April 22, 2008

Now in its third year of honoring the outstanding athletic and academic achievements of USC student-athletes, the Tommy Athletic Awards ceremony is scheduled to be held tomorrow (April 23) at 6:30 p.m. at the Galen Center Founders' Room. The Tommy Athletic Awards have been gaining momentum as an athletic tradition at USC, debuting in 2006 to honor the previous year's accomplishments. This year, the ceremony returns to the Galen Center, as the USC Athletic Department unites to honor the successes - both academic and athletic - of Trojans during the 2007 seasons.

The 2007 Tommy Athletic Awards have been organized by members of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (S.A.A.C.). The S.A.A.C. Executive Committee has been working alongside fellow S.A.A.C. reps, Student-Athlete Academic Services and the rest of the USC athletic community to put together this year's deserving nominees. Winners are voted on by USC student-athletes and staff members.

"It's an exciting tradition that we're trying to build," Stolpa said. "The awards are a great way for student-athletes and the entire athletic department to come together and show each other how much we respect and appreciate what we all do here at USC."

"The event has really started to establish itself as a great tradition at USC and we're excited about the new elements in the program this year," S.A.A.C. president Kat Stolpa said, highlighting the addition of appetizers, desserts and new media features to the presentation. "It gives the athletic department a chance to come together and celebrate our athletic and academic achievements. We've had a great turnout in the past two years and we hope to get even more involvement this year."

Hosted by four USC Athletic Department staff members, the 2007 Tommy Athletic Awards recognizes USC teams, athletes and coaches for their successes and strengths in 2007. Awards include Male and Female Team of the Year, Scholar-Athletes of the Year, Most Outstanding Comeback, Best Individual Day Performances and Coach of the Year, among others.

The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, at the Brian & Susan Kennedy Founders' Room in the Galen Center. The event is open only to USC Athletic Department staff and student-athletes.