The University of Mississippi Athletics
Cellular South Conerly Trophy Presentation Moves to Clarksdale
11/11/2008 | Football
CLARKSDALE, Miss. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and Cellular South announced the 2008 Cellular South Conerly Trophy presentation is returning to Clarksdale, the hometown of the award's namesake and Ole Miss legend, Charlie Conerly, for the first time since 1997.
This announcement kicks off the selection process for the 2008 Cellular South Conerly Trophy and Cellular South Fans' Choice Award, which goes to the best college football player in Mississippi. The Fans' Choice Award features Mississippi college football superstars named as finalists for the Conerly Trophy. While 58 members of the media decide who deserves the Trophy, gridiron fans across the state can begin voting to determine which finalist is the fan-favorite and should win the Fans' Choice Award.
Conerly starred for the Rebels as an All-American quarterback in the 1940s before embarking on a championship career with the NFL's New York Giants. The Conerly trophy has been awarded to a Rebel five times, including Stewart Patridge (1997), Deuce McAllister (1999), Eli Manning (2001 and 2003) and Patrick Willis (2006).
"We are proud to bring the Cellular South Conerly Trophy Award back to its roots in Clarkdale," said Orien Watson, sports marketing manager for Cellular South. "This award enables Mississippians who are passionate about college football to recognize the most deserving player and crown them the top football athlete in the state."
The 13th Annual Cellular South Conerly Trophy presentation will take place, Tuesday, Dec. 2 at the Clarksdale Country Club. There will be a reception at 5:30p.m., followed by the trophy presentation at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information, please contact the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum at 1-800-280-FAME (3263), 601-982-8264 or generalinfo@msfame.com.
"The award has grown tremendously since we were last here, plus it is time to bring it back to Charlie Conerly's hometown," said Michael Rubenstein, executive director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum. "Also, for the first time, we plan to include speaking roles for coaches of the three finalists in lieu of a keynote speaker at the presentation."
