National Football Coaching Insider to Present af2's top coaching honor at ArenaCup8

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 23, 2007--After spending the past two years removed from his home state following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, Northwest Louisiana native and national football-coaching insider Aaron S. Lee returns to both football and the Ark-La-Tex to present the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award during halftime of ArenaCup8, presented by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, which will be played Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8pm ET at Bossier City's CenturyTel Center and televised nationally on Comcast for the second year in a row.

Lee, a graduate of Minden High School 30 miles east of Shreveport now resides in Austin after joining the public relations department at Sportexe, one of the global leaders in the synthetic turf industry, in November 2006. Lee, a 12-year sports writing veteran and football-coaching insider immediately made an impact with the launch of the Sportexe Football Coach of the Year award, which has been adopted by arenafootball2 as an official league award.

"We're very pleased to have Aaron Lee here on behalf of Sportexe to present Rich Ingold with the 2007 af2 Coach of the Year Award," said af2 President Jerry Kurz. "Ingold has proved himself to be a cut above the rest among his peers this year and is truly deserving of this honor."

The Sportexe Football Coach of the Year award honors the top head football coaches from high school, collegiate and professional ranks for both outdoor and indoor leagues throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe.

"I am extremely proud of being named the Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year," said University of Houston head coach Art Briles upon receiving the award following the 2006 season. "Aaron is one of the reasons this award is so special because I know his dedication and involvement in our industry, and I know that he keeps a close tab on who's doing what in our profession."

Lee, a former managing editor for American Football Monthly, the nation's top football-coaching publication, has served as a sports writer and editor over the past decade with publications like the Palm Beach Post, Marshall News Messenger (Texas) and Torrington Telegram (Wyoming) and a past contributor for the Times Picayune, Shreveport Times, Austin American-Statesman, Dave Campbell's Texas Football, ESPN and the now-defunct Football Digest.

"Aaron did an outstanding job for American Football Monthly," said LSU assistant coach Doug Mallory, son of legendary Indiana head coach Bill Mallory and brother to Mike and Curt, assistant coaches at Kansas and Illinois respectively. "My family and I have worked closely with Aaron on different occasions and feel he's one of the top journalists in the sports profession."

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (17-2), led by 2007 Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year Rich Ingold, captured the American Conference crown and advanced to ArenaCup8 after defeating the Green Bay Blizzard 46-43 in front of the Pioneers' home crowd at Wachovia Arena. The Pioneers face the National Conference-champion Tulsa Talons (17-2), a 67-47 winner over Bossier-Shreveport.

Ingold earned the league's top coaching honor for his efforts this season en route to seizing the top slot on the af2's all time win list (59) and leading his team to ArenaCup8. He was selected by a vote of his fellow league head coaches and media members.

Ingold joins previous Sportexe Coach of the Year winners such as the NFL's John Fox and Sean Payton, CFL's Tom Higgins and Wally Buono and NFL Europa's Doug Graber and Vince Martino and Arena Football's Kevin Guy.

"This season is a perfect example of the fine job Coach Ingold has executed during his tenure in af2," said Lee "It is only fitting that Coach Ingold earn the industry's top award during a season where he has captured the league's most career wins, a conference championship and possible league title. I am very proud to present Coach Ingold this award and to return home amongst the finest football fans anywhere."

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has become synonymous with excellence and the Sportexe Coach of the Year award has become a respected symbol that recognizes football coaching talent from all over the world that demonstrates the same quality, integrity and performance that has become associated with the Sportexe brand.

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. All four league championship games, including ArenaCup8 have featured Sportexe playing surfaces.

Other Sportexe clients include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's LSU, Tulane, Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Pitt, Alabama and Southern Miss.

CenturyTel Center in Bossier City to Host af2 Championship Game

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 21, 2007--For the second time in the past three seasons, the CenturyTel Center, home to arenafootball2's Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings will host the af2's league championship game. ArenaCup8, presented by Horseshoe Casino and Hotel, will be played on Saturday, Aug. 25 at 8pm ET in Bossier City, La., and televised nationally on Comcast for the second year in a row.

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers (17-2), led by Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year Rich Ingold, captured the American Conference crown and advanced to ArenaCup8 after defeating the Green Bay Blizzard 46-43 in front of the Pioneers' home crowd at Wachovia Arena. The Pioneers face the National Conference-champion Tulsa Talons (17-2), a 67-47 winner over Bossier-Shreveport.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, is proud to announce its involvement as the official playing surface of ArenaCup8. The CenturyTel Center, an SMG managed facility and former host of ArenaCup6 in 2005, is a 270,000 square-foot facility featuring Sportexe synthetic turf systems and accommodates up to 14,000 patrons for a variety of entertainment experiences.

"Sportexe and af2 have enjoyed a special relationship since the league's inception eight years ago," said national football-coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "To see this league grow to 30 teams and continue to offer one of the best professional sporting experiences in the U.S. is a true testament to fine people that represent af2."

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's LSU, Cal, Alabama, Tulane and Southern Miss.

"We're fortunate to be playing our championship event again on Sportexe synthetic turf at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier-Shreveport, La.," af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "I feel confident that the field will be in immaculate shape for our season-ending, showcase event."

This year Sportexe takes its relationship with af2 one step further as it proudly serves as the league's official coach of the year award. Sportexe will recognize the top head coach for the 2007 season at the af2 championship game.

"Sportexe is proud to be underfoot of the league's two best teams at ArenaCup8 and displayed nationally over eight Comcast channels in front of 34 million viewers ," said Lee. "And equally excited to acknowledge the league's top coach with the Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award."

This will be the third straight season the af2 has held a neutral-site ArenaCup championship game and tickets for the 2007 ArenaCup can be purchased by calling 888-277-5526.

All-Time Winningest af2 Coach Wins League's Top Coaching Honor

ROUND ROCK, Texas. August 18, 2007--Sportexe® is proud to announce Rich Ingold, head coach of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Pioneers, as the winner of the 2007 Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award for his efforts this season en route to capturing the top slot on the league's all time win list (59) and leading his team to ArenaCup8. Ingold was selected by a vote of his fellow arenafootball2 head coaches and media members.

Ingold, in his second season at Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, guided the Pioneers to a 14-2 regular season record and an East Division title in 2007. He has also led the team to two playoff victories and an appearance in the American Conference Championship game, which will take place later on today.

Earlier this season Ingold became only the fourth head coach in af2 history to collect 50 wins in his career. In addition to his current job in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Ingold spent 2002-2004 as the head coach of the Quad City Steamwheelers.

"I feel extremely honored to win this award. This is the best group of guys I've been around in all my years of coaching," stated Ingold upon hearing the announcement.. "I also want to give many thanks to Big Win Ventures, Cosmo and Janet DeNicola, Dave Berryman, and my assistant coaches. When things got tough they stood in the fire with me."

Ingold joins previous Sportexe Coach of the Year winners such as the NFL's John Fox and Sean Payton, CFL's Tom Higgins and Wally Buono and NFL Europa's Doug Graber and Vince Martino and Arena Football's Kevin Guy.

"We're excited about this new addition to our already existing relationship with Sportexe," af2 President Jerry Kurz said. "We're very fortunate to now have a top-notch, year-end award to recognize our league's best of the best."

"This season is a perfect example of the fine job Coach Ingold has done during his tenure in af2," said Aaron S. Lee, football coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson. "It is only fitting that Coach Ingold capture the industry's top award during a season where he has captured the most career wins, conference championship and possible league title. Sportexe is very proud of the hard work given by both Coach Ingold and af2 this season."

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry, has become synonymous with excellence and the Sportexe Coach of the Year award has become a respected symbol that recognizes football coaching talent from all over the world that demonstrates the same quality, integrity and performance that has become synonymous with the Sportexe brand.

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as the official and exclusive synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for the af2 and its big brother the Arena Football League, as well as the Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Indiana, Pitt , LSU , Alabama and Southern Miss.

New Orleans Saints, Tulane Green Wave, State Farm Bayou Classic, High School State Championships, All-Star Game, R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, Allstate Sugar Bowl and BCS National Title to be Decided on Sportexe Synthetic Turf this Fall

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 27, 2007--Less than one year after Sportexe installed 121,412 square feet of the SMG-managed Louisiana Superdome just in time to welcome home the NFL's New Orleans Saints after a year removed from the city following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the SMG has chosen Sportexe turf for the fourth consecutive year to serve as the host surface during what could be the most competitive football season the Superdome has ever scheduled.

"We've been pleased to showcase Sportexe turf on repeated national and statewide telecasts with millions watching," said Superdome Assistant General Manager, Danny Vincens. "We're happy with the product and the teams have responded similarly."

Both the Saints and Tulane University will play a combined 17 games in the Superdome in 2007, including two NFL preseason games and not counting any playoff games the Saints could qualify to host in January. Beginning with the annual State Farm Bayou Classic featuring Grambling State and Southern University on Thanksgiving Day, the Superdome will host three professional football games, five Louisiana high school state football championships, one high school all-star game, the R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl, the Allstate Sugar Bowl and the BCS championship game scheduled for Jan. 7.

"That's a lot of football, and a lot of use for big-time turf," said Vincens.

The Saints, coached by 2006 Sportexe NFL Coach of the Year Sean Payton, enjoyed its best season in franchise history on Sportexe finishing the year with a 10-6 record and an NFC South division title. The Superdome was re-opened with massive fanfare as the Saints upset the heavily favored Atlanta Falcons in front of a national television audience on ESPN's Monday Night Football to start the season.

"We are proud to be once again the field of choice for the Louisiana Superdome," said Mark Nicholls, CEO of Sportexe "The success of both the Saints and the City of New Orleans over the past year has been an inspiration to us all and Sportexe is fortunate to play a small role in the rebuilding efforts of this extremely proud culture."

Other Sportexe clients located in Louisiana include LSU and Tulane. Sportexe is also featured in the New Orleans Arena, home to the Arena Football League's New Orleans Voodoo and home to ArenaBowl XXI on July 29, and the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, home to the arenafootball2's Bossier City Battlewings and ArenaCup8 on Aug. 25.

Sportexe can also be found underfoot of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, Alabama, Southern Miss and Pitt. Sportexe is the official turf provider for the AFL, af2, Major Indoor Soccer League and National Lacrosse League.

Sportexe Turf System Underfoot at AFL Championship Game

ROUND ROCK, Texas. July 17, 2007--The stage is now set for ArenaBowl XXI for Sunday, July 29 at the New Orleans Arena featuring Sportexe synthetic turf as the San Jose SaberCats square off against the Columbus Destroyers.

The SaberCats were crowned the American Conference champions on Saturday after defeating the defending Arena Football League champion Chicago Rush 61-49. This will be San Jose's third trip to the ArenaBowl in six years.

The SaberCats led by head coach Darren Arbet, have been dominant defensively all season due in large part to former Sportexe arenafootball2 Coach of the Year and current defensive coordinator Kevin Guy. Guy captured the Sportexe award in 2003 while serving as head coach of the Tennessee Valley Vipers.

The sixth-seeded Destroyers won the National Conference crown and their fourth straight road game in a 66-56 shootout over the heavily-favored Georgia Force. Columbus advances to the ArenaBowl for the first time in franchise history.

Sportexe, a global leader in the synthetic turf industry and exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, is the official playing surface of ArenaBowl XXI to be televised nationally on ESPN. Like the New Orleans Superdome which installed Sportexe turf for the return of the New Orleans Saints in 2006 following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the New Orleans Arena, home to the AFL's New Orleans VooDoo, also features a Sportexe synthetic turf system.

"We are extremely excited to be underfoot of the AFL's finest athletes at ArenaBowl XXI," said Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "The New Orleans Arena is the perfect venue to host the AFL's championship game. This event which combines the longevity and growth of one of the country's great pro sports leagues with the history and resilience of one of the world's great cities is something Sportexe can hang its hat on with pride. This is indeed a special season for all involved."

Sportexe continues to solidify its status as the top professional indoor synthetic turf provider in North America as it is an official or exclusive turf provider for not only the AFL and af2, but also the Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League. Sportexe synthetic turf system clients also include the NFL's Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, S.F. 49ers, and Buffalo Bills, along with the NCAA's Cal-Berkeley, LSU, Alabama and Southern Miss.

"Whether it's indoor or outdoor, infilled or non-infilled, no other company knows synthetic turf like Sportexe," said Lee. "That is why Sportexe is the exclusive choice of many of the nation's top professional sports leagues and the premium choice among consumers who demand quality and performance."

"Sportexe has been our exclusive turf partner providing a tremendous product to the AFL since 1999," said AFL Chief Operating Officer Joe Vrankin. "They are the perfect supplier for our championship game field."

ArenaBowl weekend will be filled with interactive player and celebrity events, the annual ArenaBall Awards Show, a player combine, concerts, fan festivals and more. Significant community relations efforts will also be apart of the events leading up to the game. ArenaBowl XXI will mark the AFL's third consecutive neutral-site championship game, all of which featured Sportexe synthetic turf systems. ArenaBowl XIX and ArenaBowl XX were both played in Las Vegas.

Sportexe is also the official turf system for ArenaCup8, the championship game for the AFL's developmental league, af2.

The University of Houston announced that head football coach Art Briles, who won the 2006 Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year award, received yet another honor. Please follow the link below for further information on the official Houston Cougars website:

http://uhcougars.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/051707aaa.html

San Jose Defensive Coordinator Kevin Guy Changes Leagues, Not Success

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 4, 2007- The San Jose SaberCats (5-3) remained undefeated at home after its defense forced five Utah turnovers and registered four sacks holding the Blaze to a season-low point total in a 69-48 win in an Arena Football League game Satuday, April 28 at HP Pavilion.

The win sent San Jose to first place in the AFL's Western Division, and was the SaberCats' 10th straight regular victory dating back to the 2006 season at HP Pavilion, which features Sportexe - the exclusive and official synthetic turf supplier and game system provider for both the AFL and arenafootball2.

One reason for the San Jose win over Utah was the play of former Southern Miss linebacker Ron Jones, which earned the defensive player of the week honors after setting team records with 3.0 quarterback sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss, while matching the team mark with a pair of forced fumbles. He also added a fumble recovery and a pass breakup.

Jones led a defense that forced five Utah turnovers and held the league's highest scoring offense to its lowest point total of the year in a 69-48 win and broke the team single-game records that have stood since 2000.

However, the main reason for the SaberCats' defensive dominance has been the addition of defensive coordinator Kevin Guy two seasons ago. In his first year with the team, Guy's defense finished the regular season ranked in the top five of four defensive statistical categories. He directed a unit that forced 34 turnovers and ranked fourth in the league with a +7 turnover margin.

The SaberCats' rushing defense was impenetrable in 2006 allowing only 14.3 rushing yards per contest, and only allowed its opponents to score just 77.5 percent of the time, the seventh-best ranking in the league.

"We've got an exceptional core of defensive players that makes my job a little easier," said Guy. "My time in San Jose has been great and I am happy to be working with one of the greatest teams in the Arena Football League."

The former af2 head coach and 2003 Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year, still holds the record for most coaching victories in the history of af2. He registered 52 career wins and a .732 winning percentage while leading the Tennessee Valley Vipers (2002-04) and Rio Grande Valley Dorados (2005).

Guy, a former defensive back who played four years in the AFL, has coached an Ironman of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Lineman of the Year award winners while having 14 players earn All-af2 recognition.

"We've got one of the best defensive coaches in the game," said Jones. "He calls the right plays at the right time, we just have to go out there and make all the right executions."

"Kevin embeds his competitive nature and aggressiveness into all of our players," said San Jose head coach Darren Arbet. "He expects a high level of performance from each of them and his players continue to deliver when we need them to."

This season Guy's defense leads the AFL in red zone efficiency (71.8) and first downs allowed per game (18.1). The SaberCats' defense tied for third in sacks (10) and ranks third in third-down percentage (43.1). San Jose also ranks fifth in yards allowed per game (284.0).

"We continue to go out and work hard every week in practice as we try to reach our goals and word towards the playoffs," said Guy. "Our productivity has increased from the beginning of the season, but we've still got a long way to go."

The first-place SaberCats travel to Arizona to face the Rattlers on Saturday, May 5 and return to HP Pavilion on Saturday May 12 to host the Las Vegas Gladiators.

"It's so rewarding to see one of the many Sportexe Coach of the Year alumni continue to prosper," said football insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "Sportexe certainly saw something special with Coach Guy in 2003, and those qualities that made Guy a success during his af2 days are certainly being utilized to make San Jose one of the AFL's premier teams and Guy one its top coaches."

Sportexe, which also names amateur and professional coach of the year winners throughout North America and Europe, will present the official Sportexe af2 Coach of the Year award during ArenaCup8 to be held in Bossier City, La., on Aug. 25. The latest news headlines and coach profiles from af2 can be found by visiting www.sportexe.com.

Sportexe is currently underfoot of many of the nation's elite athletes from the NFL and NCAA, and is the exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League.

Houston's Art Briles and Coastal Carolina's David Bennett Coach Talent to Next Level

ROUND ROCK, Texas. May 4, 2007-Two of the 2006 Sportexe Football Coach of the Year winners continued to earn their stripes this weekend as they each had a quarterback selected in the 2007 NFL Draft. A global leader in the synthetic turf industry, Sportexe names coach of the year winners at every major amateur and professional level throughout the North America and Europe.

The Sportexe NCAA Division I-A winner Art Briles, head coach at the University of Houston, sent record-setting signal caller Kevin Kolb to the Philadelphia Eagles as the fourth pick in the second round (36th overall). The four-year starter set a school record by starting all 50 games he played in.

Kolb, who has set virtually every school and conference passing record, was named the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year, a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award finalist and Davey O'Brien National Quarterback Award semifinalist. He ranked fifth in the nation in passing efficiency (162.72), eighth in total offense (283.07 ypg) and sixth in passing yardage (3,809). Kolb connected on 292 of 432 passes (67.6 percent) with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions.

"We are pleased for Kevin as his selection in the NFL Draft is a great individual honor," said Briles. "At the same time his move to professional football showcases the quality of the University of Houston football team and direction of our program."

The entire Texas community has taken notice of Briles' commitment to the Cougars football program. On April 25, the Texas State House of Representatives and Senate honored Briles for leading Houston to the C-USA championship and earning two coaching awards.

"I am very proud to be recognized for being the C-USA Coach of the Year and Sportexe National Coach of the Year," Briles said. "But I am more prideful of the recognition those awards bring to the C-USA champion Houston Cougars."

Eight other Cougars have signed free agent contracts to join Kolb in the NFL, including: Jackie Battle, RB, and Rodney Hannah, TE, Dallas Cowboys; Vincent Marshall, WR, Atlanta Falcons; Wade Koehl, LB, New Orleans Saints; Biren Ealy, WR, Tennessee Titans; Willie Gaston, CB, Baltimore Ravens; Marquay Love, DT, Miami Dolphins; Will Gulley, Arizona Cardinals.

Sportexe NCAA I-AA Coach of the Year recipient David Bennett, head coach at Coastal Carolina University, sent multiple-threat Tyler Thigpen to the Minnesota Vikings in the seventh pick in the seventh round (217th overall).

Thigpen was named the Big South Conference Offensive Player of the Year and finished seventh in the balloting for the Walter Payton Award. He ranked second in the Football Championship Subdivision with 329.3 ypg of total offense, while being fourth nationally with 274.7 passing yards per game after leading Coastal to its third consecutive Big South title and first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I Football Championships.

"Tyler is the epitome of our program," said Bennett, who started the Chanticleers' football program just four years ago. "Both he and our program have evolved into championship-caliber talent in such a short period of time. Tyler is blessed with all the tools to be successful at the next level and we look forward to following his professional career for many years to come."

Thigpen, who finished his Coastal Carolina career 30-8 as its starter, set nine Conference season records in 2006 in total offense (3,952), total offense per game (329.3), passing yards (3,296), touchdown passes (29), passing yards per game (274.7), passing efficiency (167.42), 300-yard passing games (5), 300-total yard games (9) and rushing yards by a quarterback (656). He was named Player of the Week four times this season and became the first Big South quarterback to rush for more than 600 yards in a season, with his 656 ranking fourth overall in league rushing, while adding five touchdowns.

Coastal Carolina added another Chants' player to the NFL with safety Quinton Teal signing a free agent contract with the Carolina Panthers.

"These are examples of what makes these two Sportexe Coach of the Year winners so deserving," said national football-coaching insider and Sportexe spokesperson Aaron S. Lee. "To coach at programs that are not noted as national powers and still guide young men to the sport's highest level is indeed a great coaching accomplishment."

Other 2006 Sportexe Coach of the Year alumni include: Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints (NFL); Wally Buono, British Columbia Lions (CFL); Denis Piché, University of Ottawa (Canadian Interuniversity Sports); Bill O'Boyle, Chadron State (NCAA Division II); Frank Miriello, Washington & Lee (NCAA Division III); Dino Kaklis, Bethel College (NAIA); Brad Franchione, Blinn College (Junior College); Bill Redell, Westlake Village-Oaks Christian (High School); Todd Bernett, Vancouver College (Canadian High School).

"Clearly Coach Briles and Coach Bennett are perfect choices for the Sportexe Coach of the Year, as are all of our winners," said Lee.

Sportexe, which also announces winners of its Arena Football League and NFL Europa awards later this year, is the official coach of the year award for arenafootball2 to be presented during ArenaCup8 to be held in Bossier City, La., on Aug. 25.

Sportexe can be found underfoot of many of the nation's elite athletes from the NFL and NCAA, and is the exclusive turf provider for the Arena Football League, arenafootball2, Major Indoor Soccer League and the National Lacrosse League. Sportexe clients also include numerous high school and recreational fields across North America.

Los Angeles. Feb. 6, 2007 - Westlake Village Oaks Christian head football coach and Sportexe National High School Coach of the Year winner Bill Redell was honored on Monday, Feb. 5 with a lifetime achievement award during the 16th Annual Southern California Sports Broadcasters Awards.

Redell is the first preps coach to receive this honor.

Under Redell, Oaks Christian (15-0) became the first team to win the state championship since Kern County Union High, now Bakersfield High, won in 1927, and only the second team in state history to finish the season 15-0. The Lions also produced the second-highest point total (797) in state history, trailing Bloomington's 880 points in 14 games in 1994.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Peter O'Malley was also presented a lifetime achievement award.

Vin Scully was a double winner at the annual awards luncheon at Lakeside Golf Club in Toluca Lake. Scully won awards for best play-by-play announcer on radio and television. Scully was introduced by O'Malley.

It was the eighth time Scully, the voice of the Dodgers, has won both awards in the 16 years the group has honored local sportscasters.

ROUND ROCK, Texas - Although the University of Houston, led by Sportexe NCAA Division I-A Coach of the Year winner Art Briles, fell short 44-36 to Steve Spurrier's South Carolina Gamecocks in the Autozone Liberty Bowl on Friday, Dec. 29, the Cougars fought to wire in what was one of the most exciting games in the 2006 bowl season.

Briles has little time to reflect on the loss, before taking the helm in Honolulu as one of the coaches for the 61st annual Hula Bowl on Jan. 14. The Cougars head coach joins legendary UH head coach Bill Yeoman as Houston coaches in the prestigious all-star game. Briles joins Fresno State's Pat Hill, Georgia's Mark Richt, West Virginia's Rich Rodriquez and Florida A&M's Rubin Carter in this year's Hula Bowl.

"We are disappointed with the loss," said Briles. "We wanted to end the season with a bowl win, but our guys played hard and that is all we can ask. Now I am looking forward to coaching some of the best talent in the nation at the Hula Bowl before heading home to hit the recruiting trail. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the Houston Cougars football program and we are looking forward to seeing the benefits by attracting a talented group of kids."

This season Briles led Houston to its third bowl appearance in the past four years, a feat that has not been duplicated since the 1979-82 Cougar era. Under the guidance of Briles the Cougars are the Conference USA Champions, a title the team has not held since the 1996 season. Houston's high potency attack offense finished the season 11th in the nation in scoring.