University of Tennessee Athletics
Tennessee Holds Annual Football Awards Banquet
December 18, 2000 | Football
Thirteen Tennessee players were honored with team awards at the 2000 Tennessee Football Banquet, held at the ballroom in the University Center Monday evening.
The banquet was presented by the Knoxville Quarterback Club and was attended by a crowd of about 400 people. In addition to the presentation of team awards by Coach Fulmer, the program also included highlights from the 2000 season, a video tribute to the Vol seniors and remarks from Fulmer.
The following awards were handed out to Tennessee players at this year's banquet.
Spirit of the Hill Award: Presented annually by the Knoxville Quarterback Club to the Most Valuable Senior Football Player.
2000 Winners: TB Travis Henry and LB Eric Westmoreland
Simpson Theatres Award: Awarded annually to the outstanding lineman and back as selected by their teammates. Presentation of trophies is made by the Simpson Theatres of Knoxville.
2000 Winners: DT John Henderson and TB Travis Henry
Nationwide Express Quality Award: Given annually by former Vol lineman Charlie Coffey in honor of the most fundamentally sound offensive and defensive players as selected by the coaching staff.
2000 Winners: WR David Martin, WR Cedrick Wilson and DE Will Overstreet
Mickey O'Brien Award: Awarded annually in honor of Mickey O'Brien, Tennessee trainer from 1938 to 1972, by the Dr. Joe Parker family to the senior player who best exemplifies courage and determination in overcoming physical obstacles during his career and makes a valuable contribution to the team.
2000 Winner: LB Eric Westmoreland
Bill Majors Award: Award annually to the player who best exemplifies the dedication toward football displayed by Bill Majors, a Tennessee player and coach, who died in 1965.
2000 Winners: SS Andre Lott, DE Will Overstreet, RB Will Bartholomew
Volunteer Award: Awarded annually to the player who enters school as a non-scholarship player and contributes greatly to the team's success during his career.
2000 Winner: PK Alex Walls
The Daily Times Trophy: Awarded annually to the senior player with the highest scholastic average. The award, which was originated in 1951 by the Knoxville Journal, has been presented by the Daily Times of Maryville since 1992.
2000 Winner: P David Leaverton
Lifter of the Year: Awarded annually to the player who shows the most dedication and work discipline to improve strength as selected by the UT strength and conditioning staff.
2000 Winners: C Fred Weary and FB Will Bartholomew
Al Wilson Leadership Award: Awarded annually to the player who best leads by example on and off the field, in honor of former Vol linebacker Al Wilson, who was an All-American on UT's 1998 national championship team.
2000 Winner: DT John Henderson
Coaches Award: Awarded annually to the player who consistently exemplifies an unselfish attitude, puts the success of the team above his own, yet continues to perform at a high level.
2000 Winner: SS Andre Lott
Takeaway Award: Awarded to a player who affects the momentum of the game with a timely interception or turnover.
2000 Winner: LB Anthony Sessions
Billy Ratliff Award: Awarded in honor of Billy Ratliff, a defensive tackle at UT from 1996 to 1999, to a player who faces multiple season-ending injuries and serves as an inspiration to his teammates by his attitudes and actions.
2000 Winner: TE Neil Johnson
Go To Award: Awarded to a player who steps up to make the big play that affects the outcome of the game.
2000 Winner: WR Cedrick Wilson
Special Teams Difference Maker: Awarded to a player who swings the momentum of the game with his special teams play.
2000 Winners: P David Leaverton and PK Alex Walls
