David Stern to Keynote the Governor’s State of Sports Awards Ceremony

If you were wondering why David Stern attended last night’s Jazz-Suns game, you’ll be pleased to know that it wasn’t simply to create a disturbance in the Force. Channing Frye hit that shot completely on his own–through a completely separate arrangement with the devil at a crossroads. Stern’s visit was much less sinister: He’s the keynote speaker at the inaugural State of Sports Awards ceremony being held at the ESA today.

In fact, it only seemed appropriate that Stern would be in the house to preside over the public reconciliation between Greg Miller and Karl Malone. As it turned out, it was the only good thing to happen on the night.

From the press release for today’s event:

Salt Lake City – April 3, 2012 – The Utah Sports Commission and its partners announced today that over 40,000 online votes were cast by sports fans in the First Annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards. The winners will be announced and honored at a special awards lunch on Thursday, April 5th at EnergySolutions Arena. Governor Gary R. Herbert will provide remarks and is pleased to welcome National Basketball Commissioner David J. Stern as the keynote speaker for the event.

The awards recognize excellence in sports in seven categories. Four nominees in each category were selected by Utah’s sports media and sports industry leaders, and were then voted on by fans online at www.stateofsportawards.com.

2011 Nominees

High School Athlete Male
Chase Hansen – Football, Lone Peak High School
DJ Nelson – Football, Logan High School
Kayden Porter – Baseball, Spanish Fork High School
Jordan Loveridge – Basketball, West Jordan High School

High School Athlete Female
Lexi Eaton – Basketball, Springville High School
Brittney Martin – Basketball, Syracuse High School
Emily Bruder – Soccer, Juan Diego High School
MaCauley Flint – Softball, Roy High School

College or Pro Athlete Male
Jimmer Fredette – Basketball, Brigham Young University
Eric Weddle – Safety, San Diego Chargers
Louie Vito – Snowboarding
Kyle Beckerman – Midfielder, Real Salt Lake

College or Pro Athlete Female
Carlee Payne – Soccer, Brigham Young University
Stephanie McAllister – Gymnastics, University of Utah
Katherine Reutter – Speedskating, U.S. Speedskating
Michelle Plouffe – Basketball, University of Utah

Game or Event of the Year
University of Utah vs Georgia Tech Football
BYU defeats Gonzaga in NCAA Tournament
Summer/Winter Dew Tour
Nationwide Tour Utah Championship

Play or Highlight of the Year
Jimmer 3-Pointer vs University of Utah
BYU touchdown vs Utah State University
University of Utah touchdown vs Georgia Tech
Saborio Goal vs Seattle Sounders

Coach of the Year
Dave Rose – Basketball, Brigham Young University
Gary Anderson – Football, Utah State University
Stew Morrill – Basketball, Utah State University
Jason Kreis – Soccer, Real Salt Lake