes and its important mission to save babies.

The 2003 West Michigan Sports Awards honorees include:

* Pro Sports Achievement Award - Mike Knuble, Boston Bruins right wing

* Team of the Year - Grand Valley State University football, NCAA Division II national champions

* Coach of the Year - Bob Daniels, Ferris State University hockey, CCHA regular season champions

* Male College Athletes of the Year - Curt Anes and David Kircus, Grand Valley State University football, quarterback and wide receiver

* Female College Athlete of the Year - Kristin Koetsier, Western Michigan University basketball, forward

* Male High School Athlete of the Year - Bubba Gritter, Grandville High School football and wrestling

* Female High School Athlete of the Year - Linsey Taatjes, Forest Hills Northern High School tennis and volleyball, Michigan's 2003 Miss Volleyball

* Executive of the Year - Bob McNamara, Grand Rapids Griffins general manager

* West Michigan Whitecaps Player of the Year - Juan Tejeda, all-star first baseman

* Grand Rapids Griffins Player of the Year - Michel Picard, all-star left wing

* Grand Rapids Rampage Player of the Year - Chris Ryan, fullback/linebacker

* Grand Rapids Hoops Player of the Year - Tim Kisner, point guard from Hopkins, Mich.

* Community Service Award - Lee Montgomery, Grand Rapids Pacers wheelchair basketball coach

* Spirit of Sports Award - South Christian High School football team, in memory of teammate Derrick DeYoung

* Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award - Ernie Harwell, Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster

Individual tickets ($50) and corporate tables ($1,000) are available by calling the March of Dimes at (616) 247-6861. The reception and silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m. and the awards program at 8 p.m.

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. This mission is accomplished through research, education, community service and advocacy.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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