Feb. 14, 2008

PITTSBURGH - University of Pittsburgh basketball Head Coaches Jamie Dixon and Agnus Berenato, and women's basketball senior center Marcedes Walker are nominees for the annual Dapper Dan Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year awards. The award honors both a male and female sports figure from the Pittsburgh area, who has made the most outstanding accomplishment in sports in the past year.

Berenato has transformed the women's basketball program since her arrival in 2003. In the 2006-07 season, Berenato led the Panthers to their first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance and the most wins in program history with a 24-9 overall record.

Walker (Philadelphia, Pa./University City) is a three-time All-Big East team member and leads the Big East in rebounding in conference games with an average of 10.3. She is also one of 31 mid-season candidates for the prestigious Naismith Trophy and one of 20 for the Wooden Award.

Berenato and Walker are joined by Penn State volleyball player Christa Harmotto and the Pittsburgh Passion women's professional football team as the women nominees.

In his first four years as men's basketball head coach, Dixon has guided the Panthers to four consecutive 20-win seasons. He also reached 100 wins faster than any coach in school history. Dixon joins Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Duquesne basketball Head Coach Ron Everhart, Jeannette quarterback Terrelle Pryor and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, as the men's nominees.

Fans can cast their vote at www.post-gazette.com/dapperdan/ballot. The Dapper Dan Charities executive committee will then select winners from those who receive the most votes. The Dapper Dan Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year will be announced February 24 and honored April 1 at the Convention Center.