Given to SC columnist who most exhibited quality, knowledge, and consistency throughout 2002.
Winners Brad Oremland, Vishal Patel (2002 runner-up)
Runners-up (tie) Doug Graham, Jose Lemeiux, Ryan Noonan, Mike Round


2. Pro Athlete of the Year

Given to athlete who had largest impact on their sport and exhibited superiority in their league in 2002.
Winner Barry Bonds (MLB, SF, 2002 winner)
Runners-up (tie) Lance Armstrong (BIKE), Rich Gannon (NFL, OAK)


3. MLB Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete who best exhibited greatness in Major League Baseball in 2002.
Winner Barry Bonds (SF, 2002 winner)
Runner-up Randy Johnson (ARI)


4. NBA Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete(s) who best exhibited greatness in the National Basketball Association in 2002.
Winners (tie) Jason Kidd (NJ), Shaquille O'Neal (LAL, 2002 co-winner)
Runner-up Tracy McGrady (ORL)


5. NFL Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete who best exhibited greatness in the National Football League in 2002.
Winner Rich Gannon (OAK)
Runner-up Priest Holmes (KC)


6. NHL Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete who best exhibited greatness in the National Hockey League in 2002.
Winner Mario Lemieux (PIT)
Runner-up Jose Theodore (MTL)


7. College Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete who best exhibited greatness in the collegiate ranks in 2002.
Winner Ken Dorsey (MIA)
Runner-up Jay Williams (DUKE, 2002 Runner-up)


8. Other Sports Athlete of the Year

Given to the athlete who best exhibited greatness in other professional sports in 2002.
Winner Lance Armstrong (BIKE)
Runner-up Tiger Woods (PGA)


9. Coach of the Year

Given to coach who lead his team the best through diversity and hardship, or exhibited brilliance in 2002.
Winner Mike Scioscia (MLB, ANA)
Runners-up (tie) Bill Belichick (NFL, NE), Andy Reid (NFL, PHI), Scotty Bowman (NHL, DET)


10. Highlight Reel Player of the Year

With their amazing plays and performances, these players sometimes draw more attention than the sport they play in, or the team they play for. These players keep fans on their feet and bring a level of excitement and energy like no one else in 2002.
Winner Mike Vick (NFL, ATL)
Runners-up (tie) Terrel Owens (NFL, SF), Barry Bonds (MLB, SF), Tracy McGrady (NBA, ORL)


11. Elite Sports Team of the Year

These elite championship teams shows dominance in their respective sport in 2002 and now compete head-to-head for this crown.
Winner Detroit Red Wings (NHL, DET)
Runner-up L.A. Lakers (NBA, LAL)


12. Youngster of the Year

These young guns electrified their sport in2 002 with amazing performances rare at such a young age.
Winner Mike Vick (NFL, ATL)
Runners-up (tie) Jose Theodore (NHL, MTL), Alfonso Soriano (MLB, NYY)


13. Best Sports Commentator

Sports are enjoyable because of what happens on the court, field, or floor, but some television commentators have the unique ability to bring added insight and an expert view of the game to fans. These commentators were the best of the best in 2002.
Winners (tie) Ron MacLean (NHL, CBC), Joe Buck (MLB/NFL, FOX)
Runners-up (tie) Cris Collinsworth (NFL, FOX), Joe Morgan (MLB, ESPN), Marv Albert (NBA, ABC/TNT/MSG)


14. Best Sports Show

Diehard fans crave more and more sports coverage, news, or entertainment on TV. Here are the best of the best.
Winner Pardon the Interruption (ESPN)
Runner-up SportsCenter (ESPN)


15. Comeback Player of the Year

These heroic, surprising players shocked the sports world with their sudden emergence into the spotlight.
Winner Tommy Maddox (NFL, PIT)
Runner-up Saku Koivu (NHL, MTL)


Thanks for reading! We'll be back next year around this time with the 2004 Awards for the 2003 year in sports.

Discuss the awards on the message boards!

Credits

* Thanks to Lee Manchur for his help in the awards process.

* Thanks to Nate Spencer for his graphics work.

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