CFSM Press Releases

Polk County Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

5/20/2004 - Hall of Fame to Induct Four New Members at June 15 Ceremony

Lakeland, FL (May 20, 2004)— Four Polk County sports “icons” will be inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame next month. The inductees will be recognized for their career achievements at the 2004 Polk County All Sports Awards on June 15 at The Lakeland Center. The Class of 2004 features PGA golfer Lee Janzen, 26-time All American swimmer at Auburn University Annie Lett, world champion barefoot skier Ron Scarpa and former Florida Southern College volleyball coach and current FSC Athletic Director Lois Webb.

Also named by a select committee organized by Polk County Sports Marketing were the pro athlete of the year, male and female amateur athletes of the year, Special Olympian of the Year, male and female collegiate athletes of the year, male and female teams of the year, plus the Bernie Little Executive of the Year Award, the Dick Goleno Award, and 36 high school athletes and coaches picked as players and coaches of the year in their respective sports. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Sikes Hall at The Lakeland Center. Tickets are $35.

Janzen, a two time US Open Champion and former FSC standout, has been a consistant star on the PGA Tour since 1990 and has won right tournaments throughout his career and was a member of two Ryder Cup teams. While at FSC, Janzen won the NCAA Division II National Championship in 1986.

Lett, was a State Champion swimmer for Bartow High School and went on to Auburn University to become a 26-time All American in a variety of swimming events.

Scarpa, who now teaches water skiing at his own ski school, amassed 13 National Barefoot Championships and four World Championships in his career on the water.

Webb, who is FSC’s current Athletic Director, is best known for her role as FSC’s volleyball coach, leading her teams to 16 post-season tournaments. Webb compiled a record of 747-272 as FSC’s volleyball coach

Other receiving awards on June 15:

Bernie Little Executive of the Year: Fred Ridley, current United States Golf Association President.

Also nominated: Bing Tyus, Chet Tyl, Zyra Calderon, Ron Garl, Sherrin Smyers, Rex Yentes and Rod Schafer, Allen Johnson.

Charles Richardson Commissioner’s Award (Overcoming adversity): Will Hodges of Lakeland.

Also nominated: Jeff Brown, Megan Gullen, Charles Richardson, Virgil Rammage, Natalie West

Professional Athlete of the Year: Tracy McGrady of the Orlando Magic.

Also nominated: Ray Lewis, Amare Stoudemire, Paul Edinger, James “Bubba” Stewart, Rachel Teske

Male Amateur Athlete of the Year: Matt Grothe.

Also nominated: Larry Kendrick, Lamar Myles, Andre “Mike” Berto, J.D. Webb, Tommy Logan

Female Amateur Athlete of the Year: Lindsay Littlejohn of Bartow.

Also nominated: Mallory White, Anabell Montes, Hannah Baier

Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year: Rashad Anderson of the Uiversity of Connecticut.

Also nominated: Chris Brooks, Ian O’Leary, Lane Schwarzberg.

Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year: Megan Brown of Florida Southern College.

Also nominated: Cari Chewning, Chandra Brewer, Lucresia West, Trisha Moody.

Dick Goleno Award (Sports Journalism): John Valerino, former Ledger Sports Editor

Also nominated: Patrick Zier, Rick Elmhorst

Female Team of the Year: Bartow High School Softball

Also nominated: Winter Haven Basketball, Lake Gibson Basketball, Florida Southern Softball

Male Team of the Year: Southeastern College Golf

Also nominated:Fort Meade Football, Lake Gibson Football, Winter Haven Basketball, Southeastern Baseball, Winter Haven Baseball

In addition to these awards, 38 Polk high school athletes and coaches will be honored as players and coaches of the year in their respective sports. For more information on the Polk County All Sports Awards and Hall of Fame evening, contact Polk County Sports Marketing at 863-534-2527.