Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame to honor Berry, Parker

There was a lot of orange when the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced the names of 10 honorees Wednesday to be recognized at its annual awards banquet and induction ceremony on Feb. 20 at the Renaissance Hotel in Nashville.

University of Tennessee All-American Eric Berry is being recognized as the Male Amateur Athlete of the Year. Berry was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and was the winner of the Jack Tatum Award, presented annually to the best defensive back in the country.

Former UT All-American Candace Parker was named both Female Amateur Athlete of the Year and Professional Athlete of the Year. Parker was named both the John R. Wooden and Naismath Player of the Year. Parker also was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year staring for the Los Angeles Sparks leading the league in rebounds and placing second in blocked shots. Parker also helped the U.S. win the gold medal in women’s basketball at the Beijing Olumpics.

Also being recognized as Female Amateur Athlete of the Year is Josie Earnest of Vanderbilt, the 2008 NCAA Bowler of the Year.

A pair of former UT standouts shared Male Professional Athlete of the Year. Left tackle Chad Clifton of the Green Bay Packers was named to the Pro Bowl in 2008. Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was named to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2009 and finished fourth in the voting for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Three collegiate Tennessee teams will be recognized as Amateur Team of the Year. The Lady Vols won the NCAA basketball championship, Lee University won the NAIA women’s soccer national championship and Bethel College won the men’s soccer NAIA championship.

The Tennessee Titans will be recognized as the Professional Team of the Year. The Titans finished the regular 2008-09 season with the NFL’s best record of 13-3 and the AFC’s No. 1 seed.

Tickets for the awards banquet and induction ceremony are available from the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame for $125. For more information, call 615-242-4750.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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