| Manhasset,
N.Y. (December 10, 2003) - The Nassau County Sports Commission (NCSC) announced
Kellen Winslow II (JR, Miami) as the 2003 John Mackey Award winner for the best
collegiate Tight End. His trophy will be presented at the NCSC's Annual Awards
Dinner at the Chateau Briand in Westbury, NY on April 19, 2004. Upon
hearing of his selection as the 2003 Mackey Award winner Kellen said: "It's
an honor and a thrill to be named the 2003 Mackey Award winner. I want to make
sure to thank my coaches and teammates, as well as my family, for supporting me
throughout my life, especially through this season. I wouldn't have any success
without the help of my coaches, teammates and family. The John Mackey Award means
so much to me and I hope I can live up to his legacy as the 2003 winner." Kellen
completed his first season as a starter in 2002, at which time he was a Mackey
Award finalist. He started the 2003 season with high expectations which he achieved
in outstanding fashion. He was named to several 2003 pre-season All American teams
and was widely considered one of the finest players in college football. In addition
to being a leading contender for the Mackey Award throughout the 2003 season,
Kellen has been a legitimate contender for other national honors including the
Heisman Trophy. Coach Coker
was as pleased with the announcement as Kellen was, "All of us at the University
of Miami feel that Kellen is the best tight end in the country and we are certainly
happy to see him be recognized as such. Kellen is one of the most competitive
and complete tight ends I've ever been associated with." Past
winners of the John Mackey Award for Best Collegiate Tight End:
2002 Dallas
Clark University of Iowa
2001 Daniel Graham University of Colorado
2000
Tim Stratton Purdue University The
John Mackey Award was created by the Nassau County Sports Commission under the
guidance of board member Don McPherson, a county native and former Syracuse University
All-American and NFL quarterback. Mackey, also a Nassau County native, is regarded
as one of the best athletes to have ever played the position of tight end. In
addition to being an NFL Hall of Famer, he is also a Super Bowl winner (Baltimore,
Super Bowl V) and was the first President of the NFLPA. The John Mackey Award
selection committee is composed of national sportswriters, commentators and outstanding
NFL players. The Nassau
County Sports Commission is grateful to US Air for their continued support of
the John Mackey Award. The NCSC is a non-profit organization created in 1992 to
enhance the quality of life for Nassau County residents through sport. For additional
information visit our website at www.nassausports.org or contact Bryan Cain at
516-365-9625 or bryan@nassausports.org | 
