After a three-year hiatus due to pandemic challenges, the University of Houston-Downtown’s Sports & Fitness department hosted its 25th Annual Awards Banquet. The event, which is one of the University’s oldest standing traditions, recognized the achievements of Gator athletes who participated in club sports, intramural sports, and fitness. 

Junior Deen LeBlanc was named Athlete of the Year based on his exceptional academic and athletic performance in various club and intramural sports. LeBlanc is also the recipient of the first Kevin Evans Memorial Scholarship. Former UHD wrestling coach Tim Sykes gave a moving tribute to Evans, a former UHD wrestler who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 2020. 

The department also awarded two other scholarships to UHD students and presented more than 75 awards to Student Athletes and staff. 

"I am exceptionally proud of all of our Gator Student Athletes' hard work as they balance sports, academic life and work," said Sports & Fitness Director Richard Sebastiani. "We want all of our award winners to feel celebrated, as shown through the attendees' energy and praise at Saturday's ceremony. We look forward to continuing this tradition of honoring our Student Athletes in the new Sports and Fitness Center next year, which will undoubtedly help aid the continued success of all our Gator Student Athletes."

In addition to the awards ceremony, guests enjoyed a live DJ, 360 video booth, and door prizes. The Skyline Lounge was also temporarily converted to “Club S&F (Sports & Fitness),” creating an electric atmosphere during the event after party. 

View the full list of nominees and awardees online.