Greater Cleveland Sports Awards 

By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter

The 13th Annual Cleveland Sports Awards ceremony, at the Renaissance Hotel Downtown, was a great success this year. 

The most enjoyable part of the night, for me, was watching all of the people who wanted to be pictured with the great legendary boxing promoter Don King. I think many had to appreciate him and Cleveland State head basketball coach, Gary Waters, as they teamed up to present the “2012 Best Moments”.

Watch Don King on video click here 

The second best moment was when Cavalier, Kyrie Irving came in, excited for just being named to the All Star Team, and watching him smile while talking with his.

coach Byron Scott.Irvingwas then named the Pro Athlete of the Year, accepting the award from head coach, Byron Scott, and Cavs general manager, Chris Grant.

“I’m truly blessed and thankful for the opportunity that the NBA has afforded me,”Irvingsaid. “This is more of a blessing for our team and the city ofCleveland, and that’s what it’s mainly about. I’m just really happy and excited for this opportunity.”

During Coach Scott’s interview with the media he said, “I couldn't be more proud of him, it is a well deserved honor.”

“This night is not about celebrating championships, it’s all about celebratingClevelandas a sports city,” said David Gilbert, the head of the Cleveland Sports Commission. This night of nights with the stars, Gilbert stated, was sold-out for the second straight year and featured something for everyClevelandsports fan.

Mentorfootball was well represented, as senior quarterback Mitch Trubisky won the award for topClevelandhigh school athlete and his football team captured the award for bestClevelandsports moment with their thrilling triple overtime win over St. Ignatius in the Division I Regional Final.

The collegiate athlete of the year award was presented to the Kent State Baseball team, which made a historic run to the College World Series inOmahain 2012.

Amateur athlete of the year award went to Tianna Madison of Elyria, who won gold at the London Olympic Games.