Luncheon April 29 University of Rochester Women's Soccer Coach Terry Gurnett will be one of several people honored at the 24th Annual WHAM Sportswomen of the Year Awards Luncheon on Monday, April 29 at the Sheraton Four Points Hotel in Rochester. The event raises funds for the Heart of Gold Children's Foundation, and recognizes individuals from the Greater Rochester Area who have distinguished themselves over the past year(s). Penn State Women's Basketball Coach Rene Portland will be the featured speaker. Gurnett, a Spencerport resident in his 25th season at the helm of the Yellowjackets who is the all-time victory leader among NCAA Division III women's soccer coaches, is the tenth recipient of the Jack Palvino Award. Named after the retired WHAM Executive Vice-President, it is presented annually at the Luncheon for outstanding support and contributions to local women's sports. Since 1977, Gurnett's squads have compiled a 307-92-43 record, with 22 straight post-season tournament appearances, 10 University Athletic Association titles, and back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championships (1986 & 1987). East High Athletic Director Kathy Smith, an Ontario resident, who is in her 31st year as a varsity coach and athletic administrator in the Rochester City School District, will be at the head table. She will be honored as the 21st recipient of the Jean Giambrone Service Award. Named after the retired sportswriter who covered women's sports for 42 years, the Giambrone Award is presented annually to a person who has made an exemplary lifetime commitment to local women's sports. The president of the Rochester League since 1977 and a member of the Section V Executive Committee since 1984, Smith served as President of Section V from 1998 to 2000. Quad A for Kids, which since its founding in 1994 has raised over $750,000 to fund and support over 40 inner city youth programs, is the 2001-02 recipient of the WHAM Outstanding Achievement Award. Three other awards presented at the luncheon will be the WHAM 2001-02 local high school, college and at-large Sportswomen of the Year. The five finalists for each of these categories will be announced on April 3, with the winners revealed at the April 29 luncheon. Tickets for the luncheon are $40 per person, with a table of 10 for $400. Seats must be purchased by calling the 24-hour luncheon hotline at 234-2055. The event has been a sell-out at 760-plus attendees for the past seven years. |
