On July 25th, the New York Sharks held an end-of-season and awards dinner. It was a fun way to close out the 2003 season and acknowledge the players who excelled during the year. The event was held at Douglaston Manor in Queens, New York.
After the buffet dinner, Sharks owner Andra Douglas started the awards portion of the evening by giving out 3 game balls. They were given to players who had played well but did not get a game ball during the regular season. The first one was given to Toni Salvatore for her great play on June 6th against the Miami Fury. The second game ball went to Rose Addison for her game against the Bay State Warriors in the IWFL Eastern Conference Championship Game. The last game ball went to Jen Blum who played outstandingly for the Sharks against the Sacramento Sirens in the IWFL Championship Game.
The evening proceeded with Andra thanking each player individually and giving them a certificate and a little football shaped memento.
After each player was thanked, Andra and Sharks general manager Crystal Turpin handed out the 2003 season awards. There were 9 categories of awards with players voting in 8 of them.
The first award to be given out for the evening was the Sharon Pascale Award. This award is given out each year and is named after Shark player Sharon Pascale who died in a car crash on Christmas Day, 2 years ago. The award is given to the player who exemplifies what Sharon represented on and off the field. Sharon was a wonderful loving person and incredible athlete and leader. She gave 100% to any activity she undertook and had so much passion for life and football. This award is a continuation of Sharon’s life achievements and will be a reminder of what she brought to the New York Sharks, not only as an athlete but as a friend.
This year the award went to Monica Marsh.
The award for Rookie of the Year went to Teresa Schirripa. Teresa received the most votes, with Karen Mulligan coming in second.
The Defensive Line MVP award went to Michelle Brown. Rose Addison came in second.
The Offensive Line MVP award went to Ridley Sperling. Debra Wasilewski and Suzette “Platinum” Crumley were tied for second in the voting.
The Iron Man award went to the best player who played on offense and defense. The winner was Missy Marmorale with Marsh coming in second.
The Most Improved Player award went to Toni Salvatore. Wanda Williams and Schirrippa came in tied for second.
The Defensive Player of the Year award went to Missy Marmorale. Marsh was second.
The Offensive Player of the Year award went to Val Halesworth. The runner-up was Liz Presto.
The last award given out that evening was the Leadership award. This award was not voted upon by the players but was selected by team owner Douglas. She picked Virginia “Cha Chi” Leon.