Championship Football Coach, Urban Meyer, To Inspire All
The All Sports Association will host its 56th Annual Awards Banquet on Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, from 5:30-10 p.m. at Northwest Florida State College. A key event for the association, the event honors outstanding athletes and people who have significantly contributed to youth sports in the area and nationally, recognizing excellence and character of worthy athletes in the categories of Professional, Amateur, Collegiate, Scholastic and Special Olympian.
Guest speaker, Urban Meyer, is one of the most successful and celebrated college football head coaches in recent history. Having coached 17 seasons as a head coach, Meyer is most well-known for his tenures at both the University of Florida and Ohio State University, where he earned three national championships (2008 and 2009–University of Florida; 2014 Ohio State University (OSU).
Though well-known for his football success, Meyer has been a key figure in community initiatives through his involvement in charitable organizations. He and his wife, Shelley Meyer, co-founded the Urban and Shelley Meyer Fund for Cancer Research, which focuses on raising money to support cancer research at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center. Meyer also helped shape a culture of responsibility and personal growth for student-athletes by developing the “Real Life Wednesdays” program during his tenure at Ohio State University.
Through this initiative, student-athletes were given opportunities to intern, network and gain real-life experience in various industries, preparing them for life after football. Currently, Urban Meyer works as a college football studio analyst on the Big Noon Kickoff show on Fox Sports, and serves as a co-host The Triple Option podcast.
Kevin Bowyer, All Sports Association President, shared his excitement about Meyer’s involvement. “We are thrilled to have Urban Meyer as our guest speaker this year. His contributions to college football and his commitment to nurturing young talent make him a perfect fit for our event. Our goal is to inspire and celebrate those who excel in athletics, and having a figure like Coach Meyer aligns perfectly with that mission,” Bowyer said.
Held every February, the Annual Awards Banquet celebrates top athletes from high school, college, amateur, professional and Special Olympic levels. It also acknowledges individuals who have made notable efforts in promoting youth activities. Several prestigious honors are awarded, including the Wuerffel Trophy, the Colonel Al Byrne Award and the Taylor Haugen Trophy.
The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to a college football player who shines not only on the field but also in community service and academics. The Colonel Al Byrne Award goes to a local individual who has shown exceptional support for youth sports. The Taylor Haugen Trophy, established in memory of Taylor Reid Haugen, a Niceville High School wide receiver who tragically passed away from football injuries in 2009, is awarded to an area athlete who best demonstrates a balance between academics, athleticism, leadership, community service and faith.
Based in Fort Walton Beach, the All Sports Association is a non-profit organization focused on supporting local youth sports programs. Founded in 1970, the association has raised over $2 million in the last 10 years, due to the support of its volunteers and supporters. These funds help various youth sports organizations and charitable causes, fostering the development of young athletes.
Key beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Special Olympics Florida-Okaloosa, Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center, and Okaloosa Walton FCA. The association’s dedication to youth sports and community development is also seen in its Hall of Fame, which honors individuals who’ve made significant contributions to sports in Northwest Florida.
Please join All Sports Association for a fun evening supporting this year’s award winners! Great food, auctions and more!
• Doors open for guests at 5:30 p.m.
• Banquet VIP starts at 4 p.m. (for corporate sponsors only)
• Seating starts at 6 p.m.
• Program starts at 6:45 p.m.
• Silent auction will take place from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
• Live auction will take place during the event
Single Ticket Purchases:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/all-sports-association-annual-awards-tickets-1146081453479
(Food is included with Single Ticket Purchases and the chance to be upgraded to VIP!)
**Please note that due to the nature of the event, all ticket sales for the All Sports Association Annual Awards Banquet are final, and no refunds will be issued. Thank you for your understanding.
For Banquet Table Sponsorship or donation options, please reach out to ASATickets850@gmail.com.
All Sports Association continues to celebrate and support youth athletics and the 56th Annual Awards Banquet promises to be another memorable event that aligns with its mission of fostering community spirit through sports. “This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young athletes and the community that supports them,” said Bowyer. “Having Urban Meyer speak adds an extra layer of inspiration that we hope will resonate with everyone involved!”
For more information, visit allsportsassociation.com or Facebook.com/AllSportsAssociation.
