O
n February 13, Pensacola Sports hosted their annual Awards Banquet presented by Cox. This is one of
Pensacola Sports’ most high-profile events in the community. Each year the organization honors the
finest athletes our area has to offer. The memorable event celebrates the 2018 Special Achievement
winners, the Amateur and Professional Athletes of the Year, the new class of Hall of Fame Inductees,
Volunteer of the Year and the Pensacola Sportsman of the Year.
Several members of the community were recognized for outstanding awards in their field, including: Special
Olympics Athlete of the Year, Professional Athlete of the Year, Amateur Athlete of the Year, Excellence in Sport
Tourism, Pensacola Sports Hall of Fame, James Currie Volunteer of the Year, and Sportsman of the Year.
Fred and Tia Robbins were inducted into the Hall of Fame, along with being recognized for outstanding
commitment to the community as co-founders of Mr. Robbins Neighborhood, which helps area youths in sports
realize the importance of education and life values. Marty Stanovich was awarded the prestigious Sportsman of the
Year Award. Stanovich helped start the First Tee of Northwest Florida and followed in his father Stan Stanovich’s
footsteps by dedicating himself to help grow junior golf here in the community.
Guest Speaker Michelle Snow ended the evening with a message of perseverance, growth, and encouragement for
up and coming athletes, and anyone wanting to grow their talent and opportunity.
photos & story by
Kristina Wright
VIP Pensacola at New World Landing
COX PENSACOLA SPORTS
Awards Banquet
Annual
62 | VIPPensacola.com
Dean & Mary Baumgardner
David & Allison Werdung
Coach Michael & Cherry Etheredge
Paul Bruno & Jimmy Crooke
Michelle & Phillip Salzman
Evan Malone & Mindi Straw
Event_PensacolaSportsBanquet_Mar19.indd 1
2/25/19 9:20 PM