Awards

Person of the Year
Represents exemplary contributions to the betterment of society and the YMCA values of spirit, mind and body.

Thomas L. Della Torre Special Achievement
Represents values, integrity and sportsmanship for which Coach Della Torre and the YMCA aspire.

Richard Poor Service to the Community
Strong dedication to the betterment of life in the community.

Nicholas G. Saingas Service to Youth Award for Contribution to High School Athletics
Outstanding contributions to High School athletics.

William M. Corcoran Service to Youth Award for Contribution to High School Athletics
Outstanding contributions to High School athletics.

J. Barry Stanford Outstanding Achievement in High School Sports
Recently graduated high school students who have received prominent recognition in sports.

Courageous
An individual who has displayed great courage in the field of athletics.

Inspirational
An individual who has inspired others in the field of athletics.

Professional Athlete of the Year

College Athlete of the Year

Walter E. Goepel Amateur Athlete of the Year

High School Student/Athlete Award (5 male and 5 female)
High School student who has received some type of All-County Recognition (from first team to honorable mention) in 2 sports and have satisfactory academic achievement (either the top half of the class or a B average). Based on performance from September through June.

The Sports Award Committee reviews the award categories and criteria yearly in January and reserves the right to make changes.

DEDICATED AWARDS

Richard Poor Service to the Community: Dick Poor was one of the founders of the YMCA Athletic Achievement Awards Banquet, now called the Sports Award Banquet, which was started in 1966 and grew out of the Y’s pioneering interest in, and emphasis on, sports and physical fitness as a means of character development. He served on the committee until his death. A member of the Y Board of Mangers for many years, Dick was a career banker with a lifelong interest in both young people and sports. He had a strong dedication to the betterment of life in Bergen County.

Thomas L. Della Torre Special Achievement Award: Tommy Della Torre, renowned football coach, athletic director, disciplinarian, mentor, friend and member of the YMCA of Greater Bergen county’s Board of Directors, was dedicated to youth, sports and family. This award is given to someone who embodies Tom’s attributes and ideals, as well as the values of spirit, mind and body for which the YMCA stands.

J. Barry Stanford Award for Outstanding Achievement in High School Sports: This Special Achievement Award is given to recently graduated high school students who have received significant recognition in sports. It was renamed posthumously in honor of Barry Stanford, who served on the Sports Award Banquet Committee for over 30 years and was passionate about high school sports and the young people involved in them.

Nicholas G. Saingas Service to Youth Award for Contribution to High School Athletics: Although Nick Saingas did not join the Awards committee until after his retirement from Public Service he had been a strong supporter of the Sports Award Banquet for many years. An avid athlete all his life, he understood the importance of sports in the development of young people. His impact on others was great. He was a true friend ot our youth and generously contributed his time and talents both to them and to activities which benefited their lives.

Walter E. Goepel Amateur Athlete of the Year Award: Involved with the YMCA of Greater Bergen County off and on through out his life, Walt Goepel in his later years served on both the Sports Award Banquet committee and the YMCA Board of Directors. Once a nationally ranked tennis player, he was a 12-time Bergen county Tennis champion in both singles and doubles, and a New Jersey state singles champion.

William J. “Mickey” Corcoran Award: This award is named after the long-time Northern Highlands and River Dell athletic director and coach, Mickey Corcoran, whose service to the high school athletes in this area covers six decades. “The Mentor” is a long-time member of the YMCA Sports Award Committee and the Bergen County Coaches’ Association Basketball Jamboree Committee. His contributions to high school athletics, the many students he helped, the countless number of coaches he counseled and friends he made along the way make Mickey one of the legendary figures in Bergen county athletic history.