College football fans made their voices heard and selected the best college football player in the country. AT&T* announced today that University of Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, the only major college football award chosen exclusively by fans. Receiving more than 137,000 text votes, McCoy is the people's choice for best college football player in the nation.

McCoy led his team in total offense with 3,328 passing yards and 368 rushing yards, averaging 308 yards per game. During the Longhorns' undefeated season, he threw 27 passes for touchdowns and rushed for three. McCoy's 70.5 completion percentage ranks third nationally. McCoy is the first player in the school's history to be nominated twice as a Heisman finalist. In addition, he won AT&T's All-America Player of the Week in week 13 when he passed for 304 yards and ran for a career-high 175 yards with five total touchdowns in Texas' win at Texas A&M. He beat out an impressive field of nominees for the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, including University of Alabama running back and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram placing second, and University of Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and University of Florida quarterback Tim Tebow, placing third and fourth, respectively.

"AT&T congratulates Colt on having a spectacular season and for winning the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award," said Jamie Kerr, senior manager, AT&T National Sponsorships.

"We are proud to offer this unique award that enables fans to vote for the player they believed excelled on the field throughout the entire season. Congratulations again to Colt and the other nominees, and thanks to all the college football fans who participated and voted all season long."

Fans - regardless of wireless carrier - were invited to submit a text message to vote for their pick among the following candidates:

• Colt McCoy (University of Texas)
• Mark Ingram (University of Alabama)
• Ndamukong Suh (University of Nebraska)
• Tim Tebow (University of Florida)

Polls stayed open until midnight ET Wednesday, Jan. 6. In addition to the AT&T All-America Player of the Year award, AT&T offered fans the chance to vote for the AT&T All-America Player of the Week awards through text message voting, all season long.

Last year, Texas Tech quarterback Graham Harrell was honored as the AT&T All-America Player of the Year, edging out Heisman Trophy winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, Texas' Colt McCoy and Florida's Tim Tebow.

AT&T customers can view video highlights and photos of each candidate and track select teams through AT&T's wireless NCAA Football Portal, which is accessible on AT&T handsets equipped with AT&T MEdia(TM) Net by launching the application and clicking through to the sports category.

Through the AT&T MEdia Net, fans can also download fight song ringtones from more than 150 colleges and universities. Animated screensavers and 3-D mobile wallpaper are available for more than 100 colleges and universities.

 

SOURCE AT&T Inc.

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) recently announced it has signed Tim George Jr. as a developmental driver to compete full-time in the 2010 ARCA Racing Series, presented by RE/MAX.

As the season is scheduled to start on February 6, 2010 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, FL., RCR will field the No. 31 Chevrolet Impala for Tim throughout the twenty-race ARCA Series season. A crew chief will be named at a later date.

"The goal of RCR's driver development program is to enhance and strengthen the skills needed to compete at NASCAR's top levels," explains Mike Dillon, Vice President, Competition for RCR who also oversees the Driver Development Program. "A second season in the ARCA Series will allow Tim to further develop his driving skills in a stock car since he only has one year of experience. We'll put together a strong crew chief and team that will allow Tim the opportunity to develop his talents to the fullest."

In the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series, his rookie season, Tim finished 11th in point standings, with a best finish of 5th at New Jersey after starting second-to-last. Tim made his RCR debut on November 13, 2009 at the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series race at Phoenix International Raceway, qualifying 26th and finishing 29th after getting caught up in an accident on lap 132.

"I am honored by the opportunity to work with, and learn from, Richard Childress, Mike Dillon and the rest of the RCR team. I am ready to absorb as much as possible in 2010 from the wealth of knowledge that the organization holds," says Tim. "My No. 1 goal is to enhance my ability at setting up these cars. Another season in the ARCA Series will allow me to better focus on such. At the moment, we are in the process of finding the right crew chief that will help me learn the most. I'm looking forward to testing with my new team at Daytona later this month."

About Tim George Jr.: Tim George Jr. has transformed his childhood passion into a professional motorsports career, with the ultimate goal of becoming a NASCAR Spring Cup Series driver. In 2009, Tim competed in the 2009 ARCA RE/MAX Series, and select Grand-Am Rolex events, NASCAR Truck, Nationwide and Whelen Series events. Graduating from the University of Miami with a B.A. in English and a Double Minor in History and Economics, Tim was drawn to motorsports in 2004, catering events for the Ferrari Challenge Series. By 2007, Tim was competing in the Grand-American Koni Challenge Series where he earned a podium experience in his first season of professional motorsports. Tim moved up to compete in the Grand-Am Rolex Series with The Racer's Group. Earning the title of 2008 MESCO "Building for the Future" Rolex Rookie of the Year, Tim finished fourth place in the Rolex GT Championship.

SOURCE Tim George Jr.

Calling all coaches--- Little League, Pop Warner, Police Athletic League, college, professional, football, soccer, hockey, baseball, current or past ---you're invited to join Eagles' wide receiver DeSean Jackson as he hosts The DeSean Jackson Show live from the aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel, beginning at 7 p.m. on Dec. 21. Tight end Brent Celek will join the event to sign autographs and mingle with the crowd at the aloft's w xyz Bar.

Coaches Are Also Pals

Most athletes can identify at least one coach who has had a profound impact on his or her life. Great coaches foster positive self-image, athletic prowess, learning and self-actualization. Plus, studies show that getting kids involved in athletics early reduces the chances of childhood obesity.

On Dec. 21, the night belongs to coaches. Not only will Jackson host his one-hour ESPN radio show in front of a live audience and, as always, pepper his commentary with his favorite game stories, but coaches and their guests will also have the chance to make a difference in the lives of children. All admission fees are donated to the Police Athletic League (PAL) of Philadelphia to fund health education that will impact the lives of Philly's future athletes. Can it get any better? It sure can!

Celek will arrive as Jackson's show wraps up and will be on hand to meet the coaches, sign autographs and take pictures. Throughout the evening, coaches and their guests will enjoy drinks and food specials.

"aloft Philadelphia Airport Hotel is thrilled to have the Eagles' hot and up-and-coming players at this hot and up-and-coming hotel. DeSean and Brent are two of the Eagles' most dynamic players. Hats Off to Coaches Night is an opportunity to pay tribute to coaches who have invested their time and energy in the physical and emotional growth of their teams. And, of course, what better team players to have on hand to lead the round of applause for that special group of people who willingly give of their time and talent," said aloft Philadelphia Airport Director of Sales and Marketing, Nina Timani.

Not a coach but know a great one? E-mail the details about what makes your coach noteworthy and/or a picture and he or she will be recognized at "Hats Off to Coaches" Night.

About Hats Off to Coaches Night

Admission is $10 and includes food and fun with Jackson and Celek. Proceeds will be donated to PAL to fund health education for disadvantaged inner-city youth, directly impacting the lives of Philly's future athletes. To reserve a spot for the event, RSVP by December 18 to (215) 884-6499 or e-mail Nicole@comsolutionsgroup.com.

As the United Football League's "Premiere" season is coming to a close, the League announced today that its season-end recognition awards will be determined by the fans through online voting and texting. The UFL's Championship Game, featuring the Florida Tuskers and the Las Vegas Locos, will be held on November 27th in Las Vegas at Noon PST. The UFL also announced that its fans will determine the Championship Game MVP using a text messaging campaign to vote. Candidates for the award will be announced at the beginning of the fourth quarter during the VERSUS telecast.

Beginning today, fans can vote online at www.ufl-football.com for the UFL's Motorola Season MVP and Men's Wearhouse Coach of the Year. On November 22nd, fans can vote for StubHub's Fan Favorite Play of the Year. Fans will have the opportunity to vote for the Title ElectroEnergy Drink Championship Game MVP during the game's fourth quarter via text messaging.

"The UFL is truly about the fans and we wanted to make sure their voices were heard when recognizing coaches and players at the conclusion of our 'Premiere' season," said Michael Huyghue, UFL Commissioner. "By utilizing our website and text messaging platforms, we are integrating all forms of communication to engage our fans."

The UFL was developed to fulfill the unmet needs of football fans in major markets currently underserved by professional football by providing a high quality traditional football league comprised of world class professional football players. The UFL will serve the communities with pride, dedication and passion, and uphold a leadership role in the development of football worldwide. The UFL will provide every fan with an affordable, accessible, exciting and entertaining game experience. Scheduled to debut in October 2009, the UFL's headquarters is in New York, N.Y. and has satellite offices in Jacksonville, Fla. and Rutherford, N.J. The UFL is led by Commissioner Michael Huyghue, COO Frank Vuono and is being funded by a consortium of private investors. For more information on the UFL and how to purchase tickets for the UFL's "Premiere" season, please visit www.ufl-football.com. For group ticket sales, please call 877.UFL.2009.

SOURCE UFL

 Lori Alf, Owner of Palm Beach Ice Works, is thrilled to announce that figure skating luminary Patrick Chan has signed on to train at the new rink in West Palm Beach. The World medalist and his trainer Don Laws have chosen the rink located at 1590 North Florida Mango Road as Patrick's major training facility for his Olympic medal pursuit.

Lori Alf, who bought and developed the ice rink, stated, "I feel so blessed to have created a facility that can attract figure skaters of Patrick Chan's caliber. It's hard to describe how proud I feel watching him skate there."

Patrick Chan is a Canadian figure skater who first took to the ice at the age of five. He has since dominated Canada's skating scene with his most recent accomplishments including the 2009 Four Continents champion, the 2009 World silver medalist, the 2007 World Junior silver medalist and the 2008 & 2009 Canadian Champion. Don Laws became Chan's primary trainer in 2007.

Lori Alf continues, "I've done really well for myself by just staying committed...and being goal oriented. One reason I created the rink is because I see sports as a great way to transfer that quality to kids. I also can't imagine a better role model for the young skaters here than Patrick Chan."

Palm Beach Ice Works is located just one minute north of the West Palm Beach Airport, and has a 200x100 feet (Olympic size) rink in order to create an optimal training environment for the competitive skater. The small country club like atmosphere enforces goal-oriented conditioning for both the figure skater and serious ice hockey player. The rink provides facilities and services such as off-ice conditioning, an indoor running track, Dartfish (sport video training), Ballet and Pilates, and Sports Psychology. There will also be a half pad of ice (60x120 feet) that will offer an introduction to figure skating and beginner hockey.

Lori Alf is also CEO of technology solutions company Tracking Innovations. For more information on the rink please visit www.palmbeachiceworks.com.

SOURCE Palm Beach Ice Works

The National Football League, Prilosec OTC® and Pro-Football Hall-of-Fame Member John Madden announced today the creation of the first annual Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC. The award will celebrate the important role linemen play in their team's success and honor the NFL's best offensive linemen based on their 2009 regular season performance.

While most attention is typically focused on more glamorous performances by quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers, the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award will commemorate the accomplishments of a high-performing group of offensive linemen and their unique ability to provide protection for their teammates. The inaugural Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award will be presented Super Bowl XLIV Week in Miami, Florida.

As a proud five-year sponsor of the NFL, Prilosec OTC is presenting this award to recognize the loyal protectors who serve as the backbone of every NFL team - just as Prilosec OTC provides powerful OTC protection against frequent heartburn. As an authority who appreciates the weekly battles in the trenches, John Madden understands the importance of great offensive line play and is an ideal ambassador for recognizing the NFL's best offensive line.

"I am happy that Prilosec OTC has created an annual award that recognizes the NFL's best offensive linemen," said John Madden. "The guys up front are the ones that provide powerful protection, just like Prilosec OTC."

NFL® fans who want powerful protection against frequent heartburn, or heartburn that occurs two or more days a week, can take a 14-day course of Prilosec OTC to maximize game day fun.

During this season's NFL Playoffs in January 2010, fans will have the opportunity to cast their vote for the NFL's best offensive line by visiting www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com. Criteria for selecting the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award winner will take into account statistics from the full season's performance, a combination of opinions from the NFL, and fan voting.

For more information on the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award presented by Prilosec OTC, visit www.MaddenProtectorsAward.com.

©2009 NFL Properties LLC. All NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League.

SOURCE Procter & Gamble

Every die-hard sports fan has at one time or another gone on a sports-watching marathon, logging hours of non-stop sports viewing all for the sake of fandom. ESPN Zone wants to reward those that do it best with its ninth-annual "Ultimate Couch Potato" competition, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 1, 2010.

ESPN Zone's New York, Chicago, and Baltimore locations are seeking four Couch Potato hopefuls at each site to go head-to-head to see who can watch the most continuous hours of televised sports. The Guinness Book of World Records mark for most continuous hours of televised sports watching is 69 hours, 48 minutes, set by Suresh Joachim in 2005.

2009 UCP Champ Jessica Mosley sat for an unofficial Guinness record of 70 hours, 45 minutes in 2009.

To enter ESPN Zone's Ultimate Couch Potato competition, hopefuls must send an e-mail to couchpotato@espnzone.com, and in 200 words or less, describe why they have what it takes to become ESPN Zone's Ultimate Couch Potato. Entries will be judged on passion for sports, competitive spirit and overall creativity. Each entry must include the phone number and mailing address of the sender and be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (ET) on December 9, 2009. Eight finalists will be chosen at each site, who will then take part in an on-camera interview to see just how deeply their fandom runs, before four finalists are chosen to compete for the title of Ultimate Couch Potato.

"People see ESPN Zone as the ultimate sports bar and ESPN as the gold standard in sports broadcasting, which makes us perfect for hosting a search for the ultimate sports-loving couch potato," said Christine Baum, national director of marketing, sales and communications for ESPN Zone. "Everyone knows someone out there that fits the description of Couch Potato; we want to sift through the spuds to find the Ultimate Couch Potato."

Potential Ultimate Couch Potatoes must remain in one of ESPN Zone's recliner chairs located in the front row of the sports mecca's "Screening Room." A wall of HDTVs will air non-stop sports programming until the last contestant throws in the towel. Participants can order unlimited food and beverages (excluding alcohol), but they may not sleep or leave their chair; restroom breaks are permitted every eight hours.

Each of the three winners of ESPN Zone's Ultimate Couch Potato competition (one in New York, one in Chicago and one in Baltimore) will receive a grand prize package worth over $4,000, which includes a customized XZipit(TM) recliner, a $1,000 gift certificate to Best Buy to buy their own HD TV, one year of free cable or satellite television, $1,000 in gift certificates and game cards to ESPN Zone and, of course, the Ultimate Couch Potato Champion's trophy complete with a real live spud. All participants will receive an ESPN Zone gift pack for participating.

For more information, visit www.espnzone.com/ultimatecouchpotato.

SOURCE ESPN Zone

To celebrate his 50th birthday Austin businessman Steve Hicks hosted 100 friends at a Caribbean getaway; Jimmy Buffet and the Beach Boys entertained. Hicks turns 60 in February and will mark the milestone in a dramatically different way: rallying 49 people to join him in bicycling 850 miles across Texas.

On March 6, 2010 Hicks and his fellow bicyclists will set out from the Louisiana/Texas border and head west, averaging 60 miles a day. Starting from Orange, they'll wind up in Presidio two weeks later on March 20.

Hicks, owner and executive chairman of Capstar Partners, conceived of the ride, the Rise Across Texas Challenge, as a fundraiser for the Rise Schools of Texas, which educate typical children alongside those with developmental disabilities. Lance Armstrong is the ride's honorary captain; Mack Brown and Gene Stallings are honorary coaches.

Hicks is appealing to riders as determined as he is. "For my 50th I showed lots of people a good time, but for my 60th I want to give something back to the world," he says. "Some adventurous types have already signed on for the full ride. Anyone raising a minimum can join for part of the ride, too."

Proceeds will launch a campaign to build a permanent home for the Rise School in Austin, which currently leases space. Subsequent funds will benefit Rise Schools in Dallas, Houston, and Corpus Christi.

Hicks is not an elite biker -- far from it, at least now. When not recruiting sponsors, he's relearning something that one proverbially never forgets. "I got my cycling merit badge as a Boy Scout, and that's pretty much it," he says. "Right now I'm trying to get used to being on the bike without falling." Never fear, though: Kevin Livingston, six-time Tour de France Rider and U.S. National Champion, has agreed to train the riders for their venture.

Towns slated as ride stops include Kountze, Montgomery, Brenham, Bastrop, Austin, Wimberley, Kerrville, Leakey, Brackettville, Del Rio, Sanderson, Marathon, and Marfa.

Event sponsors to date include DMX, Harden Healthcare, Livestrong, Mellow Johnny's, Pedal Hard and Texas Monthly. Trek Travel is the official bike tour operator.

For more information on the Rise Across Texas Challenge, please visit riseacrosstexas.org

SOURCE Rise Across Texas Foundation

Amtrak put their Northeast Corridor passengers into the spirit of the upcoming Amtrak Series today by polling passengers on board two trains running between New York and Philadelphia about their baseball team preferences. The fans polled aboard Amtrak Acela Express trains #2165 and #2170 chose the New York Yankees over the Philadelphia Phillies by a 1.7-to-one margin. Participating passengers were given their team's official Championship Series t-shirt for voicing their preference.

Three hundred thirty-four (334) passengers received Yankee tee-shirts, and 197passengers favored the Phillies tee-shirts.

For all baseball fans, a World Series involving two east coast powerhouses means that Amtrak is the best way for fans to travel to the games.

Few American icons have a history as closely linked as that of baseball and train travel. From the beginning of "the national pastime," baseball players have traveled by train. When the Phillies and Yankees met in 1950, the teams traveled by train, and for this year's World Series, appropriately dubbed the Amtrak Series, the most convenient and comfortable way for fans and players to travel is on board Amtrak.

Amtrak offers three services between New York and Philadelphia - Acela Express, Northeast Regional, and Keystone. There are 15 Acela Express frequencies in each direction, 21 Northeast Regional frequencies in each direction, and 10 Keystone frequencies in each direction every weekday, making it convenient for Phillies and Yankee fans to travel to see their teams. Reservations can be made online at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL. Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn double points for travel - including to the Amtrak Series -- through December 19 just by registering at Amtrakguestrewards.com.

The Amtrak Series features the hometown teams from two of Amtrak's busiest stops - New York and Philadelphia. During fiscal year 2009, New York was Amtrak's busiest train station with more than 7.8 million passengers boarding or alighting at Penn Station. Philadelphia's 30th Street Station ranked third, with 3.7 million Amtrak passengers using the station to board or detrain (Washington, DC was second).

In addition to fans, the Yankees and Phillies players will also be traveling to the World Series by train just as their predecessors did when the teams first met in the 1950 World Series. This year the Phillies and Yankees will be traveling via chartered trains, just as professional teams from all of the major sports have this year. During fiscal year 2009 Amtrak operated 32 sports charters including six for Major League Baseball teams. These chartered trains allow players and coaches to travel in a relaxed atmosphere before and after their games.

Fans can do the same. Amtrak's Acela Express and Northeast Regional services offer passengers wide seats with lots of leg room and a cafe car with a wide selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, making the 91-mile trip between New York and Philadelphia a home run! Reservations for a trip to the Amtrak Series can be made at Amtrak.com.

Source: Amtrak

NBA Star/Author and CEO of Christie Sports Management Athletes Training Firm Doug Christie will be inducted into Pepperdine University Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 25, 2009, at the Warner Center Marriott in Woodland Hills, Calif. A reception will be held at 5 p.m., with dinner and the awards presentation at 6 p.m.

The Pepperdine University Department of Athletics has announced that seven of its all-time greats, Doug Christie, Geoffrey Clark, Bob Ctvrtlik, Katherine Hull, Kelly Jones, John Rettberg and Rod Wilde will all be honored at the ceremony.

"The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame is enriched each year as they continue to add some of the most distinguished and accomplished student-athletes in the program's history," said Pepperdine Director of Athletics John Watson. "These are seven individuals that are very well deserving of this honor. We look forward to honoring them and recognizing their achievements, both what took place at Pepperdine and in their professional lives."

The Pepperdine Athletics Hall of Fame was established in 1980. These seven will join 77 individuals and 12 teams that have already been enshrined.

To be eligible for induction, nominees must have competed, coached for or rendered an extraordinary service to Pepperdine University Athletics. After a list of nominations was gathered, Pepperdine's Hall of Fame Committee made the decision on this year's inductees.

"I'm extremely honored to have been chosen for this years' Pepperdine Hall of fame induction along with such an elite class. My years attending Pepperdine were some of the best of my life, from all of my teammates and their diligence, hard work and support, to Coaches, Tom Asbury, Bob Hawkins, Bob Williams and David Campbell, and all the wonderful staff I am forever grateful," states Doug Christie, on the heels of a stellar 14 year NBA career where Doug played with NBA teams such as the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers. Christie established himself as a premier perimeter defender. During his seasons with the Sacramento Kings (2000-2005) Christie was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team consecutively, as well as being named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, and was also recognized as one of the league's best all around players. Christie has since co-written a best selling book with his wife Jackie, titled: No Ordinary Love, A True Story of Marriage and Basketball! as well as in 2009 Doug founded Christie Sports Management Athletes Training Firm, his company that trains athletes and NBA players in Mind, Body and Basketball. This induction is a solid testament to the strong foundation Doug received while attending Pepperdine University and carries with him throughout his professional career and beyond.

About Pepperdine: Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The University is located on 830 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. The University is recognized nationally for its excellent academic programs and enrolls approximately 7,500 full-time and part-time students in its five colleges and schools.

About Doug Christie: Doug Christie Former Pepperdine Wave ... Played three seasons (1989-90 through 1991-92) ... A guard/forward from Seattle, Wash. ... A two-time All-American (1991 and 1992) ... The WCC Player of the Year in both 1991 and 1992 ... MVP of the 1992 WCC Tournament ... A four-time WCC Player of the Week ... As a senior, led team in scoring (19.5), assists (4.8) and steals (2.0) ... As a junior, led team in scoring (19.1), assists (4.8) and steals (2.2) ... As a sophomore, averaged 8.9 points and led the team in assists (4.0) ... Ended his career #13 on Pepperdine's all-time scoring chart with 1,392 points (now #15) ... On career lists, still ranks #3 in assists (395), #3 in steals (168) and #10 in blocked shots (86) ... Team won both the WCC regular season and the WCC Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament in both 1991 and 1992 ... Selected in the first round (17th overall) of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Seattle SuperSonics ... Had a 15-year career in the NBA.

For more information visit:

www.dougchristie.com

www.pepperdine.edu

SOURCE Christie Sports Management/Athlete Training Firm