Inside the PSWA’s 121st Banquet: Honoring Excellence Across Philly Sports

PSWA banquet room filled with conversation, community, and anticipation as guests settled in for a night of celebration. Photo: Jason Karch

On Jan. 21, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association held its 121st banquet in Cherry Hill, N.J. at the DoubleTree by Hilton. Honorees and guests from all over the Philly sports world had the pleasure of attending, a

long with some of our PSPA members. The night was filled with guests from high school, college and professional sports. Attendees gathered together to receive either an award or scholarship, with their colleagues and families there to support their achievements. 

Upon entering the hall, guests could interact with different booths filled with sports memorabilia. The first stand was author Sam Carchidi, signing his newly published book “Bullies”, the story of the Broad Street Bullies. Next to Carchidi’s stand was the American Cancer Society showing how they have been helping those who have been diagnosed.

Next was sports writer Al Thompson, who specializes in football writing and travels the country to promote his company, Protect Our Youth from Steroids (POYS). POYS aims to steer young athletes away from the influence of steroids. Another table had members from The Museum of Sports, promoting the museum and its exhibits. The final stand featured a book written by David Lyons that told the life story of Emlen Tunnell. Tunnell was a former WWII hero and the first Black inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame back in 1967. 

In addition to the interactive stands, there was an extensive collection of items to bid on; the starting price for each one ranged from about $20 to $1,000. There were signed helmets, hockey pucks, hats, baseballs and other unique items. Dave Schultz signed both a copy of “Bullies” and a hammer to coincide with his iconic nickname. There were also framed memorabilia ranging from signed photos and jerseys to artwork and culture. Some unique pieces included a Phillies 2008 World Series commemorative photo and a piece of art labeled “Philly Special” that showcased the Philadelphia mascots walking across the street of the stadium district. Additionally, there was a “Space Jam: A New Legacy” rendition of Monopoly and a piece with commemorative photos of both 2018 Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and 2025 Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, framed side by side holding the Vince Lombardi Trophy. 

Frankford High School head baseball coach Juan Namnun was the recipient of the Most Courageous Sportsperson of the Year award. Namnun is a breast cancer survivor who is trying to bring awareness to the disease. Not many people, including medical personnel, pay too much attention to men's breast cancer. The most important piece of information that Namnun gave is if something does not feel right, get it checked out. “So many men ignore it. There’s such a stigma in general,” Namnun said. “That’s kind of where we’re trying to make some changes. We got to start speaking up a little bit.”

The student award winners, honorees and scholarship recipients, played on teams across the Greater Philadelphia region. From Princeton University, McKenzie Blake of the lacrosse team won Amateur Athlete of the Year. Blake is the Ivy League Attacker of the Year and holds the Princeton career record for goals scored. The three scholarship recipients of the night were Sienna Conaghan of Temple University, Adam Denn of Ursinus College, and Gerasimos Gerovasiliou of Rowan University. All are well-deserved recipients on Communications tracks with big futures ahead of them. 

Several professional athletes, teams and coaches won awards as well. Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Christopher Sanchez won the professional athlete of the year award. Sanchez pitched an incredible year, coming in second in National League Cy Young Award nominations. Phillies Manager Rob Thompson received the PSWA’s Good Guy Award for his straightforward approach and cooperation with the media. 

There were two Professional Team of the Year winners. Because of their Super Bowl win, The  Philadelphia Eagles won The PSWA’s Professional Team of the Year award. The PSWA’s College Team of the Year award went to Villanova University’s Wildcats after a great run that advanced them to the national semifinals in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

Lastly, the 2000-2001 Philadelphia 76ers were awarded the Living Legend Team. Even though the team’s win to loss record wasn’t outstanding, they had a plethora of spectacular moments in their playoff run, including a near-impossible three-point shot from point guard Allen Iverson.

The PSWA’s 121st banquet was a magnificent night of learning, experience and connection— entering the world of not only Philly sports writing but Philly sports as a whole. From baseball and football to hockey and basketball, the big four of Philly sports were clearly represented through recent years, past nostalgia and what lies ahead for the future. 

As the night wrapped up, it was clear the PSWA banquet was not just a celebration of trophies, but of the stories, grit and heart behind every athlete celebrated absent from or in attendance. With another year in the books, our city’s sports community leaves inspired, connected and already looking forward to the next chapter.