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Oldest Sports Writers Association in the United States to Hold 110th Annual Awards Banquet January 27
For 109 years, The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association has recognized the accomplishments and character of the athletes we cheer for when they’re wearing their uniform, and we benefit from when they contribute to the community.
And this year is no different.
On Monday, January 27, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association will hold their 110th Annual Awards Banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ. The banquet, which is open to the public, opens its doors at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $95.00 per person and can be purchased at www.PSWADinner.com.
As usual, the dais will host some of the biggest names in sports, some of whom will be receiving awards (see the lists below) and others who have accepted invitations to be honored guests of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, such as Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., Phillies skipper Ryne Sandberg, Phillies third baseman Cody Asche, La Salle University Men’s Basketball coach Dr. John Giannini, University of Pennsylvania Men’s Basketball coach Jerome Allen and former Philadelphia Union defender Chris Albright. Adding his humor and multiple impersonations to the night’s festivities will be banquet staple local radio personality and comedian Joe Conklin.
2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Traditional Award Winners:
*Philadelphia Pro Athlete – Danny Garcia (Light welterweight boxer: Undefeated light Welterweight Champion )
*Outstanding National Pro Athlete: LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles running back)
*Native Son: Bo Ryan (head coach of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men’s basketball team)
*Living Legend: Bill Barber (former Philadelphia Flyers forward)
*Athlete Good Guy: Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles receiver)
*Team of the Year: Boston Red Sox
*Amateur Athlete: Rondell White (West Chester University running back)
*Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernard Hopkins (Middleweight Boxer: multi champion/belt holder) (MORE)
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*Ed Snider Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian: Jim Murray (former Philadelphia Eagles general manager, founder of the Eagles Fly for Leukemia campaign, founder of first Ronald McDonald House)
*Penn Relays Frank Dolson Award: Emily Lipari (Villanova University)
*Army/Navy Game MVP: Keenan Reynolds (Navy quarterback)
*1973 & 1974 Stanley Cup Commemoration: Bernie Parent & Bob Clarke (former Philadelphia Flyers goalie and former Philadelphia Flyers captain)
2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Special Achievement Award Winners:
*Wayne Hardin (Temple University & Naval Academy football coach, College Football Hall of Fame inductee)
*Tim Van Liew (Rutgers-Camden track & field: javelin)
*Denise Dillon (Head Coach, Drexel University Women’s basketball)
* Jay Greenberg (Philadelphia Flyers beat writer, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee)
*Eastern High School Field Hockey (14 straight N.J. State Field Hockey championships and this year won N.J. Tournament of Champions)
2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Honored Guests:
*Lou Guzzi (PGA Teacher of the Year)
*Carolyn Gray (Philadelphia & Boston Marathon runner)
*Brandon Matthews (Temple University golfer)
*Michael Mills (University of Pennsylvania fencer)
*Alfredo Santana (La Salle University men’s track)
* John Robertson (Villanova University quarterback)
*Mo Hawkins (St. Joseph’s University women’s soccer)
*Ken Tribbet (Drexel University men’s soccer)
*Kristen Blye (Philadelphia University women’s basketball)
*Marcelin Withler (Rowan University running back)
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More Philly Sports Writers awards announced
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Former Temple football coach Wayne Hardin and West Chester All-American
running back Rondell White added to honorees at PSWA’s 2104 dinner
For immediate release
Contact: John Weber 267-408-7500
Add two more distinguished Philly-area sports figures to the growing list of honorees at this year’s Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner, January 27th at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, NJ. Those purchasing tickets for the event ($95 at PSWA.org) will see former Temple and Navy coach Wayne Hardin, recently inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame, receive a Special Achievement award. And West Chester running back Rondell White, the leading rusher in Golden Ram history and a member of the first team AP Little All-America squad, will be honored with Amateur Athlete of the Year.
Hardin, after a successful career as Navy coach where he coached Heisman winners Roger Staubach and Joe Bellino, took the Midshipmen to two bowl games and beat Army five straight games, moved on to lead Temple in 1970. Hardin became the program’s all-time leader in wins with 80 victories between 1970-82. His 1979 Owls team finished 10-2 in 1979, still a school record for wins in a season, was ranked 17th by both major polls and, as an underdog, beat California in the Garden State Bowl. Hardin’s teams set a Temple record of 14 straight wins (eight in 1973 and six in 1974). He was honored as the 1974 Kodak District II Coach of the Year. He produced numerous All-Americans and NCAA statistical leaders at Temple. Hardin was inducted into Temple’s Hall of Fame in 1994 and was added to the College Football Hall of Fame in May.
Rondell White of the Division II West Chester Golden Rams has concluded a senior year which saw him become the school’s all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards. White amassed 4,336 rushing yards, 41 rushing TDs and rushed for 100 yards in a game 19 times including seven games over 200 yards. He totaled more than 4,000 yards rushing, 2,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards in returns to become just the second player ever in NCAA history at any level to do that (the first was Eagles and Villanova great Brian Westbrook). His 2013 campaign totals: 1,989 rushing yards, 843 receiving yards and 275 return yards, totaling 3,107 all-purpose yards.
Hardin and White join a growing list of sports figures honored at this year’s dinner, including Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant; former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach Bill Barber (Living Legend); Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach (Special Achievement); Navy quarterback and MVP of the 2013 Army/Navy game Keenan Reynolds; members of the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; and dozens more. Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg will attend and will be seated on the dais.
As mentioned previously, tickets are available for $95 now through PSWA.org.
In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer
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Top 5 Most Regretted Majors
An FYI moment —
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By Catherine Conlan
Monster Contributing Writer
Buyer’s remorse is never fun, but it’s particularly painful when it comes with the time and cost of getting a college education.
To help you avoid this stinging regret, PayScale has ranked the majors college alumni recommend least. If you have your heart set on one of these, you don’t necessarily have to change course — just do your research on job prospects so your dreams aren’t dashed after graduation day.
1. Anthropology (average starting salary: $36,500)
According to PayScale’s data, 35 percent of anthropology majors wouldn’t recommend it to current students.
“People typically regret majoring in anthropology because they have a preconceived notion that there is a direct and specific job title perfectly correlating to it,” says training and development consultant Farrah Parker. “Instead of recognizing the broad spectrum of careers that they can pursue, they focus on their inability to find a career with an exact reference to their major.”
Anthropology majors could consider work in community organizations or government, for example, or combine the major with others to make themselves more marketable.
2. History (average starting salary: $39,700)
This major is recommended by only 33 percent of its graduates. Many history majors go on to work in academia, or may find jobs with government agencies, libraries or organizations dedicated to the period they studied.
Parker says it’s important for graduates to keep their options open after graduation. “People with narrow definitions of career paths find themselves regretting majors,” she says. “However, those who recognize that the workforce is full of positions that require expertise outside of what may be formally listed in a course catalog find themselves in a perfect position to brand their college major in whatever manner they see fit.”
3. Visual Communication (average starting salary: $37,300)
Only 29 percent of visual communication majors would recommend this to students. Majoring in visual communication may involve creating artwork, learning about ad design and public relations, and studying layout. Graduates may go on to work in media, advertising, public relations or other fields.
4. Social Science (average starting salary: $37,300)
PayScale found 28 percent of social science majors would recommend the major to students.
“I am a former social science major who has since advised against it,” says recruiting consultant Sarah Merrill at Atrium Staffing. “I won’t say that you don’t learn anything from a social science major, but you certainly don’t learn practical knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of jobs.”
“When I talk to students now I advise them to think about what they can actually use in the future — courses on personal finance, marketing, business,” she explains. “There was a course offered at my university on business writing that I have heard was the hands-down most useful course ever taken because of a whole section on email etiquette.”
5. Journalism (average starting salary $38,100)
Only 27 percent of journalism graduates would recommend the major. Difficulties facing print media and the time it takes to break out of entry-level positions can be downers for grads. People with journalism degrees can also end up in marketing, sales, academia or other jobs if they decide to leave the newsgathering business.
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Eagles’ Jason Avant, Flyers’ Bill Barber and others confirmed for Philadelphia Sports Writers Association 2014 dinner
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The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association announced today that Eagles veteran wide receiver, Jason Avant, will attend the organization’s 2014 dinner on Jan. 27 to receive the “Good Guy” award for his collaboration with the media. This annual event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, N.J. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
Jason Avant was drafted by the Eagles in 2006 and is a staple among the team’s wide receivers. He has nearly 300 career receptions and 3,500 yards.
In addition to recognizing Avant, former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach, Bill Barber, will be at the dinner to accept the “Living Legend” award. Barber played 12 seasons with the Flyers and was a leader on the team in ’74 and ’75, when the Flyers won the franchise’s two Stanley Cups. He is currently a scout for the team.
The Association is adding two impressive college sports celebrities to its list of award recipients for the 2014 dinner, too. Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach will accept a “Special Achievement” award for leading her team to win the 2013 Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
In college football, Navy quarterback and MVP of the Army/Navy game, Keenan Reynolds, will be in attendance and honored for leading his team to a 12th straight win over Army, where he ran for 136 yards and scored three touchdowns.. He has scored 176 points this season – a school record.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring these stellar athletes to our guests, where those in attendance will get to see and hear these celebrities in a more personal setting,” said Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin.
This year’s award recipients will also include representatives from the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg; Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; as well as dozens of other sports celebrities. Tickets are available for $95 by CLICKING HERE.
In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, CLICK HERE.
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Eagles’ Jason Avant, Flyers’ Bill Barber and others confirmed for Philadelphia Sports Writers Association 2014 dinner
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EAGLES’ JASON AVANT, FLYERS BILL BARBER AND OTHERS CONFIRMED FOR
PHILADELPHIA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION 2014 DINNER
Sports Writers to Also Honor Navy’s MVP Quarterback and Drexel’s Women’s Basketball Coach
PHILADELPHIA – Dec. 23, 2013 – The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association announced today that Eagles veteran wide receiver, Jason Avant, will attend the organization’s 2014 dinner on Jan. 27 to receive the “Good Guy” award for his collaboration with the media. This annual event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, N.J. Tickets are on sale now at PSWA.org.
Jason Avant was drafted by the eagles in 2006 and is a staple among the team’s wide receivers. He has nearly 300 career receptions and 3,500 yards.
In addition to recognizing Avant, former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach, Bill Barber, will be at the dinner to accept the “Living Legend” award. Barber played 12 seasons with the Flyers and was a leader on the team in ’74 and ’75, when the Flyers won the franchise’s two Stanley Cups. He is currently a scout for the team.
The Association is adding two impressive college sports celebrities to its list of award recipients for the 2014 dinner, too. Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach will accept a “Special Achievement” award for leading her team to win the 2013 Women’s National Invitation Tournament.
In college football, Navy quarterback and MVP of the Army/Navy game, Keenan Reynolds, will be in attendance and honored for leading his team to a 12th straight win over Army, where he ran for 136 yards and scored three touchdowns.. He has scored 176 points this season – a school record.
“We’re thrilled to be able to bring these stellar athletes to our guests, where those in attendance will get to see and hear these celebrities in a more personal setting,” said Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin.
This year’s award recipients will also include representatives from the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg; Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; as well as dozens of other sports celebrities. Tickets are available for $95 now through PSWA.org.
In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer.
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MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Gross
mike@hornercom.com
856-628-6169
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Bill Jones’ 10 Commandments of Crisis Communication
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From The Public Relations Practitioner’s Playbook for (all) Strategic Communicators: Bill Jones’ 10 Commandments of Crisis Communication* (J. William Jones – Corporate Public Affairs – PECO (now retired)
1. Perception is reality. If your audience thinks it is, it is.
2. Response is control. The community wants access to information, and
no crisis is unmanageable if you give clear, cool facts.
3. Information is power.
4. Credibility is survival.
5. Body language is crucial. If you behave like you have something to
hide, people will think that you do.
6. Calmness is essential. Unflappability is your best asset. Always act
knowledgeable and calm.
7. Give a confession. The public and the media want a confession; so
don’t be afraid to admit mistakes.
8. Tell the franchise what happened. It is in the best interest of the
community to keep them informed.
9. Preparation is 99% of success.
10. Out of every crisis comes the chance to “build a better mousetrap.”
From every crisis there are major lessons to be learned.
11. Pray like hell that you never have to handle numbers 1 through 10!
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More crisis communication hints from “The PR Practitioner’s Playbook”
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Chapter 14 in the newest edition of The Public Relations Practitioner’s Playbook for (all) Strategic Communicators is devoted to crisis communication. Here is just a snippet of what you will find:
Hindsight is 20-20. But one thing has been proven time and again; the lesson
to be learned when dealing with a crisis is to adopt a philosophy similar to
that of Delahaye Medialink Worldwide headquartered in Portsmouth, New
Hampshire.
• Don’t duck the issue – Every time a company tries to “stonewall” or
deny the story, the media will gather information and print or air it.
Companies that take a forthright approach to their crises reduce
publicity almost immediately.
• Take responsibility – It is important to accept responsibility
immediately and offer to fix the problem. Take a page from Johnson &
Johnson. In the midst of tragedy, while it searched for a cause, J&J
yanked all Tylenol products from store shelves worldwide, instructed
consumers to flush any they had at home down the toilet and offered
replacement products with or without proof. That’s the kind of
decisive action that must be taken.
• Cover all bases – In the Tylenol tragedy, J&J removed its product
from store shelves and warehouses nationwide, absorbed the losses,
eventually developed an improved product with several safety devices
on the packages and offered consumers “gift certificates” for any
product they disposed of. Simultaneously, J&J, through its corporate
public relations office, cooperated fully with the news media (using a
single spokesperson).
• Offer to make good on broken promises – During alleged “profiling” of
minority drivers on the New Jersey Turnpike, Gov. Christine Todd
Whitman promised to correct it. When it became apparent that wasn’t
happening, she called for the resignation of the state police
superintendent. (He sued the state and governor for forcing him out of
office. The courts found in favor of the governor.)
• Measure results – Monitor the news media. Press clipping services are
more efficient than ever. This is also a wonderful opportunity to tap
your key communicators (feel their pulse) to help determine whether
your approach is on course. Kathryn Paine of Delahaye Medialink
Worldwide, reminds us, “In a crisis, the goal can never be to squelch
negative coverage completely. Rather, it must be to shorten the life
span of the bad news, to minimize those messages you don’t want to
see in print and get as many of your key messages out there as
possible.
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How to Communicate During a Crisis — From “The PR Practitioner’s Playbook for (all) Strategic Communicators
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The following tips come from Chapter 14, which contains the latest effective crisis communication techniques.
• Put the public first
• Take responsibility
• Be honest
• Never say “No comment”
• Designate a single spokesperson
• Set up a central information center (staging area)
• Provide a constant flow of information
• Be familiar with media needs and deadlines
• Be accessible
• Monitor news coverage and telephone inquiries
• Communicate with key publics
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More on crisis communication — The Single Spokesperson
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More on crisis communication from the newest edition of The PR Playbook available from www larry litwin dot com and elsewhere. We will try to include some of the latest in each week’s blog. This week’s topic is “crisis communication.”
Considerations Your Single Spokesperson Must Keep In Mind (During A Crisis)
• Do your homework
• Be accessible
• Be prompt and dependable
• Avoid being pushed into easy solutions
• Accept responsibility
• Be responsive, forthright and show compassion for victims and their families
• Bluffing an answer is not acceptable – wait until you have the correct information
• Speak and write your information clearly
• Be prepared to respond to incorrect information
Get Down to Basics
When a crisis breaks, first, before anything else, gather the facts. Once you have the facts, determine which changes must be made in the strategic plan to best manage this particular crisis. Communicate your plan, first internally, then externally.
Seek feedback.
Evaluate your plan.
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More crisis communication from ‘The PR Practitioner’s Playbook for (all) Strategic Communicators’
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We are excited to continue carrying information from the newest edition of The PR Playbook available from www larry litwin dot com and elsewhere. We will try to include some of the latest in each week’s blog. This week’s topic follows last week’s on “crisis communication.”
Successful Crisis PR Depends On Planning And The Practitioner’s Mindset. Needed Are:
• A strategic communication process in place.
• Support from senior management.
• Communication with the chief PR officer or someone with direct access to senior management.
• Good relations and credibility with the news media.
• Effective internal communication.
• Strong peer relations, especially with attorneys.
• Ability to “fly the plane” so to speak.
Source: C. Fernando Vivanco, Boeing Airline, and Kathleen L. Lewton, Fleishman-Hillard, Inc.
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