CLEVELAND - 21st Greater Cleveland Sports Awards presented by Medical Mutual and Ancora honored 2020 Cleveland sports on Thursday, March 4, 2021 during a hour-long televised special which aired on WKYC TV 3.
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission’s annual fundraiser featured award recipients, videos and guest appearances from current sports celebrities, with the support from the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians.
Highlights included hardware for Tyler Hong and Paige Floriea, male and female high school winners, as well as male and female collegiate recipients Mike Rose and Naz Hillmon, a two-time female collegiate award recipient.
Jim Donovan, former Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement recipient and WKYC broadcaster, conducted a heartfelt interview with Camryn Colahan, Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Courage Award recipient. To see her full story,click here.
Shane Bieber, MLB American League Cy Young Award winner and this year’s professional athlete recipient, was presented the honor by Andre Knott, Cleveland Indians and SportsTime Ohio dugout reporter, bringing the two together for a special moment.
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers power forward, received the humanitarian award presented by Angel Gray, FOX Sports Ohio Cavs Sideline Reporter, who was there for many of Love’s contributions to the community. In addition to sharing his experiences with mental health challenges and creating the Kevin Love Fund(KLF), Love provided financial support to Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse staff affected by the loss of work during the pandemic and personally thanked local healthcare workers.
The culmination of the night was Baker Mayfield’s speech. He accepted 2020 Best Moment in Cleveland Sports presented by JACK Entertainment which was awarded to the Cleveland Browns for their 2020 NFL Season and NFL Playoff Wild Card victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Winners from each category were announced live at the event. Each award recipient is highlighted under their respective category.
Male High School Athlete of the Year presented by University Hospitals Sports Medicine
Tyler Hong, Saint Ignatius High School, Swimming
Female High School Athlete of the Year presented by University Hospitals Sports Medicine
Paige Floriea, Mentor High School, Track & Field
Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year presented by H. Jack's Plumbing & Heating Co. "The Super Plumber!"
Mike Rose, Iowa State University, Football (Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School)
Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year presented by H. Jack's Plumbing & Heating Co. "The Super Plumber!"
Naz Hillmon, University of Michigan, Basketball (Gilmour Academy)
Professional Athlete of the Year presented by SportsTime Ohio
Shane Bieber, pitcher, Cleveland Indians
Cleveland Clinic Sports Medicine Courage Award
Camryn Colahan, Vermilion High School, volleyball & basketball
Humanitarian of the Year presented by Union Home Mortgage
Kevin Love, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best Moment in Cleveland Sports presented by JACK Entertainment
Cleveland Browns 2020 NFL Season and NFL Playoff Wild Card victory
“We are exceptionally proud of this year’s Sports Awards,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “Although it wasn’t the in-person celebration we all have come to enjoy for our yearly fundraiser, this team, our co-chairs, committee and valued partners made the event possible during a difficult year.
“That’s one of the things our sports commission team is known for, we are resourceful, flexible and driven. We know how to call an audible to make this and every event we produce so special regardless of obstacles.”