Cleveland: The best athletes gathered at the Cleveland Renaissance Hotel for the 2011 Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, emceed by ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews.
Zips soccer wins again
For the third consecutive year, the University of Akron Men’s Soccer team brought home the award for Best Collegiate Athlete.
“Anytime the community can recognize what you’re doing, it’s a tremendous honor,” said Assistant Head Coach Jared Embick. “Every year represents a different team. We were a little surprised we won it this year, but it’s an honor.”
Last season, the Zips won their seventh consecutive Mid-American Conference title and advanced to the Round of 16 in the NCAA Tournament. Akron also broke the all-time record for consecutive home wins with 48.
“We thought we could have went further and fell short of what we wanted to do which is win a national championship,” he said. “But we feel very good about the future.”
Embick accepted the award but knows the reception that awaits him in Akron.
“[The players] appreciate the recognition for the hard work they put in, both in the classroom and on the field,” he said. “It’s an energy boost, it’s a confidence boost. [What drives us the most] is the community’s support.”
Cabrera honored
Asdrubal Cabrera’s breakout season included 25 home runs (a record for an Indians shortstop), a .273 average and a team-high 92 RBI. Cabrera finished in the top 25 of all American League hitters in RBI, hits, runs, total bases, doubles and home runs.
He also won his first Silver Slugger award, given to the best offensive player at each position.
“I’m pretty excited,” Cabrera said. “I think we had a good season last year [but we want] this year to be better … [Prince Fielder] is a really good player, but we’re going to play hard no matter who we face.”
The Indians shortstop beat out teammate Justin Masterson and Browns cornerback Joe Haden.
Other awards
“Mr. Cavalier” wins Lifetime Award — Austin Carr was awarded the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award for his pursuits both on and off the basketball court. To be recognized in his home city means more to the former Cavalier and Fox Sports Ohio analyst.
“Oh yes, it means more [to win this award in Cleveland],” Carr said. “Personally, I enjoy it more because this is my home. We have good people here.”
Carr played for the Cavaliers for nine years and still holds the franchise record for field goals made (4,272) and is second in scoring (10,265 points).
“I started here and basically ended my career here,” he said. “To have 1,000 operations on my knee and to still have the fans follow me means a lot.”
Carr also continues to assist communities through his work with the United Black Fund, the March of Dimes and Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence.
Mentor QB feels at ease on the field — Junior Mitch Trubisky was named the High School Athlete of the Year for this past season, in which Trubisky threw for 3,845 yards as he completed 238-of-388 passes.
Going up against the best defenses the state has to offer is easier for Trubisky than facing the bright lights.
When asked if it was easier for him on the field or on the stage, Trubisky said, “Probably out there [on the field]. On the field it just comes naturally. I didn’t know what to say [tonight].”
Kareem Hunt of South High School and Trey Lewis of Garfield were the other two nominees.
Sprinter named Amateur Athlete Of The Year — Jessica Beard, a sprinter from Euclid who currently runs for Texas A&M, won the Bowerman Award as the top collegiate track and field athlete in the nation. She was also named Big 12 Athlete Of The Year
Victory Over Cancer Recognized — Cleveland State guard Brandee Kelly was told her career and life were in jeopardy after severe back pain turned out to be lymphoma, a type of blood cancer that can be particularly deadly in young people. Kelly remained positive throughout her treatment and is now cancer free.
Sports Development Gold Medalist — Lifelong Cleveland natives Ron and Joan Ganim were recognized for their contributions to gymnastics. The pair opened the Gymnastics World Gym, which has served as the venue for a multitude of events.
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