Paul Hornung Award Banquet Rescheduled to February 25, 2015
Winner Shaq Thompson Projected as High First Round Pick in NFL Draft
January 21, 2015 – Louisville, Ky. – The Louisville Sports Commission announced today that it has rescheduled the Paul Hornung Award Banquet presented by KentuckyOne Health to Feb 25, 2015. The banquet will be held at the Galt House Hotel in downtown Louisville.
The banquet had been scheduled for Jan. 27.
University of Washington’s Shaq Thompson, a gifted athlete who played linebacker, running back, safety and special teams this season, was named winner of the fifth annual Paul Hornung Award, presented by Texas Roadhouse. The Louisville Sports Commission and Paul Hornung present the Award to the most versatile player in major college football.
“There were a number of unforeseen circumstances that lead to rescheduling this year’s banquet,” said Karl Schmitt, Louisville Sports Commission executive director. “Shaq is projected to be among the top 15 selections in the first round of the NFL Draft and was concerned about disrupting his training for the NFL Combine to attend our original banquet date. In addition, Vince Lombardi, Jr., our featured speaker, had a health issue arise that prevents him from attending.”
Schmitt continued, “We believe it is important that we provide Shaq and our other special guests and banquet attendees with a first-class evening, and moving the date ensures our ability to do so.”
NFL draft experts anticipate Thompson will join Odell Beckham Jr., and Tavon Austin, two previous Paul Hornung Award winners selected early in the first round. Austin was the number eight pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2013 and Beckham Jr., was the number 12 pick of New York Giants in 2014. The 2011 Paul Hornung Award winner, Brandon Boykin, is an emerging defensive star at slot corner for the Philadelphia Eagles. The inaugural winner, Owen Marecic, is in his second year at Stanford Medical School.
A limited number of tickets to the annual Paul Hornung Awards Banquet presented by KentuckyOne Health are still available. Single tickets are available for $100 each; corporate tables of 10 are $1,500. For more information regarding tickets or sponsorship opportunities, contact Julie Howell at (502) 587-6742 or jhowell@louisvillesports.org.