BYU Nominees up for Governor's State of Sport Awards

SALT LAKE CITY - BYU sports fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite athletes, coach, play and event in the inaugural Governor's State of Sport Awards, hosted by the Utah Sports Commission and presented by Zions Bank.

BYU nominees include men's basketball head coach Dave Rose for Coach of the Year, former guard Jimmer Fredette for Male Collegiate/Pro of the Year, current soccer forward Carlee Payne for Female Collegiate/Pro of the Year and current basketball guard Lexi Eaton for Female High School Athlete of the Year.

In addition, Fredette's halfcourt 3-pointer at Utah and Riley Nelson's game-winning touchdown pass to Marcus Mathews against Utah State are nominated for Play of the Year. The Cougar men's basketball team's victory over Gonzaga in the 2011 NCAA Tournament is nominated in the Game of the Year category.

Nominees were selected based on the majority of their accomplishments happening within the 2011 calendar year.

The nominees were selected by a committee comprised of members of the sports media and community at large. Today through Friday, March 30th at midnight, fans can visit www.stateofsportawards.com and select their favorite nominee in each category. The winners, chosen by sports fans throughout Utah, will then be honored at an April 5th ceremony.

Utah Governor Gary R. Herbert will provide remarks and present awards along with NBA Commissioner David J. Stern, who will be speaking to those in attendance at the awards luncheon on Thursday, April 5th, 11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at EnergySolutions Arena.

"I am pleased to be part of this great event to recognize excellence in sports and I would also like to extend a very special welcome and thank you to Commissioner Stern for joining us," said Governor Herbert.

In addition, a Lifetime Achievement in Sport award will be presented posthumously to Larry H. Miller, legendary Utah sports entrepreneur, athlete and philanthropist. “Larry would be honored to receive this award,” said Gail Miller. “He believed that bringing professional sports to our community benefits our state as well as the people who live here by giving them a place to go to and enjoy some time away from their normal daily routine.”

The Utah Sports Commission's success is shared by many key partners and friends within Utah's sports industry. Zions Bank will also be honored with the "TEAM UTAH" Partner of the Year Award that recognizes the extraordinary efforts, resources and other support from Sponsors, Venues, Hospitality Community, Local Organizing Committees, Events Rights Holders, volunteers and others in Utah 's sports industry, who contribute valuable assistance in continuing to establish Utah as "The State of Sport".

"The Utah Sports Commission is excited to host this first ever Utah 'fan's choice' award event that will allow sports fans and citizens in Utah to have a voice in selecting and recognizing those who inspire, entertain and thrill them," said Jeff Robbins, president & CEO of the Utah Sports Commission. "And we could not create this event without the help of our terrific partners Zions Bank, KUTV2, 1320 KFAN, 1280/97.5 The Zone and ESPN 700."

Utah is known as the 'State of Sport', and for good reason. From its hosting of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games to its world-class venues, professional teams, robust youth and high school sports and storied collegiate traditions, Utah has carved a distinct reputation as a key national and international sports destination. Now it's time for fans across the state to weigh in when it comes to athletes, coaches, and events. The Governor's State of Sport Awards, hosted by the Utah Sports Commission, will honor sports excellence in the State of Utah as judged by you, the fans.