University of Pittsburgh Holds Annual Football Awards Dinner

1/17/2004

Over 500 people attended the event at the Downtown Hilton.

The University of Pittsburgh held its annual football awards dinner on Friday night at the Downtown Hilton. Over 500 people attended the event, which was emceed by the ?Voice of the Panthers? Bill Hillgrove.

Head Coach Walt Harris, who has directed Pittsburgh to four consecutive bowls and five in his seven seasons, announced the 2003 team captains. Senior fullback Lousaka Polite was named offensive captain for the third straight year, an unprecedented achievement. Senior linebacker Lewis Moore was selected defensive captain and senior defensive back William ?Tutu? Ferguson was named special teams captain.

Athletic Director Jeff Long, attending his first Panthers football awards dinner, acknowledged Pittsburgh?s achievements on the field and in the classroom. Of 18 scholarship seniors, Long pointed out, 10 have already graduated, six will graduate during the spring or summer term and the balance are expected to earn their degrees within the subsequent academic year.

The following is a listing of the additional honors handed out on Friday evening.

Prep (Scout Team) Players of the Year:

Offense: Freshman quarterback Joe Flacco

Defense: Freshman linebacker Joe Clermond and freshman defensive end Kyle Smith

Special Teams: Freshman defensive back Mike Phillips

Most Improved Players of the Year:

Offense: Sophomore tailback Jawan Walker

Defense: Junior defensive end Thomas Smith

Special Teams: Sophomore linebacker Brian Bennett

Most Valuable Player Awards:

Offense: Sophomore receiver Larry Fitzgerald

Defense: Senior linebacker Lewis Moore