Review By: Neil Hart a.k.a.
Kiltman
During the course of last year’s Annual Sea Hawkers Banquet, Brian Davis commented that the Sea Hawkers would “need a larger room in 2003”. Brian couldn’t have been more correct.
On Saturday, May 17th, more than a hundred Sea Hawkers and members of the Seahawks family flocked to the east club lounge. They came together at Seahawks Stadium for the 2003 Sea Hawkers Annual Banquet.
The event kicked off with a warm welcome by Brian Davis, the Voice of the Hawks, during social hour. Local Washingtonian Sea Hawkers and chapter members from as far away as Colorado and California took the time to greet one another and check out the view.
A delicious meal featuring beef and salmon was served and was followed the heart of the evening’s program.
Brian Davis introduced Sea Hawker Central Council President, Andrew Wright, to the podium to introduce and thank Joyce Long. Joyce is V.P. of Entertainment and helped coordinate the event. Andrew then recognized the 2003 Central Council and Chapter Presidents who were in attendance, including Vance Powers of the new Nor Cal Chapter.
The group was then treated to the world premier viewing of the Seahawks Highlight Film for the 2002 season. Ooh’s and aah’s rained, as the team’s successes last year were put to a theme of alchemy and magic. The film highlighted the late season rally of our team despite injuries and the great potential of success leading into 2003.
Seahawks General Manager, Bob Ferguson, then took center stage as the keynote speaker. It was clear to any sharing his company that Mr. Ferguson is all about keeping the quality players we have and building atop this solid foundation. The Pacific Northwest is his home and our G.M. is poised to help our team reach its goals for the players, staff, fans and the community at large. All were encouraged by Mr. Ferguson’s passionate words and vision.
Three presentations occurred during the course of the evening:
Mike Flood, Seahawks Vice President of Community Outreach/Facilities, presented Andrew Wright with an authentic home Seahawk jersey. This tradition came as Andrew enters his second year as Sea Hawkers Central Council President.
Lorin Sandretzky, “Seattle’s Biggest Sports Fan” and V.P. of Community Affairs, then had the privilege to call Andrew back up to the stage to receive the Sea Hawker of the Year Award. Andrew was selected among several other nominations for among other things helping lead the drive to rejuvenate the Sea Hawkers and being instrumental in doubling our numbers to over seven hundred, fifty. This year, the award featured a 3-D image of Andrew emblazoned in crystal. Congratulations Andrew!
Lorin then announced the winner of the 2002 Most Improved Player, as voted on by Sea Hawkers across the land. Matt Hasselbeck was present to receive this deserved award. Ever gracious, Matt thanked the team and the fans for their support over the past season. He echoed many of the positive comments made by Brian Davis and Bob Ferguson. Matt, enjoy your beautiful trophy and thank you so much for joining us!
A wishing well and special auction was also established for this event in honor of Trevin Dilfer. Proceeds will be sent to the TD4HIM Foundation. The thoughts and prayers of the Sea Hawkers continue to be with the Dilfer family at this difficult time.
The 2003 Sea Hawkers Annual Banquet was a rousing success by all accounts. Most exited Seahawks Stadium to their parked cars thinking about the future successes of both organizations in 2003.
Much appreciation goes out to all the Sea Hawkers helped plan and/or attended this evening.
** Special thanks goes out to the members of the Seahawks family who took the time to join in our celebration of Seahawk football. Players: Isaiah Kacyvenski, J.P. Darche, Matt Hasselbeck, Sea Gals: Sarah, Tiffany, Kiara, and Lauren, Front Office: Bob Ferguson, Mike Flood, Paul Johns, Thom Fermstad, Corky Trewin.
Finally, thank you to all at First and Goal, the wonderful staff at Seahawks Stadium, and all others not mentioned previously who helped make this event possible and so pleasurable.
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