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2022 Houston Sports Awards Nominees Announced

Dec 16, 2021

2022 Houston Sports Awards Nominees Announced

Justin Reid to Receive 2022 Sportsmanship Award

HOUSTON, TEXAS (December 16, 2021): – With a theme of Deuces Wild as a backdrop, the fifth annual Houston Sports Awards will celebrate the city’s legends, unforgettable moments, the 2022 Hall of Fame Class, and, of course, the year’s top athletes. One of these athletes, Justin Reid, is being honored with the 2022 Sportsmanship Award.

Reid, a Houston Texans fan favorite, is known not only for his on-field success but for his generosity and giving nature off the field.

During Hurricane Ida Reid stepped up to help, and raised money and collected supplies to support the affected communities. He also gives to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, and Kids’ Meals.

The NFL has also recognized Reid’s generosity, by nominating him for the league’s 2021 Walter Payton Man of the Year award—which is the most prestigious honor for the NFL.

The dedication and generosity Reid shows to his community have earned him the 2022 Sportsmanship Award. He follows in the footsteps of fellow Texans J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus as well as Carlos Correa who have won the award previously.

We look forward to honoring Justin Reid along with Hall of Fame inductees Clyde Drexler, Sheryl Swoopes, and Roger Clemens, and Lifetime Achievement recipient Bill Worrell.

And here are the nominees for the Houston Sports Awards which will be presented by Insperity on February 3, 2022, at the Wortham Center:

Athlete of the Year

Simone Biles, OLY – Won everything leading up to the Olympics, but withdrew from all but one event in Tokyo when she got the twisties. Earned a bronze medal on the balance beam and a silver team medal but took the opportunity to spotlight the mental health side of athletic competition.

Carlos Correa, Astros – One of the best shortstops in the game. Batted .279 with 26 homeruns and 92 RBIs and was the vocal clubhouse leader.

Yuli Gurriel, Astros – American League batting champion with a .319 average. At 37, became the oldest first baseman to win a Gold Glove.

Kyle Tucker, Astros – Outfielder came into his own, hitting 30 homeruns and batting .294, scoring 83 runs and driving in 92 runs. He also showed off his speed, stealing 14 bases.

College Athlete of the Year

Quentin Grimes, UH – American Athletic Conference Player of the Year and key player in UH’s Final Four run. Led the Cougars in scoring with 17.8 ppg and was second on the team with 5.8 rpg. He was a unanimous selection for the all-AAC team and was Most Outstanding Player of the AAC tournament. Sporting News third team All American.

DeJon Jarreau, UH – 2021 NCAA Midwest Regional Most Outstanding Player, American Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Ranked third in both scoring with 10.6 ppg. and rebounding with 5.4 rpg. Led team with 133 assists.

Marcus Jones, UH – Won 2021 Paul Hornung Award for the most versatile player in college football. Led the country in kickoff returns, averaging 34 yards per return and was fourth in punt returns with a 14.4 average. Was only player to return two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns. As a cornerback, he ranked second nationally with five interceptions. Also had 10 receptions for 109 yards and one touchdown as a wide receiver.

Nicole Mendes, OK — Hit .364 with 38 RBIs and 10 HRs to help the Sooners win the College World Series. Helped the team advance to the College World Series. Named to All-Tournament team. Played in the Summer Olympics for Team Mexico.

Coach of the Year

Tom Arrington, SJJC – Earned his 900th career win on April 28 before San Jacinto JC and ended the season finishing third in nation at the Alpine Bank Junior College (JUCO) World Series.

Dusty Baker, Astros – In his second season as manager, guided the American League West champions to their third World Series in five seasons.

Dana Holgorson, UH –After losing the first game of the season, Cougars won 11-straight to make the American Athletic Conference Championship game.

Kelvin Sampson, UH – Coached Cougars to a 28-4 record and to their first Final Four in 37 years. Finished No. 6 in final AP poll.

Moment of the Year

Correa Game 1 HR of ALCS – High fly “Correa time” homerun to left that put the Astros up 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh against Boston.

Astros clinching ALCS and going to World Series – Astros came back from a 2-1 ALCS series deficit to Boston to win three games in a row and advance to the World Series.

Cougars advance to Final Four – The No. 2 seed in the Midwest Regional, the Cougars beat Oregon State in the regional finals 67-61 to advance to the Final Four for the first time in 37 years.

Historical WTTC US/China pairing and medal – On the 50th anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy, the US and China pair up in mixed doubles in the World Table Tennis Championships to win the bronze medal.

The finalists are also listed on HoustonSportsAwards.com

All nominees are chosen by the Selection Committee which is comprised of sportswriters and electronic sports media members who live and work in the Greater Houston area.

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About the Houston Sports Awards

The fifth annual Houston Sports Awards will be on Thursday, February 3, 2022, at the Wortham Center. This star-studded awards show gathers together Houston’s top athletes, both past and present, to commemorate, celebrate and recognize Houston’s top sports achievements, sports icons, performers, and moments. For more information, please visit HoustonSportsAwards.com.

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