Villanova University Football Team Caps Championship Season With 2010 Wanamaker Award

SquashSmarts Honored with Robert P. Levy Community Service Award

PHILADELPHIA…June 29, 2010…The momentum from their first football national championship continued today as the City of Philadelphia, led by Commissioner of the Department of Parks and Recreation Mike DiBerardinis, and Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, presented the Villanova University Football Team with the 2010 John Wanamaker Athletic Award at a ceremony at the Wanamaker Building’s Crystal Tea Room.

The non-profit organization SquashSmarts received the Sports Congress’ Robert P. Levy Community Service Award for their outstanding contributions to children in the local communities. 

In December, Villanova overcame top-seed University of Montana 23-21 to win the NCAA Division I Football Championship.  Villanova finished the season 14-1, setting numerous school records in the process.  Among those accepting the award on behalf of Villanova were:  Andy Talley, head coach; Vince Nicastro, athletic director and Phil Matusz, tri-captain.

"After winning the National Championship, earning the Wanamaker Award is icing on the cake. The Wanamaker Award has so much history and tradition surrounding it,” said Talley. “The names of the individuals and teams who have won this prestigious award is a very impressive list. Being recognized in Philadelphia is very special. Villanova Football is excited to have earned this honor."    
The football team became the fourth Villanova team to be honored, following the men’s basketball teams in 1985 and 2006, and the women’s basketball team in 2003, as previous Wanamaker recipients. Two years ago, Andy Talley was also honored with the Community Service Award based on his work with the National Marrow Donor Program.

For the SquashSmarts organization, which operates out of Drexel University and North Philadelphia’s Lenfest Center, the Robert P. Levy Community Service Award was presented in appreciation for their work with area young people.  SquashSmarts combines the sport of squash with academic tutoring and mentoring for under-served, urban youth in order to develop self-esteem and discipline through academic, athletic and personal achievement.  Joining executive director Stephen S. Gregg in receiving the award was Sakora Miller, graduating senior captain.

“SquashSmarts kids commit to seven years of intensive academic, athletic and leadership training. For the third straight year, 100% of them are graduating from high school and going on to college.  It’s an honor to be recognized by the Philadelphia Sports Congress with the Robert P. Levy Community Service Award and a privilege to be in the company of another city champion with an equally perfect winning record, Villanova Football,” said Gregg.


“I am very proud to see these two wonderful representatives of our area recognized by the Sports Congress and our partners,” said David Montgomery, chairman, Philadelphia Sports Congress. “Both Villanova Football and SquashSmarts have much to be proud of, and serve as wonderful ambassadors for our community.”

The Philadelphia Sports Congress, Amerimar/Behringer Harvard, CBS-3, and the Philadelphia Daily News present the Wanamaker Award. The public participated in the Wanamaker Award nomination process via ballots in the Philadelphia Daily News and online during the month of April. The Wanamaker Selection Committee, consisting of a cross-section of sports and media representatives, made the final decision. CBS3’s Ukee Washington emceed the event.

Photos available upon request.


The Philadelphia Sports Congress (PSC), a division of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, www.PhiladelphiaUSA.travel, seeks to attract major sporting events and conventions to the Philadelphia area.