Former Florida Coach Meyer to Headline All Sports Banquet

The All Sports Association has announced that legendary college football coach Urban Meyer will be the featured speaker at its 56th Annual All Sports Awards Banquet, scheduled for February 21, 2025. This prestigious event, which honors exceptional athletes and community leaders dedicated to youth sports, is a highlight of the association’s calendar.

Urban Meyer, a three-time national champion coach with the University of Florida and Ohio State University, will share his expertise on sports leadership and dedication at the banquet. His involvement is expected to elevate the event and offer valuable insights to attendees.

“We are thrilled to have Urban Meyer as our guest speaker this year,” said Kevin Bowyer, President of the All Sports Association. “His contributions to college football and commitment to nurturing young talent make him a perfect fit for our event. Our goal is to inspire and celebrate those who excel in athletics, and having a figure like Coach Meyer aligns perfectly with that mission.”

Held every February, the Annual All Sports Awards Banquet recognizes top athletes from high school, college, amateur, professional, and Special Olympics levels. It also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting youth sports in the region. Among the prestigious awards presented at the event are the Wuerffel Trophy, the Colonel Al Byrne Award, and the Taylor Haugen Trophy.

The Wuerffel Trophy is awarded to a college football player who excels not only on the field but also in community service and academics. The Colonel Al Byrne Award honors a local individual for exceptional support of youth sports, while the Taylor Haugen Trophy is given to an area athlete who demonstrates a balanced commitment to academics, athletics, leadership, community service, and faith. The award is named in memory of Taylor Reid Haugen, a Niceville High School wide receiver who tragically passed away in 2009 due to football-related injuries.

Founded in 1970, the All Sports Association, based in Fort Walton Beach, is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting local youth sports programs. Over the past decade, the association has raised more than $2 million, benefiting various charitable causes and fostering the development of young athletes. Major beneficiaries include the Boys & Girls Club of the Emerald Coast, Special Olympics Florida-Okaloosa, the Eleanor J. Johnson Youth Center, and the Okaloosa Walton Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“This event is more than just a celebration; it’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our young athletes and the community that supports them. Having Urban Meyer speak adds an extra layer of inspiration that we hope will resonate with everyone involved,” Bowyer said.

For more information about attending or supporting the event, visit the All Sports Association’s official website or Facebook page.