The countdown is on for one of West Virginia’s most celebrated sporting events of the year — the 78th Annual Victory Awards Dinner, hosted by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association (WVSWA). Tickets are now officially available for purchase.
Set to take place on May 4 at the Bridgeport Conference Center, this prestigious event honors outstanding athletic and coaching achievements from across the Mountain State. It is the oldest statewide sports awards ceremony in the U.S., proudly presented by the 92-year-old WVSWA.
This year’s dinner will feature the induction of legendary college football coach Nick Saban into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, a major highlight of the evening.
2025 Victory Award Winners
The evening will celebrate a long list of honorees, including top athletes, coaches, and contributors to West Virginia sports:
- Van Meter Award (High School Coach of the Year): Dave Marshall, Bridgeport Boys Basketball
- Morehouse Award (Sports Journalism): John Antonik, West Virginia University
- Kennedy Award (Football Player of the Year): Koi Fagan, Martinsburg
- Sam Huff/Howley Awards (Top Defensive Player & Linebacker): Anthony Flores
- Evans Award (Boys Basketball Player of the Year): Eli Sancomb, Wheeling Central
- Ostrowski Award (Girls Basketball Player of the Year): Alexis Bordas, Wheeling Park
- Dutton Award (Wrestler of the Year): Brock Kehler, University
- Lowery Award (Baseball Player of the Year): Carson Boober, Martinsburg
- McCoy Male Track Athlete of the Year: Ty Steorts, Hurricane
- McCoy Female Track Athlete of the Year: Alyssa Sauro, Williamstown
- Doug Huff Award (Leadership & Hustle): Jameson Maynard, Wheeling Park
- Softball Player of the Year: Laila Varney, Herbert Hoover
- Volleyball Player of the Year: Myleigh Smell, Bridgeport
- Boys Soccer Player of the Year: Coby Dillon, Woodrow Wilson
- Girls Soccer Player of the Year: Mia Lough, Charleston Catholic
- Stydahar Award (Top Football Lineman): Wes Brown, Bridgeport
- House Award (Top Quarterback): Dane Hatfield, Herbert Hoover
- Warner Award (Top Running Back): Brennan Wack, Wheeling Park
- Moss Award (Top Receiver): Malachi Thompson, Nitro
- Lee Award (Top Defensive Back): Zah Jackson, Huntington
- Walker Award (Top Special Teams): Jordan Price, Huntington
- Kennedy Scholarships: Conner Lambert (Wahama), Noah Vellaithambi (Hurricane)
Two of the most anticipated honors—the Furfari Award for College Coach of the Year and the Hardman Award for Athlete of the Year—will be announced next week.
Get Your Tickets Now
Advance tickets are $35 and must be purchased by April 29. No tickets will be sold at the door.
Tickets can be obtained through:
- Doug Huff in Wheeling
- Jim Workman at Wally’s & Wimpy’s Sports Digest
- Jay Bennett at the Parkersburg News-Sentinel
This event is open to the public and promises to be an unforgettable evening of celebration, recognition, and West Virginia pride. Don’t miss your chance to be part of sports history in the making!
