MILITARY BOWL FOUNDATION MOURNS PASSING OF DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBER JOE REYDA

The Military Bowl Foundation mourns the passing of DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee member Joe Reyda, who died of an apparent heart attack early Wednesday morning, according to Gonzaga College High School President Rev. Joseph E. Lingan. 

“Simply put, Joe was one of the very best,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Whether it was chipping in to help on a project, coming up with ideas or just being supportive, Joe was always there to lend a hand. He was a leader in the Gonzaga community and positively influenced so many students who passed through its doors. We send our condolences to Joe’s wife, Tricia, and daughters Molly and Caroline.”

Reyda, a 1985 Gonzaga graduate, worked at his alma mater since 1989 and had served as the school’s athletic director since 2001. He also coached golf and football during his 34-year tenure at the school.

“He was a humble leader, a gentle soul and a devoted husband, father and friend,” Lingan wrote in a letter to the Gonzaga community. “And he loved Gonzaga as much as anyone, giving of himself as an alumnus, longtime coach and dedicated employee of over three decades. A role model for our students and colleagues and a consummate man for others, Joe will be profoundly missed.”

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB GOLF OUTING DRAWS CAPACITY CROWD TO RAISE MONEY FOR PATRIOT POINT

The DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing brought a capacity crowd together for a near-perfect day at Whiskey Creek Golf Club on Tuesday, June 13, to raise money for Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers.

“It was just an amazing day to be joined by so many people who share the commitment to honoring and supporting the nation’s service members,” Military Bowl President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are especially appreciative of Whiskey Creek hosting the event and all the sponsors who also believe deeply in our mission.”

The field included several members of the Military Bowl Foundation Board of Directors and the DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee, as well as former Washington Redskins players Raleigh McKenzie and Ravin Caldwell. Former Redskins tight end Doc Walker, who also is a member of the DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee, also was in attendance.

Among the participants were several veteran service members.

DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing sponsors included Mission BBQ, Silver Sponsors Open Text and Nardi Construction and hole sponsors the American Athletic Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, Matt Back, CAES, Coca-Cola Consolidated, Defiant Whisky, Double Wood Farm, Events DC, FCN Technology Solutions, McCormick Paints, Northrop Realty, Five Arrows Media and Old Virginia Tobacco Company.

The foursome of DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee member Scott Freund, Brandon Luckett, Eugene Casaus and Evan Silverman captured first place in the tournament with a score of 58.

The Military Bowl Foundation’s next event is the Home of the Free … Because of the Brave dinner on Thursday, September 7, celebrating the kickoff of the NFL season in the company of recovering service members and caregivers from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Tickets are available at militarybowl.org. For sponsorship information, please contact Senior Director of Partnerships Marc Goldman at mgoldman@militarybowl.org.

Touchdown Club Awards Dinner

The DC Touchdown Club Awards Dinner brought together a wide swath of the National Capital Region’s football community to celebrate some of the best coaches and players to take the gridiron. Football coaching legend Steve Spurrier, Washington Redskins former star Dexter Manley, Washington Commanders captain Terry McLaurin and broadcasting superstar Scott Van Pelt were among the headline award winners honored this past Thursday night.

“Just an amazing lineup filled with some of the greatest names in the sport,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “What a terrific night! We were thrilled to recognize the award winners and raise money for Patriot Point. This might have been our most accomplished group yet, since restarting the Touchdown Club 10 years ago.”

The program began with Van Pelt, who graduated from Sherwood High School and the University of Maryland, receiving a Career Achievement Award. The ESPN SportsCenter anchor clutched his trophy and told the crowd his kids were thrilled that he would be bringing home the hardware.

“Hey, I was just nominated for my eighth Emmy Award,” Van Pelt deadpanned, pausing for effect. “But I’m 0 for 7.”

Following dinner, longtime Northern Virginia high school football coach Danny Meier – who led West Potomac High to two state championships and Chantilly High to one – was inducted into the Touchdown Club’s Circle of Legends.

Then Manley was presented the Founder’s Award and regaled the crowd with stories from his college and pro careers, often punctuating important moments by slamming his first atop the podium. The Military Bowl Foundation presented the Dexter and Lydia Manley Foundation with a donation.

Emcee Rick “Doc” Walker presented the Touchdown Club’s high school player and coach of the year awards:

 Virginia High School Player of the Year: Tony Rojas, Fairfax

 Maryland High School Player of the Year: Jason Moore, DeMatha Catholic

 Washington, D.C. High School Player of the Year: Nyckoles Harbor, Archbishop Carroll

 Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year Pat Ward, St. John’s College

Williams, who starred at Gonzaga College High School in Northwest Washington and this past fall at the University of Southern California, was recognized as the Washington Metro College Player of the Year award. The first Heisman Trophy winner from the Washington area, Williams was unable to attend because of the Trojans’ spring football schedule but shared his acceptance in a video.

McLaurin was presented the Washington Metro Pro Player of the Year after leading the Commanders in receiving for the fourth consecutive year. He shared several stories from throughout his career, making a point to connect with the high school award winners and encouraging them to overcome any obstacles in their careers.

The night concluded with Spurrier telling tales from throughout his coaching career that included successful college stops at Duke, Florida and South Carolina, as well as two seasons with the Washington Redskins.

The Dinner raised money for Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers. The event was sponsored by Events DC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, FCN Inc. Technology Solutions, MTI, WTOP, Legal Innovators, State Farm, Northrop Realty and Old Virginia Tobacco Company.

Foursomes and sponsorships are available for the Touchdown Club’s next event, the DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 13 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB GOLF OUTING IS A ROUSING SUCCESS RAISING MONEY FOR PATRIOT POINT

The DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing enjoyed a spectacular day as a soldout field posted low scores at Whiskey Creek Golf Club, raising money for Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 294-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers.

“What an incredible day of golf and great company,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Thanks to everyone who joined us. Thanks also to Whiskey Creek for hosting the event and to all of the sponsors who support our mission of supporting the nation’s service members.”

The field included several members of the Military Bowl Foundation Board of Directors and the DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee, as well as former Washington Redskins players Joe Washington, Raleigh McKenzie, Clarence Vaughn and Brian Carpenter. Former Redskins tight end Doc Walker, who also is a member of the DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee, also was in attendance.

Among the participants were several veteran service members.

DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing sponsors included Mission BBQ, Silver Sponsors Open Text and Nardi Construction and hole sponsors 3M, Events DC, FCN Technology Solutions, MTI, NextGen, Three Wire Systems, American Airlines, The American Athletic Conference, Coca-Cola, Insurance Associates and Old Virginia Tobacco Company.

A foursome that included two U.S. Marine Corps veterans, a firefighter and a member of the Salute Military Golf Association Board of Directors captured first place in the tournament. Scott Allen, Brad Pierce, Chris Catucci and Bob Winegard won the team scramble by shooting 18-under par 54.

“We were bombing the ball pretty good,” said Allen, who served in the Marines from 2004 to 2008. “It was an awesome event. I really appreciate being able to participate in it.”

Allen also won the longest drive contest and Brian Tracy of Doublewood Farm won the closest to the pin, coming within two feet of a hole-in-one.

The Military Bowl Foundation’s next event is the Home of the Free … Because of the Brave dinner on Thursday, September 8, celebrating the kickoff of the NFL season in the company of recovering service members and caregivers from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Tickets and sponsorships are available at militarybowl.org.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB 3M AWARDS DINNER SUCCESSFULLY RETURNS

Capacity crowd repeatedly brought to its feet as Ralph Friedgen, Joe Jacoby, Bob Milloy and the region’s top college and high school players and coach are honored

After being canceled the past two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DC Touchdown 3M Awards Dinner made a triumphant return honoring the best and brightest in the National Capital Region football community.

“What an incredible night!” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It was amazing to see so many familiar faces and so many people devoted to the sport of football and raising money for Patriot Point. Congratulations to all of the award winners!”

The program began with 2017 DC Touchdown Club Lifetime Achievement Award winner Johnny Holliday roasting longtime high school coach Bob Milloy as Holliday presented Milloy for induction into the Circle of Legends.

Legendary Washington Redskins offensive lineman Joe Jacoby was presented the Touchdown Club’s Founder’s Award and had much of the crowd laughing as he remembered tales from his playing career.

Following dinner, University of Maryland Coach Mike Locksley introduced the B-11 Foundation, which is being started in memory of former local high school player Bryan Strittmatter; the Military Bowl Foundation presented a check to Strittmatter’s brother, Sean, in his honor.

Emcee Rick “Doc” Walker presented the Touchdown Club’s high school player and coach of the year awards:

·        Washington, D.C. High School Player of the Year Jamar Curtis, St. John’s

·        Maryland High School Player of the Year Kevin Winston Jr., DeMatha Catholic

·        Virginia High School Player of the Year Jacob Thomas, Stone Bridge

·        Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year John Kelley, Quince Orchard

University of Pittsburgh Coach Pat Narduzzi introduced the Washington Metro College Player of the Year, Pitt wide receiver Jordan Addison. Walker returned to present the Washington Metro Pro Player of the Year Trevon Diggs of the Dallas Cowboys and a Lifetime Achievement Award to Lou Holtz; Diggs and Holtz were unable to attend.

The night concluded with former University of Maryland star Bruce Perry presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to former Terps coach Ralph Friedgen, who several times became very emotional as he detailed key moments of perseverance from his coaching career.

The Dinner raised money for Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers. In addition to presenting sponsor 3M, the event was sponsored by Events DC, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, FCN Inc. Technology Solutions, MTI, Three Wire Systems LLC, NextGen Federal Systems and Old Virginia Tobacco Company.

Foursomes and sponsorships are available for the Touchdown Club’s next event, the DC Touchdown Club Golf Outing on Tuesday, June 14 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB TO PRESENT RALPH FRIEDGEN WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

One of college football’s top offensive coaches, led Maryland to seven bowl games in 10 seasons and was twice named ACC Coach of the Year

Ralph Friedgen, who led the University of Maryland football team to a remarkable turnaround, will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 21 in Bethesda, Md.

Dinner tickets and Touchdown Club memberships are on sale now as the Touchdown Club honors the best and brightest in the National Capital Region’s football community.

“We are thrilled to be able to honor Coach Friedgen, celebrate his career and present him with this award,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Coach Friedgen was one of the nation’s leading offensive minds and his teams achieved remarkable success. He was instrumental in the rebirth of Maryland football in the 21st century.”

Friedgen, who has been named the national Coach of the Year and also won the Broyles Awards as the nation’s top assistant coach, had been a career-long assistant until he was hired at Maryland following the 2000 season. A 1970 graduate of Maryland, Friedgen had also been a graduate assistant coach at the school to begin his career as well as the Terrapins’ offensive line coach and offensive coordinator from 1982 to 1986.

Affectionately known as “Fridge,” he inherited a team that had not played in a bowl game in 10 seasons. That first season, in 2001, Friedgen led Maryland to a 10-2 record, the ACC title and a berth in the Orange Bowl.

In 10 seasons in College Park, Friedgen guided the Terrapins to seven bowl appearances and a 75-50 record. His final game as head coach was an emotional 51-20 victory over East Carolina in the 2010 Military Bowl after which he was carried off the field by his players.

In addition to Friedgen, the award winners are:

·        Founder’s Award: Joe Jacoby, Washington Redskins. Offensive tackle was a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

·        Pro Player of the Year: Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys. Former star at Avalon School in Wheaton led the NFL with 11 interceptions this past season.

·        College Player of the Year: Jordan Addison, Pitt. Former star at Tuscarora High in Frederick won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver after catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards.

·        Circle of Legends: Bob Milloy. Winningest high school coach in Maryland history guided his teams to 405 victories, eight Maryland public school titles and four WCAC championships.

·        Lifetime Achievement Award: Lou Holtz. Guided six collegiate programs to bowl games and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

·        Virginia HS Player of the Year Jacob Thomas, Stone Bridge. Led Bulldogs to consecutive Virginia 5A championships won on the game’s final play. Completed 109 of 156 passes for 2,357 yards and 31 touchdowns with just three interceptions this past season. Committed to James Madison.

·        Maryland HS Player of the Year Kevin Winston Jr., DeMatha Catholic. Starred at wide receiver and safety, catching 42 passes, while making 77 tackles with four interceptions. Will play for Penn State.

·        D.C. HS Player of the Year Jamar Curtis, St. John’s. Rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as the Cadets finished undefeated and won the WCAC title. Will play for Lafayette.

·        Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year John Kelley, Quince Orchard. Guided the Cougars to an undefeated season and Maryland 4A title. Career record of 86-10 in seven seasons.

CONTACT: Josh Barr, jbarr@militarybowl.org

About the DC Touchdown Club

The DC Touchdown Club honors the best in Washington Metro football, with year-round events highlighted by an annual awards dinner. Operated by the Military Bowl Foundation, the Club promotes the game of football, hosts entertaining social events and generates a significant philanthropic impact for Patriot Point. To learn more about the DC Touchdown Club, visit dctouchdownclub.com or follow DC Touchdown Club on Twitter and Instagram @DCTouchdownClub and like DC Touchdown Club on Facebook.

About the Military Bowl Foundation

The Military Bowl Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates premier events in the National Capital Region to benefit our nation’s service members. Originally formed to create the region’s first-ever college football postseason bowl game, the Foundation now not only runs the Military Bowl presented by Peraton but additionally operates the DC Touchdown Club and Patriot Point, a retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The Foundation hosts engaging events throughout the year to raise money and awareness for military service members, directly impacting those who give so much of themselves for the country.

About 3M

At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $30 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNews.

3M supports initiatives that advance equitable STEM and business outcomes for under-represented and under-resourced populations by increasing STEM exposure through classroom experiences and afterschool and extracurricular activities, supporting experiential learning experiences and investing in teacher professional development and build a pipeline of diverse STEM teachers.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB ANNOUNCES 2022 AWARD WINNERS

Tickets now on sale for 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 21 as Coach Lou Holtz and offensive lineman Joe Jacoby headline award winners

Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz, longtime Washington Redskins offensive lineman Joe Jacoby, high school football coach Bob Milloy and Dallas Cowboys defensive back Trevon Diggs headline the honorees at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, April 21 in Bethesda, Maryland, and benefits Patriot Point.

Dinner tickets and Touchdown Club memberships are on sale now as the Touchdown Club honors the best and brightest in the National Capital Region’s football community, including Pro Player of the Year Trevon Diggs, College Player of the Year Jordan Addison and Circle of Legends inductee Bob Milloy.

“We are excited to bring Coach Holtz to Washington and honor him among this group of outstanding athletes and coaches,” Military Bowl Foundation President Steve Beck said. “The Dinner is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year and we can’t wait to gather together and celebrate.”

The full slate of award winners is:

·        Lifetime Achievement Award: Lou Holtz. Guided six collegiate programs to bowl games and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

·        Founder’s Award: Joe Jacoby, Washington Redskins. Offensive tackle was a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

·        Pro Player of the Year: Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys. Former star at Avalon School in Wheaton led the NFL with 11 interceptions this past season.

·        College Player of the Year: Jordan Addison, Pitt. Former star at Tuscarora High in Frederick won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation’s top wide receiver after catching 100 passes for 1,593 yards.

·        Circle of Legends: Bob Milloy. Winningest high school coach in Maryland history guided his teams to 405 victories, eight Maryland public school titles and four WCAC championships.

·        Virginia HS Player of the Year Jacob Thomas, Stone Bridge. Led Bulldogs to consecutive Virginia 5A championships won on the game’s final play. Completed 109 of 156 passes for 2,357 yards and 31 touchdowns with just three interceptions this past season. Committed to James Madison.

·        Maryland HS Player of the Year Kevin Winston Jr., DeMatha Catholic. Starred at wide receiver and safety, catching 42 passes, while making 77 tackles with four interceptions. Will play for Penn State.

·        D.C. HS Player of the Year Jamar Curtis, St. John’s. Rushed for 1,007 yards and scored 12 touchdowns as the Cadets finished undefeated and won the WCAC title. Will play for Lafayette.

·        Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year John Kelley, Quince Orchard. Guided the Cougars to an undefeated season and Maryland 4A title. Career record of 86-10 in seven seasons.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB CONTINUES HONORING TOP HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PERFORMANCES

Will partner with WTOP Radio on Player of the Week award again this fall

The Military Bowl Foundation through the DC Touchdown Club is excited to continue recognizing the top high school football performances in the Washington Metro area.

This fall, the Touchdown Club once again is partnering with WTOP Radio on its High School Football Player of the Week award. Coaches from throughout the region are encouraged to submit nominations each week.

The High School Football Player of the Week will be recognized online by the DC Touchdown Club and WTOP and on air each Wednesday on WTOP Radio.

“We are thrilled to once again honor the top high school football performances in the Washington Metro area and partner with WTOP.” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “This region is a hotbed of football talent. We know that the stars of Friday night soon will be playing on Saturday afternoon and perhaps even on Sundays.”

Also, new this fall, the Touchdown Club will honor a College Football Player of the Week. This is for players from local high schools now competing at any level of college, as well as players at local colleges.

CONTACT: Josh Barr, jbarr@militarybowl.org

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB ANNOUNCES 2021 AWARD WINNERS PRESENTED BY 3M

The Military Bowl Foundation is proud to announce the 2021 DC Touchdown Club award winners presented by 3M, honoring the Washington Metro’s top high school football players, a longtime coach who guided his team to an undefeated season and one of college football’s top stars this past season.

The award winners are:

·        Washington, D.C. High School Player of the Year: Trey Jamison, Gonzaga College High School

·        Maryland High School Player of the Year: CJ Eley, Howard High School

·        Virginia High School Player of the Year: Tristan Leigh, James W. Robinson Jr. Secondary School

·        Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year: Mickey Thompson, Stone Bridge High School

·        Washington Metro College Player of the Year: Jaret Patterson, University at Buffalo

“What an amazing group of award winners,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “Their achievements this past fall and spring are even more impressive given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The Washington Metro College Player of the Year and High School Players of the Year certainly made their impact despite playing in shortened seasons.

Jamison, a linebacker, made 44 tackles and had three sacks in five games, leading Gonzaga to a 5-0 record and first place in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. A three-year starter, Jamison twice was named first-team all-WCAC. He will attend the Naval Academy Preparatory School and plans to play for the U.S. Naval Academy.

Eley was a standout on both sides of the ball for Howard, excelling as a wide receiver and running on offense and at safety on defense. He was a threat every time he touched the ball, rushing for 550 yards and six touchdowns and catching 23 passes for 417 yards and two touchdowns. While most opponents did their best to prevent him from returning kicks, Eley also had a punt return for a touchdown. He plans to play for Bowie State University.

At 6 feet 5 and 300 pounds, Leigh was a force on Robinson’s offensive and defensive lines. His father played at the University of Virginia and after a growth spurt his sophomore year, the college scholarships started rolling in for Tristan. He will play for Clemson University.

A former player at the University of Virginia, Thompson became a teacher and coach upon graduation and his results speak for themselves. His 300th career victory came in this season’s final game, a 13-10 overtime victory over Highland Springs in the Virginia 5A championship game that claimed Stone Bridge’s second state title. In 21 seasons at Stone Bridge, Thompson has guided the Ashburn school to a 229-47 record with 16 district titles, 13 region titles and 10 state championship game appearances.

A Glenn Dale native and St. Vincent Pallotti High School alum, Patterson was one of the biggest stars of the 2020 college football season. Although Buffalo was limited to six regular season games, Patterson posted his third 1,000-yard season highlighted by one of the best performances ever, when he rushed for 409 yards (the second-highest total in Football Bowl Subdivision history) and eight touchdowns (tying the FBS record) in a 70-41 victory over Kent State. Patterson opted to turn professional after the season and now plays for the Washington Football Team.

“We are thrilled to recognize these talented players and Coach Thompson,” Beck said. “We look forward to them taking the next step in their careers. We can’t wait to enjoy the 2021 football season and get together for the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner in April 2022.

DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament Raises Money for Patriot Point

IJAMSVILLE, Md. – The DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament returned on Tuesday, June 15, with a full field of golfers taking the course at Whiskey Creek Golf Club.

It was a chamber of commerce afternoon, with mild temperatures and a partly sunny sky providing peak conditions amid the rolling landscape as the tournament raised money for Patriot Point, a nearly 300-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“What an amazing day!” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many familiar faces and to meet new people who share in our commitment to supporting our nation’s service members.”

The field included several members of the Military Bowl Foundation Board of Directors as well as the DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee. Two-time Super Bowl champion Clarence Vaughn joined the group, as did several veterans, including U.S. Army (Ret.) Lt. Col. Enrique Young, who made a hole-in-one at the DC Touchdown Club 2019 Golf Tournament, and several veteran service members. Leashes of Valor CEO and Co-Founder Jason Haag, whose group is a partner of Patriot Point, spoke to the participants after the round.

“I can’t thank Patriot Point enough for everything you are doing. It has been phenomenal,” said Haag, who played in the tournament and whose group recently completed a 10-day training with veterans and their new service dogs at Patriot Point. “You are saving lives.”

Double Wood Farm was the tournament’s Gold Sponsor. Mission BBQ provided the post-round meal. Silver Sponsors were 3M; the Kimsey Foundation; May Construction Group; Marsh & McLennan Agency, known locally as Insurance Associates; MTI; NDIA; the National Association of Manufacturers; SAIC and S & K Sales Company.

Other sponsors included the American Athletic Conference; Aquarius Sports and Entertainment; Blake Real Estate; the Coalition for Government Procurement; Coca Cola Consolidated Bottling Company; Cornerstone Government Affairs; Ernst and Young; FCN; Ice Shaker; Korman Signs; the Quantum Companies; Strouse; and Tidewater Valve and Fitting.

The Byrne family foursome of Jeb, Will, Luke and John won their third DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament in the past four events. Will Byrne also won the longest drive competition. Evan Silverman hit his second career hole-in-one on No. 11 to win the closest to the pin contest.

See pictures from the tournament by visiting our Facebook page.

The Military Bowl Foundation’s next event is the Home of the Free … Because of the Brave dinner on Thursday, September 9.

DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament Benefiting Patriot Point on June 15 at Whiskey Creek

Registration is now open for the DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament, which will be held on Tuesday, June 15 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland. The event benefits Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers.

“The DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament is one of the most enjoyable days of the year,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces on the course, with football supporters from throughout the region coming together to raise money for such an incredible cause as Patriot Point.”

Foursomes and individual golfers can register online. The day begins with an 11 a.m. shotgun start and includes lunch and dinner, as well as beer, wine, water and snacks throughout the round. The post-play meal will be provided by Mission BBQ. For more information about the Golf Tournament, contact Military Bowl Senior Director of Finance, Events & Operations Lauren Schram at lschram@militarybowl.org.

Event sponsorships also are available. For additional information about sponsorships, contact Military Bowl Foundation Senior Director of Partnerships Marc Goldman at mgoldman@militarybowl.org.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB POSTPONES 3M AWARDS DINNER

The Military Bowl Foundation today announced that the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner, scheduled for April 30, has been postponed due to the risks associated with COVID-19. The Dinner will be rescheduled at a later date.

“While it is disappointing to have to postpone this terrific event, which honors some of the best people in football and raises money for an amazing cause in Patriot Point, we know that this is the right decision,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “At this time, we need to follow all health guidelines so that we can beat this virus and return to a normal livelihood.”

Among this year’s headline award winners were legendary coach Lou Holtz and former Washington Redskins offensive lineman Joe Jacoby. The full slate of award winners is:

·        Lifetime Achievement Award: Lou Holtz

·        Founder’s Award: Joe Jacoby

·        Circle of Legends: Bob Milloy

·        Washington Metro College Player of the Year (Defense): Chase Young, Ohio State

·        Washington Metro College Player of the Year (Offense): Malcolm Perry, Navy

·        Maryland High School Player of the Year: Bryan Bresee, Damascus

·        Virginia High School Player of the Year: Noah Kim, Westfield

·        Washington, D.C. High School Player of the Year: Rakim Jarrett, St. John’s

·        Washington Metro High School Player of the Year: Gerry Pannoni, South County

Proceeds from the Dinner benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for recovering service members.

LEGENDARY COACH LOU HOLTZ AND REDSKINS GREAT JOE JACOBY TO BE HONORED AT DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB 3M AWARDS DINNER

Lou Holtz, the only coach to guide six collegiate programs to bowl games and four programs to year-end Top 20 national rankings and a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, will be honored for his contributions to the game of football at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 30 in Bethesda, Md.

Longtime Washington Redskins offensive lineman Joe Jacoby, a four-time Pro Bowler and member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team who led the team to three Super Bowl victories, will be presented the Founder’s Award.

The Dinner also will honor the Washington Metro high school football players and coach of the year as well as the Washington Metro College Players of the Year. Additionally, Bob Milloy, who is the all-time winningest high school coach in Maryland history, will be inducted into the Circle of Legends.

The Dinner is the highlight of the Military Bowl Foundation’s spring events, which include the 3M Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Patriot Point and featuring Annika Sorenstam on April 20, Party With Our Troops on May 7 and the DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament benefiting Patriot Point on June 5.

A native of Follansbee, W.Va., Holtz played football at Kent State University and earned a commission in the U.S. Army Reserve as a field artillery officer before embarking on a coaching career. He was a collegiate head coach at William & Mary, N.C. State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame and South Carolina and also coached the NFL’s New York Jets for one season, with a career record of 252-142-7 as a head coach.

Following his coaching career, Holtz moved to the broadcast booth with CBS and then ESPN. He has authored 10 books and worked with several charitable groups.

“Lou Holtz is one of the legends of college football,” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Coach Holtz to Washington and honor him for all that he has accomplished in the game. And we are ecstatic to honor Joe Jacoby, one of the original members of the Hogs and a leader during the greatest stretch of franchise history.”

Previous DC Touchdown Club award winners include Jim Kelly, Mike Ditka, Lee Corso, Verne Lundquist, Darrell Green, Doug Williams and Frank Beamer.

The Washington Metro College Players of the Year and High School Players of the Year certainly made their mark on the field this past season.

Ohio State defensive end Chase Young, a graduate of DeMatha Catholic High School, is the Washington Metro College Player of the Year (Defense) after leading the nation in sacks and winning the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s top defensive player.

Navy quarterback Malcolm Perry is the Washington Metro College Player (Offense) of the Year after rushing for a team single-season record 2,017 yards, the most rushing yards ever in a season by a Football Bowl Subdivision quarterback.

The Maryland High School Player of the Year is Damascus defensive lineman Bryan Bresee, who enrolled at Clemson for the spring semester. Bresee had 30 ½ tackles for loss and 14 sacks to lead the Swarmin’ Hornets to their fourth state title in five years.

The Washington D.C. High School Player of the Year is St. John’s wide receiver Rakim Jarrett. A Maryland recruit, Jarrett caught 60 passes for 950 yards and seven touchdowns against perhaps the most challenging schedule in the nation.

The Virginia High School Player of the Year is Westfield quarterback Noah Kim. A Michigan State recruit, Kim passed for 2,442 yards and 30 touchdowns with just three interceptions this past season. A three-year starter, the Bulldogs were 41-2 with Kim under center.

The Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year is Gerry Pannoni, who guided South County to a 15-0 mark and the Virginia 6A championship. A 40-year Northern Virginia coaching veteran, Pannoni recently resigned at South County and was named the head coach at Rio Rancho High outside Albuquerque, N.M.

The latest inductee into the Circle of Legends, Milloy was the head coach at Whitman, Springbrook, Sherwood and Good Counsel, directing his teams to 405 victories over 47 seasons. Milloy guided Springbrook and Sherwood to a total of eight Maryland public school championships, then built Good Counsel into one of the region’s top teams, winning four consecutive Washington Catholic Athletic Conference titles before retiring following the 2016 season.

Tables and a limited number of individual tickets can be purchased at dctouchdownclub.com/awards-dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Steve Beck at 301-370-5454 or sbeck@militarybowl.org. Proceeds benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for recovering service members.

A new addition to the Foundation’s lineup of events, the 3M Charity Golf Tournament will be held Monday, April 20 at Army-Navy Country Club. 3M is a five-star sponsor of the Military Bowl and the tournament includes a clinic hosted by eight-time LPGA Player of the Year Annika Sorenstam. For more information on this event, to register or become a sponsor, please contact Emily Skahan at eskahan@mmm.com.

On Thursday, May 7, the Military Bowl Foundation and Yellow Ribbon Fund will team up to host the 10th annual Party With Our Troops at Tommy Joe’s Bar & Grill in Bethesda. The happy hour event includes live music by The Shed Band and Andrew Deerin and raises money for Patriot Point and Yellow Ribbon Fund. Party With Our Troops tickets and sponsorships can be purchased here.

The DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament moves to a new venue on Friday, June 5 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Md. Registration includes pre- and post-play meals, as well as beer, wine and snacks throughout the round. The tournament benefits Patriot Point. To register for the DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament or to purchase a sponsorship, visit https://www.dctouchdownclub.com/golfouting.

DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament a Rousing Success

ROCKVILLE, Md. – As he walked softly to the green on the 16thhole, U.S. Army (Ret.) Lt. Col. Enrique Young was hesitant to think that his 5-wood off the tee could have rolled into the hole. Young, who has been golfing only three years, compared the feeling to looking over the edge of a bridge.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Young, whose shot was perhaps the biggest highlight of the DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament benefiting Patriot Point on Monday at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville.

The tournament raised money for Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Young, who served 29 years in the Army, did two tours abroad, in Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2007. He retired in 2015 and is an entrepreneur with his own security company. He was among a group of veterans to play in the tournament, joined by Military Bowl Foundation board members, DC Touchdown Club Executive Committee and others.

“What a great event!” Military Bowl Foundation President & Executive Director Steve Beck said. “It was wonderful to see so many people come together and raise money for an amazing cause!”

Tournament sponsors included Gold Sponsor, Kimsey Foundation; Silver Sponsor, Comcast NBC Universal; Bronze Sponsor, American Athletic Conference; dinner sponsor, Mission BBQ; beverage cart sponsor, Federal Resources; Touchdown Club sponsors, 3M and Capital Bank, N.A.; hole sponsors, ACC, Dover International Speedway and Annie & Paul Norman. Beck also thanked TW Perry for its continued support of Patriot Point, as well as Woodmont Country Club for hosting the event.

The Byrne family foursome of Jeb, Will, Luke and John won another DC Touchdown Club Golf Tournament, while P.J. Kennedy and Lindsey Dickinson Baynard won the long drive contest and Colin Parker won the closest to the hole.

See pictures from the tournament by visiting our Facebook page.

The DC Touchdown Club is working on events for the fall and Touchdown Club members will enjoy first-class hospitality at the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman on Dec. 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.dctouchdownclub.comor follow @DCTouchdownClubon Twitter.

DC Touchdown Club Enjoys Another Terrific 3M Awards Dinner

Bethesda, Md. -- The DC Touchdown Club presented by Capital Bank N.A. brought together the National Capital Region’s football community as it honored a Pro Football Hall of Famer, a Naismith Memorial Hall of Famer, a legendary broadcaster and soon-to-be NFL first-round draft pick at its seventh annual 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday night before a capacity crowd of 300.

With several former teammates and current co-workers in attendance, Washington Redskins former cornerback and current George Mason University administrator Darrell Green was presented the Founder’s Award for his contributions to the game of football. Play-by-play announcer Verne Lundquist, known as one of the leading voices in college football, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

While he was unable to attend, longtime DeMatha Catholic High School basketball coach Morgan Wootten – who also coached football for 12 seasons – was inducted into the Touchdown Club’s Circle of is Legends. Former Bullis School star quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who as a redshirt sophomore at Ohio State was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this past season, also was honored.

Those awards highlighted a special evening as guests celebrated the best and brightest players in the Washington area.

“We continue to be impressed with the region’s football community – both those who we honor and those who join us for the terrific night,” Military Bowl Foundation Executive Director Steve Beck said. “The 3M Awards Dinner represents the culmination of another amazing season. We feel fortunate to honor this special group of people.”

Proceeds from the Dinner benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The crowd included several former Timmie Award winners, University of Maryland football coach Mike Locksley, Navy football football Ken Niumatalolo, XFL DC Head Coach Pep Hamilton, several former Redskins players and many local executives.

Following a cocktail reception that included a live broadcast by The Team 980, emcee Doc Walker introduced Wootten for his award, which was accepted by one of his former players and assistant coaches, Pete Strickland.

After dinner, Walker presented the local high school award winners. Westfield wide receiver and defensive back Taylor Morin was named the Virginia High School Player of the Year. St. John’s defensive end Tre’Mon Morris-Brash was named the D.C. High School Player of the Year. DeMatha wide receiver and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams was named the Maryland High School Player of the Year. Tom Verbanic, who stepped down following this past season with Flint Hill sporting a 22-game winning streak, was named the Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year.

Former NFL standout Shawn Springs, a 13-year veteran, presented the Washington Metro College Player of the Year to Haskins, who set 28 Ohio State records and seven Big Ten Conference records in his first season as a starter.

That set the stage for the night’s biggest awards. Niumatalolo introduced Lundquist, whose tenure as CBS Sports lead college football announcer included eight Army-Navy games. Former Redskins defensive back Brad Edwards, who is now the athletic director at George Mason, introduced his former teammate and current colleague Darrell Green. 

“At the end of the day, football is a child’s game” Green stated early in his speech. When you look at things such as Patriot Point and the sacrifice of many men and women, it makes it easier to play a child’s game.”

HALL OF FAMERS DARRELL GREEN AND MORGAN WOOTTEN, LEGENDARY BROADCASTER VERNE LUNDQUIST AND HEISMAN TROPHY FINALIST DWAYNE HASKINS JR. TO BE HONORED AT DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB 3M AWARDS DINNER

Seventh annual dinner will also honor the local high school players and coach of the year

Darrell Green, who played 20 seasons for the Washington Redskins in a record-setting Pro Football Hall of Fame career, will receive the Founder’s Award for his contributions to the game of football at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 18 in Bethesda, Md.

A first-round pick out of Texas A&I (now Texas A&M-Kingsville), Green was nicknamed the “Ageless Wonder” for ability to play at a high level throughout his career. Known for his incredible speed, Green set NFL records for most games played by a defensive player (295) and most consecutive seasons with an interception (19). He also set Redskins records for most career interceptions (54), most games started (258) and most consecutive seasons played (20), among others. Green helped the Redskins to two Super Bowl championships (XXII and XXVI), was a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro and was the 1996 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year.

Green is currently an associate athletics director at George Mason University.

“Darrell Green is one of the finest football players and greatest representatives of the Washington, D.C. region,” DC Touchdown Club Executive Director Steve Beck said. “He has done and continues to do so much for our area and we are thrilled to honor him.”

Perhaps the greatest high school coach of all-time, Morgan Wootten will be inducted into the DC Touchdown Club’s Circle of Legends.

Wootten guided the DeMatha Catholic High School boys basketball team to 1,274 victories and 33 league championships in a career that led to his enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He also revolutionized the summer camp business, working with previous Circle of Legends inductee Joe Gallagher to start the Metropolitan Area Basketball School, the first-ever all-basketball summer camp. Wootten’s career also included 12 seasons as the DeMatha football coach, guiding his teams to a record of 79-40-2.

Longtime broadcaster Verne Lundquist, perhaps best known as one of the leading play-by-play voices in college football, will be presented a Lifetime Achievement Award. Lundquist began his broadcasting career in Texas and was also the voice of the Dallas Cowboys’ radio network from 1967 to 1984. His assignments have also included NFL football on CBS, Olympic figure skating, national NBA broadcasts and more. From 2000 to 2016, Lundquist was the lead play-by-play announcer for SEC football on CBS and he continues to be among the network’s leading golf voices, continuing to call The Masters and the PGA Championship. He recently authored a book, Play by Play: Calling the Wildest Games in Sports – From SEC Football to College Basketball, the Masters and More.

Dwayne Haskins Jr. will receive the Washington Metro College Player of the Year Award after a spectacular season that saw him set 28 Ohio State and seven Big Ten Conference records, including single-season marks for yards passing (4,831) and passing touchdowns (50). He had nine 300-yard games and four 400-yard games, highlighted by the Big Ten championship game when he passed for 499 yards and five touchdowns in a win over Northwestern. Haskins, who played for Bullis School in Potomac, Md., before attending Ohio State, won Big Ten awards for offensive player and quarterback of the year and was one of three finalists for the Heisman Trophy. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten Conference honoree, Haskins is expected to be one of the top picks in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Coach Tom Verbanic, who guided Flint Hill to a second consecutive Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association capped by the team’s 22nd consecutive victory, is the Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year. Verbanic previously coached football at Fairfax and Westfield, leading the Bulldogs to Virginia public school state championships in 2003 and 2007. His teams have won 234 games over 29 seasons.

Verbanic will be joined by three of the Washington area’s top high school prospects:

·       DeMatha wide receiver and defensive back DeMarcco Hellams, an Alabama recruit, is the Maryland High School Player of the Year.

·       St. John’s defensive end Tre’Mon Morris-Brash, a Central Florida recruit, is the D.C. High School Player of the Year.

·       Westfield wide receiver and defensive back Taylor Morin, a Wake Forest recruit, is the Virginia High School Player of the Year.

“The DMV is known as a football hotbed and this year is no different with so many talented players,” Beck said. “Our high school players of the year are sensational. And at each step of his career, Coach Tom Verbanic has proven his ability to lead his players and mold them into fine young men. We are proud to honor all of them.”

The Maryland High School Player of the Year, Hellams repeatedly made big plays on both sides of the ball as he was helped the Stags advanced to the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference championship game. He had 78 catches for 1,469 yards and 21 touchdowns on offense and on defense tallied 12 interceptions (returning three for touchdowns) and 91 tackles.

The D.C. High School Player of the Year, Morris-Brash had 48 tackles, 15 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and forced five fumbles as the Cadets enjoyed an undefeated regular season. He was also named the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year.

The Virginia High School Player of the Year, Morin was a difference-maker on both sides of the ball. On offense, he had 48 catches for 979 yards and 18 touchdowns; on defense, he had 43 tackles and five interceptions, leading the Bulldogs to the Virginia 6A semifinals, where their 39-game winning streak came to an end.

Tables and a limited number of individual tickets can be purchased at dctouchdownclub.com/awards-dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Steve Beck at 301-370-5454 or sbeck@militarybowl.org. Proceeds benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s retreat for recovering service members.

DC Touchdown Club and The Team 980 Score Another Big Hit with True Heroes Golf Tournament!

ROCKVILLE, Md. – The rain stayed away and the DC Touchdown Club presented by Capital Bank N.A. enjoyed a wonderful day at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville as it partnered with the Team 980 to host the region’s best golf tournament and raise money for a pair of worthy causes focused on service members and veterans.

The True Heroes Golf Tournament featured a capacity field of nearly 300 golfers and benefited Patriot Point and the Purple Heart Foundation. Patriot Point is the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat on Maryland’s Eastern Shore for recovering service members.

“What a wonderful day,” Military Bowl Foundation Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We were worried about the weather, but it ended up being a spectacular day on the course. What a great job by Woodmont hosting the event. Special thanks to our sponsors and our partners at The Team 980 for helping make this such an awesome day.”

The DC Touchdown Club’s tournament sponsors included 3M, Capital Bank N.A., Under Armour, the American Athletic Conference, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, the Kimsey Foundation, L3 Technologies, Mission BBQ, Cassaday & Company, Washington Talent, Annie & Paul Norman and Janet Phillips.

Congratulations to the foursome of Nish Patel, Ben Ricker, Jeff Farrell and Ty Herroitt, who claimed first place in the scramble format with a score of 53. Mike Roster and Molly Murphy were the longest drive winners, while Military Bowl Foundation board member Larry Leber won the closest to the pin award by putting his tee shot within 4 feet 2 inches on the second hole of Woodmont’s North Course.

See pictures from the tournament by visiting our Facebook page.

The DC Touchdown Club is working on events for the fall and Touchdown Club members will enjoy first-class hospitality at the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman on Dec. 31 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis. For more information and the latest updates, visit www.dctouchdownclub.comor follow @DCTouchdownClubon Twitter.

The DC Touchdown Club presented by Capital Bank N.A. honored the region’s best and brightest in the game of football Sixth Annual 3M Awards Dinner

Bethesda, Md. -- The DC Touchdown Club presented by Capital Bank N.A. enjoyed a beautiful night as it honored a Super Bowl MVP, one of the best broadcasters in the business and one of the most influential college coaches of all-time at its sixth annual 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday night before a capacity crowd of more than 300.

With a handful of his former teammates and several co-workers in attendance, Washington Redskins executive and Super Bowl XXII Most Valuable Player Doug Williams was presented the Founder’s Award for all of his contributions to the game of football. Play-by-play announcer Mike Patrick, who worked 35 years at ESPN and was on the call for countless college football and basketball games, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

While he was unable to attend, longtime University of Maryland basketball coach Charles “Lefty” Driesell joined the Awards Dinner via a video call in order to be inducted into the Touchdown Club’s Circle of Legends.

Those awards highlighted a special evening as guests celebrated the best and brightest players in the Washington area.

“What an amazing night,” Military Bowl Foundation Executive Director Steve Beck said. “The 3M Awards Dinner is a memorable event, bringing together the top players and coaches and those who support the game throughout our region. We have been fortunate to honor so many great players and others who have done so much for the game. It really is a highlight of the year, and this was one of our best Awards Dinners yet!”

Proceeds from the Dinner benefit Patriot Point, the Military Bowl Foundation’s 290-acre retreat for recovering service members, their families and caregivers on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

The crowd included several former Timmie Award winners, retired military personnel, University of Maryland football coach DJ Durkin, University of Virginia football coach Bronco Mendenhall, several former Redskins players and local executives.

Following a cocktail reception, Chuck Driesell introduced his father, Lefty, to be inducted into the Circle of Legends, an honor for the top coaches ever in the Washington area.

After dinner, emcee Doc Walker of The Team 980 presented the local high school award winners. Hylton running back Ricky Slade Jr. was named the Virginia High School Player of the Year. St. John’s quarterback Kevin Doyle was named the D.C. High School Player of the Year. Wise defensive back A.J. Lytton was named the Maryland High School Player of the Year. Westfield’s Kyle Simmons, who has guided the Bulldogs to three consecutive Virginia 6A state championships, was named the Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year.

Durkin presented the Washington Metro College Player of the Year award to Maryland wide receiver DJ Moore, who led the Big Ten Conference in receiving this past season.

That set the stage for the night’s biggest awards. Former Washington sportscaster Kevin Kiley introduced Patrick, whose broadcasting career began after he opted not to try out for the George Washington University baseball team. Patrick went on to work 35 years at ESPN, including 17 as the voice of Sunday Night Football.

“There is a theme of dumb luck,” Patrick said. “But when the opportunity presented itself, I took advantage.”

Former Redskins wide receiver Gary Clark then introduced Williams, who told stories about his playing and coaching career. Williams enjoyed talking about his brief tenure as a high school head coach, when he directed his alma mater, Northeast High in Zachary, Louisiana, to a 13-1 season in 1993 that included a postseason victory over Peyton Manning’s team.

SUPER BOWL MVP DOUG WILLIAMS, ESPN’S MIKE PATRICK AND COACHING LEGEND LEFTY DRIESELL TO BE HONORED AT TOUCHDOWN CLUB 3M AWARDS DINNER

Washington Redskins executive and Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, who became the first African-American starting quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led the Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII, will receive the Founder’s Award for his contributions to the game of football at the DC Touchdown Club 3M Awards Dinner on Thursday, April 12 in Bethesda.

Williams has enjoyed success at every stage of his football career. As a college player at Grambling State, Williams guided the Tigers to a 36-7 mark as a starter and twice was named the Black College Player of the Year. Williams then went on to play nine seasons in the NFL and is best known for his performance in the Super Bowl, when he passed for 340 yards, threw four touchdown passes in the second quarter and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player in a 42-10 rout of the Denver Broncos.

Williams eventually moved into coaching, where he guided Grambling to three consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference titles. He then moved into administration, was hired by the Redskins in 2014 and in 2017 was named the team’s Senior Vice President of Player Personnel.

“Doug Williams is one of the football legends in our community,” DC Touchdown Club Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are ecstatic to be able to honor all he has done throughout his career.”

A graduate of George Washington University, Mike Patrick worked at WJLA-TV in Washington for eight years before joining ESPN in 1982. He worked at the network for 35 years, including 19 seasons as the voice of NFL Sunday Night Football, more than 30 ACC men’s basketball championships and 14 NCAA Women’s Final Fours. He will be presented with the Touchdown Club’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Charles “Lefty” Driesell became one of the nation’s most successful basketball coaches, having made his mark on the hardwood as he turned the University of Maryland into a national power. Driesell will be inducted into the Touchdown Club’s Circle of Legends, a group of the region’s best coaches.

Best known for his creative marketing and promotions, Driesell is credited as the founder of Midnight Madness to start preseason practice. He coached at Davidson, Maryland, James Madison and Georgia State, becoming the first coach ever to win more than 100 games at four different schools and earning conference Coach of the Year honors at each stop. He had an overall record of 786-394 with 21 conference regular season or tournament titles and 21 seasons with at least 20 wins. Driesell is a member of the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame and a finalist for the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame, which will announce this year’s inductees on March 31.

 “Lefty Driesell is one of the most beloved coaches of all-time, not just in Washington, and we are proud to honor his career. We are hopeful he will be able to join us,” Beck said. “And after spending his formative years in the Washington TV market, Mike Patrick became one of the best-known voices in sports broadcasting, calling so many big games with his familiar voice and laid-back, yet knowledgeable style. We look forward to celebrating his sensational career."

Williams, Driesell and Patrick will be joined by Washington Metro College Player of the Year DJ Moore of Maryland, High School Players of the Year Kevin Doyle, AJ Lytton and Ricky Slade and Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year Kyle Simmons of Westfield.

Tables and a limited number of individual tickets can be purchased at dctouchdownclub.com/awards-dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Steve Beck at 301-370-5454 or sbeck@militarybowl.org. Proceeds benefit Patriot Point, the DC Bowl Committee’s retreat for recovering service members.

DC TOUCHDOWN CLUB PRESENTED BY CAPITAL BANK N.A. ANNOUNCES LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE AWARD WINNERS

The DC Touchdown Club presented by Capital Bank N.A. is excited to announce the local slate of award winners for its sixth annual 3M Awards Dinner, which will be held on Thursday, April 12, in Bethesda, Md. once again will showcase the best and brightest players in the region.

The group is headlined by University of Maryland wide receiver DJ Moore, who this past season was named the Big Ten Conference Receiver of the Year and is expected to be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. Moore will receive the Washington Metro College Player of the Year award.

Moore will be joined by three of the Washington-area’s top high school prospects:

· Wise wide receiver and defensive back AJ Lytton, a Florida State recruit, is the Maryland High School Player of the Year.

· St. John’s quarterback Kevin Doyle, a Michigan recruit, is the D.C. High School Player of the Year.

· Hylton running back Ricky Slade, a Penn State recruit, is the Virginia High School Player of the Year.

Westfield’s Kyle Simmons is the Washington Metro Coach of the Year after guiding the Bulldogs to their third consecutive Virginia 6A championship, becoming the first team in the commonwealth since the 1950s to win three consecutive titles in the state’s largest classification.

“The D.C. area annually produces some of the top players in the nation and this year is no different,” DC Touchdown Club Executive Director Steve Beck said. “We are thrilled to honor DJ Moore as be begins the next step of his football journey. Our high school players of the year once again are a group of special people. And what Coach Kyle Simmons has accomplished at Westfield is simply amazing.”

Moore is the first wide receiver and the third Maryland player to win the Washington Metro College Player of the Year award. While Maryland struggled offensively this past season, Moore continued to produce. He set a school single-season record with 80 receptions for 1,033 yards and eight touchdowns.

The D.C. High School Player of the Year, Doyle transferred from the Philadelphia area to St. John’s for his senior season and he lived up to high expectations. Doyle passed for 22 touchdowns and was named The Washington Post’s All-Met Offensive Player of the Year as he led the Cadets to their first Washington Catholic league championship since 1989.

Lytton is the second consecutive Wise player to win the Maryland High School Player of the Year award. He was The Washington Post’s All-Met Defensive Player of the Year this past fall, continually making big plays on both sides of the ball as the Pumas increased their winning streak to 42 games with their third consecutive Maryland 4A undefeated championship season.

One of the nation’s most highly-regarded running backs, Slade was named the Virginia High School Player of the Year after rushing for 30 touchdowns this fall. He finished his incredible high school career with 5,540 yards rushing, 7,643 all-purpose yards and 89 touchdowns scored, plus the two touchdown passes he threw this past season.

Simmons was named the Washington Metro High School Coach of the Year after leading Westfield to a remarkable 15-0 season and Virginia 6A championship despite an inexperienced and youthful lineup. In seven seasons at the Chantilly school, Simmons has a career record of 89-10 with six district titles and the three state titles.

Tables and a limited number of individual tickets can be purchased at dctouchdownclub.com/awards-dinner. Sponsorship opportunities are also available by contacting Steve Beck at 301-370-5454 or sbeck@militarybowl.org. Proceeds benefit Patriot Point, the DC Bowl Committee’s retreat for recovering service members.