The Jim Thorpe Association and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame

Show Your Support to Return Jim Thorpe to Oklahoma

jimthorpehalloffame — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:14:52 +0000

The Jim Thorpe Association asks that you visit the web site Jim Thorpe Rest In Peace. The web site is dedicated to informing the public about the circumstances surrounding Thorpe’s burial in Pennsylvania and the desire to return his body to Oklahoma.

Please read through the mission of the site as well as the testimonials. You are asked, if you are in support of the cause, to sign the online petition found by clicking the “Show Your Support” link.

The web address is www.jimthorperestinpeace.com

2011 Red Ribbon Poster & Essay Winners Announced

jimthorpehalloffame — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:31:12 +0000

Each year, as part of the Red Ribbon Drug Free Celebration, students from across the State of Oklahoma submit original artwork and essays. Students are asked to interpret the Red Ribbon theme. This year’s theme was, “It’s Up to Me to be Drug Free!”

The Jim Thorpe Association would like to thank everyone who entered the contests, it was incredibly hard to decide. Congratulations to the following winners.

Essay Contest:

Age Category: 8-10 years

1st Place: Michael Ly, Dove Science Academy
2nd Place: Jalen Grier, Dove Science Academy
3rd Place: Makayla Woosley, Eisenhower

Age Category: 11-13 years

1st Place: Lindsey Thompson, Leach Elementary
2nd Place: Natalee Karcher, Comanche Middle School
3rd Place: Kimberlyn Miller, Zion

Age Category: 14-16 years
1st Place: Tanner Ressel, Comanche Middle School
2nd Place: Amberly Proctor, Hanna
3rd Place: Holley McVicker, Moreland High School

Poster Contest:

Age Category: 5-7 years

1st Place: Claudia Smith, Northwood Elementary
2nd Place: Reagan Burton, Stoneridge Elementary

Age Category: 8-10 years

1st Place: Camryn Anderson, Dove Science Academy
2nd Place: Armon Asle-Hashemi, Dove Science Academy
3rd Place: Yasmin Gramajo, Dove Science Academy

Age Category: 11 years

1st Place: Olivia Anderson, Plainview Middle School
2nd Place: Dylan Mishmash, Afton Middle School
3rd Place: John Zhao, Plainview Middle School

Age Category: 12-13 years

1st Place: Amber Strange, Elgin High School
2nd Place: Mary-Cathryn Haas, Plainview Middle School
3rd Place: Deneb Gallegos, Astec Charter School

Age Category: 14-16 years

1st. Place: Chloe Mote, Elgin High School
2nd Place: Katie Blanks, Afton High School
3rd Place: Timothy Moua, Afton High School

Age Category: 17-18 years

1st Place: Tyler Ray, Elgin High School
2nd Place: Brittany Smith, Afton High School

Morris Claiborne Named 2011 Thorpe Award Winner

jimthorpehalloffame — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:26:51 +0000

Oklahoma City–LSU Junior cornerback, Morris Claiborne, has been named the 2011 Thorpe Award winner. The Thorpe Award is given annually to the top defensive back in college football. Claiborne is the second player from LSU to receive the award. Patrick Peterson won the award in 2010.

Claiborne was second in the SEC with six (6) interceptions and led the nation in interception yards with 173. He had 46 total tackles on the year, recording 28 solo tackles. The defensive leader on an LSU squad that ranked number two nationally in total defense. In addition to his play on the defensive side of the ball, Claiborne was also a dangerous return man, recording 398 return yards on 14 kickoff returns this season, one for a touchdown. He was second in the SEC in average return yards with 26.1 yards per return.

Claiborne had a key interception in the Tiger’s 9-6 victory at Alabama on November 5, 2011 and recorded an interception for a touchdown in the SEC Championship game against Georgia on December 3, 2011.

Claiborne and Peterson mark the second time in Thorpe Award history when players from the same team won back-to-back awards. The first time was with University of Texas’s Michael Huff (’05) and Aaron Ross (’06). This is the third year in a row that the award has been given to a player from the SEC (Eric Berry, Tennessee 2009; Patrick Peterson, LSU 2010 and Morris Claiborne, LSU 2011).

The other Thorpe Award finalists for 2011 were David Amerson, Soph. cornerback NC State and Mark Barron, Sr. safety Alabama.

The Thorpe Award will be presented at the Thorpe Award Banquet on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Oklahoma City at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. The award, presented by the Jim Thorpe Association, debuted in 1986 and has become one of the most prestigious awards in college football. The Thorpe Award will be celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary at this year’s banquet. For information about tickets and sponsorships, please contact the Jim Thorpe Association at 405.427.1400 or info@jimthorpeassoc.org

Thorpe Finalists Named

jimthorpehalloffame — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 23:01:18 +0000

Oklahoma City—The Jim Thorpe Association announced today three finalists for the 2011 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football. The Thorpe Award, one of the most coveted awards in college football is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary in 2011. This Award, established in 1986, is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back.

Thorpe Award Finalists

David Amerson, Soph. North Carolina State: Leads the nation with 11 interceptions for the season and has one touchdown return from an interception. He has had two interceptions in three different games: Liberty, Central Michigan, and Virginia. Has 25 solo tackles, and 51 total tackles for the year and five passes defended.
Mark Barron, Sr. Alabama: Six-time Alabama Defensive Player of the Week. Has 12 career interceptions that ranks eighth in Alabama history, with two this season. On the season has 31 solo tackles and 52 total tackles, and five passes defended. Named Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week following Penn State game.
Morris Claiborne, Jr. LSU: Tied for fourth in SEC in number of interceptions with four (4) and is second in the league in interception return yards with 128. Has 24 solo tackles on the year and 40 total tackles, with four passes defended. Also a kickoff return threat, has 14 returns on the year totaling 398 yards and one touchdown.

The Jim Thorpe Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA). The NCFAA was founded in 1997 as a coalition of the major collegiate football awards to protect, preserve and enhance the integrity, influence and prestige of the game’s predominant awards. The NCFAA encourages professionalism and the highest standards for the administration of its member awards and the selection of their candidates and recipients. For more information, visit the association’s official website, ncfaa.org.

The presentation of the Thorpe Award will be featured on The Home Depot College Football Awards live on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. The show, hosted by ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Lee Corso, Kirk Herbstreit and Desmond Howard will feature the live presentation of nine player awards, along with the recipients of Disney’s Spirit Award; The Home Depot Coach of the Year Award, the NCFAA (National College Football Awards Association) Contributions to College Football Award; and student-athletes selected to the Walter Camp All-America Team. Fans can visit the show’s dedicated Web site at www.espncollegefootballawards.com to find the latest college football awards news, including show details, previous winners, fan voting, a photo gallery and video highlights.

The 25^th Anniversary Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Ticket and sponsorship questions should be directed to the Jim Thorpe Association at 405.427.1400

ESPN Sportscenter Anchor John Anderson wins Bill Teegins Award

jimthorpehalloffame — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 16:22:58 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY — Organizers of the Warren Spahn Award Gala announced today that John Anderson, ESPN “SportsCenter” anchor and co-host of ABC’s hit primetime television series “Wipeout,” is the 2011 Bill Teegins Excellence in Sportscasting Award winner.

The Teegins Award is presented annually to an outstanding sportscaster with Oklahoma ties. Prior to joining ESPN, Anderson was a sports reporter and weekend sports anchor at Tulsa’s KOTV from 1990 to 1996 and a sports photographer and reporter at Tulsa’s KTUL from 1988 to 1990. Anderson worked directly with the late Bill Teegins on Oklahoma City Blazers and Tulsa Oilers simulcasts in the mid-1990s.

Randy Cassimus, chair of the Teegins Award selection committee, said it will be a pleasure to present this year’s award to Anderson.

“John’s body of work and his character easily meet the criteria, and the fact that he and Bill actually had the opportunity to work together in Oklahoma makes the selection even more special. It’s wonderful that John’s talent has taken him to a national stage where so many more sports fans can appreciate him.”

The Teegins Award honors previous OSU men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Bill Teegins, who died tragically in a 2001 plane crash, along with 10 OSU basketball players and support personnel. Teegins donated many hours to the Oklahoma sports community as a volunteer and was inducted posthumously into the Oklahoma Sports of Fame in 2001 and the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Clearly, I am honored to be chosen for the award, but I am humbled as well,” Anderson said. “I had the great pleasure of knowing and often working with Bill early in my career. There were lessons in excellence, professionalism and how to treat people in just watching him go about his job. To be linked to Bill through this award is truly special as was my time in Oklahoma as a young journalist.”

The Teegins Award will be presented to Anderson at the Warren Spahn Award Gala, hosted by Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Rotary Club and the Jim Thorpe Association. The gala will be held on January 26th at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum in Oklahoma City. Tickets are available now. Proceeds will benefit several local charities including Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Autism Walk, Red Ribbon Week, Christmas Connection and Alzheimer’s Walk.

Previous Teegins Award winners include Dave Hunziker, John Brooks, Bob Carpenter, Joe Simpson, Bob Barry Sr., Bobby Murcer, Curt Gowdy, Ross Porter, Bill Mercer and John Rooney.

In addition to the Teegins Award, the Warren Spahn Award will be presented at the gala to this year’s best left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball. The 2011 Spahn Award winner is Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

For more information, visit OKCSpahnAwards.com. To purchase tickets, contact Bill Hickman at 405.605.2375 or hickman@hickmanlawgroup.com.

Thorpe Award Semifinalists Announced

jimthorpehalloffame — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:51:23 +0000

Oklahoma City—The Jim Thorpe Association announced today 15 semifinalists for the 2011 Jim Thorpe Award, given to the top defensive back in college football.

The Thorpe Award, one of the most coveted awards in college football is celebrating its 25^th Anniversary in 2011. This Award, established in 1986, is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back.

The 2011 Thorpe Award semifinalists represent four conferences: SEC (7), Big 12 (4), ACC (3), and the Pac 12 (1).

Thorpe Award Semifinalists

Antonio Allen, South Carolina
David Amerson, North Carolina State
Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
Mark Barron, Alabama
Brandon Boykin, Georgia
Brodrick Brown, Oklahoma State
Morris Claiborne, LSU
Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt
Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech
Tony Jefferson, Oklahoma
Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama
Nigel Malone, Kansas State
Markelle Martin, Oklahoma State
T.J. McDonald, USC
Chase Minnifield, Virginia

Week 8: Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

jimthorpehalloffame — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 18:49:08 +0000

David Amerson of North Carolina State Named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

CLEVELAND, Ohio – After playing a significant role in helping N.C. State beat Virginia sophomore cornerback David Amerson (Greensboro, NC.) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week.

Amerson who is the national leader in interceptions with eight so far this season, added to his total with a pair of interceptions against the Cavaliers. With the game tied at seven in the second quarter, Amerson’s first interception set up a touchdown drive and his second one came with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and he returned it 12 yards for a touchdown that sealed the game for the Wolfpack. Amerson also recorded six tackles and returned a kickoff 25 yards in the game.

Amerson’s interception total so far this season has already tied the school record set in 1937 and again in 1938, both times by Art Rooney. He now has had two interceptions in a single game three times in 2011, and has done so in each of the last two games.

Honorable Mention Players for Week Eight:

Marquese Wheaton, Southern Miss, Senior Cornerback-Wheaton recorded five tackles, a pass breakup and had two fourth quarter interceptions in Southern Miss’ 27-3 win over SMU. His first interception in the end zone stopped a Mustangs drive in the red zone and the second one was returned 41 yards for a touchdown. It was the third straight game that he has registered a non-offensive touchdown as he collected a 75-yard fumble return against Rice and a 79-yard blocked field goal return against Navy.

Eric Russell, Middle Tennessee, Senior Safety-Russell had six tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a 64-yard interception return in Middle Tennessee’s 38-14 win over Florida Atlantic.

Desmond Marrow, Toledo, Senior Cornerback-Marrow led the team with six tackles had a pass breakup and tied his career-high with two interceptions in Toledo’s 49-28 win over Miami on Homecoming.

Ron Brooks, LSU, Senior Cornerback-Brooks who was making his first start of the year had four tackles, a forced fumble and returned an interception 28 yards for a touchdown in LSU’s 45-10 win over Auburn.

About the Jim Thorpe Award:

The Thorpe Award, one of the most coveted awards in college football, is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2011. The Award, established in 1986, is named after history’s greatest all-around athlete, Jim Thorpe. Thorpe excelled as a running back, passer and kicker on the offensive side of the ball, but also stood out as a defensive back. In addition to his legendary performance on the football field, Thorpe played professional baseball and won Olympic gold medals in the decathlon and pentathlon.

The candidates for the award are selected by a “screening committee” of Jim Thorpe Association members who follow several players throughout the season, watching games and researching information sources to grade Thorpe Award candidates on the basis of performance on the field, athletic ability and character. The committee then narrows the field to three finalists and the names of these finalists are submitted to a national panel of about 50 sports writers, sportscasters, coaches and former players who vote to determine the winner.

The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 8, 2011 on ESPN.

The 25th Anniversary Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK.

Each week, Phil Steele will be overlooking the candidates issued by the school, the conference and distinguished committee members. After including his own personal input, the winner will be announced every Wednesday at jimthorpeassoc.org and PhilSteele.com.

Kershaw Named Warren Spahn Winner

jimthorpehalloffame — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 22:45:21 +0000

OKLAHOMA CITY, OCTOBER 20, 2011—Warren Spahn Award organizers announced today that Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers is the 2011 Spahn Award winner.

The Spahn Award is presented annually to the best left-handed pitcher in Major League Baseball and is based on a pitcher’s wins, strikeouts and earned run average. Kershaw led in all categories with 21 wins, 248 strikeouts and a 2.28 ERA.

“It is a genuine honor to have my named mentioned alongside one of the greatest lefties in the history of the game,” Kershaw said. “Mr. Spahn accomplished so much both in baseball and in his life off the field. I am truly humbled by this award. Thank you.”

Greg Spahn, son of the late Warren Spahn, said this is the first time an award winner has placed first in every category since Randy Johnson won in the late 1990s.

“Congratulations to Clayton Kershaw on an incredible season, leading all lefties with a 2.28 ERA,” Spahn said. “In fact, he led in each category of the Warren Spahn Award, with the Dodgers a third place club in the National League West. I look forward to handing him the award.”

Sponsored by Farmers Insurance Group, the Spahn Award is named after Oklahoman and National Baseball Hall of Famer Warren Spahn, who holds the MLB record of 363 wins as a left-handed pitcher.

“Warren Spahn was most well-known for his record number of wins, so it’s appropriate that this year’s Spahn Award winner is also the Dodgers’ first 20-game winner in over two decades,” said Bill Hickman, chairman of the Warren Spahn Award board. “Congratulations to Mr. Kershaw on an outstanding season and on winning this prestigious award.”

Kershaw’s 2011 accomplishments also include being selected as the Dodgers’ Opening Day Starter, being selected to the National League squad for the MLB All-Star Game and being awarded the NL Player of the Month and NL pitching Triple Crown. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Kershaw was drafted by the Dodgers in 2006 and made his major league debut in 2008 as the youngest player in the league.

In its 13th year, the Spahn Award will be presented at the Warren Spahn Award Gala, hosted by Oklahoma City’s Bricktown Rotary Club and Jim Thorpe Association in January at the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum.

Past Spahn Award winners include: David Price (2010); CC Sabathia (2007–2009); Johan Santana (2004, 2006); Dontrelle Willis (2005); Andy Pettitte (2003); and Randy Johnson (1999–2002). For more information, visit OKCSpahnAwards.com.

Week 7: Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

jimthorpehalloffame — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:16:24 +0000

Chase Minnifield of Virginia Named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

CLEVELAND, Ohio – After playing a significant role in helping Virginia upset previously unbeaten No. 12 Georgia Tech 24-21 senior cornerback Chase Minnifield (Lexington, KY.) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week.

Minnifield had five tackles and an interception, which helped the Virginia defense hold the high-powered Georgia Tech offense to its lowest yard total of the season at 296. At cornerback despite giving up nearly five inches in height, he held Georgia Tech wide receiver Stephen Hill to zero catches. Hill came into the game averaging 92 yards per game and an NCAA-best 32.5 yards per catch and overall Georgia Tech was limited to just 24 pass yards.

Minnifield who was a first-team All-ACC selection last year was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List this summer.

Honorable Mention Players for Week Seven:

D.J. Swearinger, South Carolina, Junior Free Safety-Swearinger had a career-high 12 tackles and also intercepted a pass at the South Carolina 12-yard line with under two minutes remaining that helped seal the Gamecocks’ 14-12 win over Mississippi St.

Byron Jones, Connecticut Redshirt Freshman Cornerback-Jones had seven tackles and also had a 10-yard fumble return touchdown in the fourth quarter that lifted Connecticut to a 16-10 win over USF.

Khalid Wooten, Nevada, Junior Cornerback-Wooten recorded six tackles, forced two fumbles and picked off a pass in Nevada’s 49-7 win over New Mexico. His first forced fumble was returned for a touchdown and his third quarter interception led to a Nevada touchdown on the ensuing possession.

Morris Claiborne, LSU, Junior Cornerback-Claiborne had two tackles, two pass deflections and had the key play of the game in LSU’s 38-7 win over Tennessee. Late in the first quarter with no score, he intercepted a deep pass inside LSU’s 10-yard line and returned it 89 yards to set up LSU’s first touchdown.

About the Jim Thorpe Award:

The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 8, 2011 on ESPN.

The 25th Anniversary Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK.

Week 6: Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

jimthorpehalloffame — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:10:29 +0000

Jamell Fleming of Oklahoma Named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week

CLEVELAND, Ohio – After making several big plays defensively for No. 3 Oklahoma in their 55-17 win over No. 11 Texas, senior cornerback Jamell Fleming (Arlington, TX) has been named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week.

Fleming’s performance included a career-high 13 tackles, (11 of which were solo) two pass breakups, a forced fumble and he picked up a fumble and returned 56 yards for a touchdown.

Fleming was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason Watch List this summer and is the second Oklahoma player to be named the Jim Thorpe Defensive Back of the Week this season. Three weeks ago, Javon Harris earned the honor in Oklahoma’s win at Florida State.

Honorable Mention Players for Week Six:

Tramain Thomas, Arkansas, Senior Safety-Thomas had nine tackles and a career-high two interceptions in the fourth quarter that sealed Arkansas’ 38-14 win over Auburn.

Tavon Wilson, Illinois Senior Cornerback-Wilson recorded a team-high 11 tackles, a career-best 3.5 tackles for loss, including a sack and returned a fumble 66 yards for a touchdown that gave the Illini the lead for good in their 41-20 win over Indiana.

Logan Ryan, Rutgers, Sophomore Cornerback-Ryan had two interceptions including one he returned 45 yards for a touchdown and also added four tackles and a pass breakup in Rutgers’ 34-10 win over Pittsburgh.

David Amerson, NC State, Sophomore Cornerback-Amerson had five tackles and two interceptions in NC State’s 38-24 win over the Chippewas. Amerson’s two interceptions now gives him six on the season which is not only the best mark in the ACC but also the nation!

About the Jim Thorpe Award:

The Thorpe Award Winner is selected from three finalists and will be announced at The Home Depot College Football Awards Show on December 8, 2011 on ESPN.

The 25th Anniversary Jim Thorpe Award Banquet will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 in Oklahoma City, OK.