Evening of Champions Winners Honored

Earlier this month, more than 400 sports fans attended the Greater Raleigh Sports Council's sixth annual Evening of Champions. Presented by Sun Trust Bank in partnership with 850 the Buzz/620 the Bull, the awards celebration honored local athletes, coaches, teams, and community members for their excellence in sports and their positive impact on the community. East Carolina University head football coach Skip Holtz was the keynote speaker for the event, which was chaired by retired Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Glen Wesley.

Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski, "Coach K," received the Capitol Broadcasting Company Sports Person of the Year Award. Among many things, Coach K was recognized for his 28–year tenure with Duke's basketball program, and for leading the 2008 U.S. Olympic Men's Basketball Team to reclaim the Olympic gold medal.

The NC State University Athletic Department was honored with the Pharmaceutical Strategic Initiative Community Spirit Award for its work in building and maintaining a thriving sports community. Retired sports anchor Tom Suiter received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 37 years of sports coverage for WRAL. Clay Council, a local volunteer baseball coach, received the John Freehafer Sports Volunteer of the Year Award.

Council was selected by Raleigh native and current Texas Ranger Josh Hamilton to be his pitcher for the 2008 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. Council, 71 years old, has been throwing batting practice to local kids for almost 40 years. Elexis Gillette, U.S. Paralympian, who has been visually impaired since the second grade, took home the Durham Bulls Baseball Club Courage and Character Award. Gillette set two new American records and won a silver medal during his competitions in the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, China.

NC State quarterback and ACC Rookie of the Year Russell Wilson accepted the Amateur Athletics Award. Wilson led the ACC in touchdown passes, passing efficiency, and total offense and became the first freshman quarterback ever named to the All–ACC first team. Landon Talley of Knightdale High School and Julie Ross of Green Hope High School were awarded the CARQUEST Auto Parts High School Scholar Athletes of the Year Awards. Both Talley and Ross are active in many different school and community organizations and carry a GPA above 4.0.

Photo Gallery

2009 Photos