New York, NY (December 4, 2000) - The non-profit, Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) announced Purdue University's Tim Stratton as its first winner of the inaugural John Mackey Award for best tight end in Division I-A college athletics. The award presentation took place this morning at the famous Gallagher's Steak House, 52nd and Broadway.

Tim Stratton, a Junior, has 56 receptions for 579 yards with wo touchdowns for the 2000 season. He is seventh in the Big Ten - and 45th nationally - with an average of 5.09 receptions per game and ninth with an average of 52.6 yards per game. On Purdue's career lists, Stratton ranks eight with 143 receptions, ninth with 13 receiving touchdowns and 13th with 1, 553 receiving yards.

The two other finalists were Alge Crumpler, a senior from North Carolina (23 receptions, 287 yards, 1 TD), and Todd Heap, a junior from Arizona State (42 receptions, 570 yards, 3 TD's).

The John Mackey Award, created in April 2000 by the NCSC, was spearheaded by NCSC Board Member and former NFL quarterback, and Syracuse University All-American, Donald McPherson. John Mackey, only the second strictly tight end to be inducted into the National Football League Hall of Fame, is regarded as one of the all-time greats to ever have played that position. A graduate Syracuse University, Mackey played in the NFL for 10 years. He was elected to the Pro Bowl five times, was a three-time All-NFL Player and played in two Super Bowls with the Baltimore Colts. He has been called the best tight end in NFL history and is in the NFL Hall of Fame. His outstanding athletic and community oriented accomplishments could not go unrecognized in his hometown of Nassau County, New York.

The John Mackey Award Selection Committee includes the following NFL greats, Mark Bavaro, Keith Jackson, and Kellen Winslow as well as prominent members of the media, Lee Corso, Sean McDonough, Spencer Tillman, and Marc Connolly.

The John Mackey Award bronze piece, was created by sculptor Edith Rae Brown.