2022 Archive: 117th PSWA Banquet Announcement
****Announcements for the 2023 PSWA Banquet are rapidly forthcoming. Mark your calendar and join us January 23rd for what is poised to be another exceptional evening!****
117th PSWA DINNER RESCHEDULED FOR MAY 2, 2022
DICK VERMEIL, DOUG COLLINS AND MARK HOWE WILL BE THERE!
TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW FOR THIS ONCE IN A LIFETIME EVENT
After being benched for 2021 due to the pandemic and then bumped out of this past February for the same reason, the annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet has a new date – Monday May 2nd. The banquet will still be a special celebration of all-time Philly sports greats. PSWA President Jon Marks announced today that three major Philly sports figures will be on hand at the in person event, which promises to be one of the most exiting Philly sports banquets in years.
Former Eagles great Dick Vermeil, just elected to the NFL Hall of Fame, has accepted an invitation to be an honored guest at the DoubleTree By Hilton Cherry Hill (Formerly Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill). Vermeil, as all Philly sports fans are aware, led the team to its first Super Bowl ever in 1980. He also won an NFL title with the St. Louis Rams in 1999 and has been acknowledged as one of the greatest coaches in the history of the game.
Also reconfirmed to attend on the new date: Hockey Hall of Famer Mark Howe, whose time in Philadelphia defined his storied career. Howe made three All-Star appearances as a Flyer (1983, 1986, and 1988) and was a big part of the Flyers’ Stanley Cup runs in 1985 and 1987, making it to the finals. Statistically, Howe, the son of hockey legend Gordie Howe, is identified as the best defenseman in the history of the Philadelphia Flyers. His No. 2 was retired by the team in 2012.
All-time Sixers great Doug Collins will also attend. Collins was the first overall draft pick in the 1973 draft out of Illinois State, selected first by the Sixers. He spent eight years with the team, garnering four NBA All-Star selections until injuries slowed his career. He later coached the Chicago Bulls, Detroit Pistons and Washington Wizards before rejoining the Sixers as head coach in 2010. The Illinois State basketball court is currently named for Collins, Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
PSWA President Jon Marks: “We’re extremely happy to bring these Philadelphia icons together again with the Philly sports fan. It’s been a rough couple of years for everyone, so we believe this all-time event will be something to celebrate and remember for years to come!”Vermeil, Howe and Collins are the first of many who will be attending – other all-time Philadelphia legends will be taking part. Look for announcements of more all-time greats attending this year’s banquet over the next few weeks.
The 117th Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Banquet will take place on May 2nd, 2022, at the DoubleTree By Hilton Cherry Hill (Formerly Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill). Tickets are $95 and can be purchased online at www.phillysportswriters.com.