ESPN SportsCenter anchor Scott Van Pelt, a graduate of Sherwood High in Sandy Spring, received thunderous applause as he received a Career Achievement Award at the DC Touchdown Club Awards Dinner on Thursday night in Bethesda.
Van Pelt, who played baseball and basketball as a member of the Sherwood Class of 1984, talked about various twists in his illustrious career, that saw him progress from an intern in the FOX5 sports department to Golf Channel in Orlando and then to ESPN 22 years ago.
He has since become one of the nation’s most prominent sports broadcasters, endeared for his extensive knowledge and being personable.
Van Pelt said his on-air presence incorporates different aspects that made other sports anchors successful, harkening back to the glory days of Washington-area television, when Glenn Brenner and George Michael dominated the airwaves. He also stressed the importance of being a fan and letting viewers know that he shares their happiness or pain.
“Everyone is from somewhere, I’m from here,” Van Pelt said, acknowledging his ties to his alma mater, the University of Maryland. “People like knowing you have some skin in the game.”
Longtime Bethesda resident, former Redskins star Dexter Manley, joined former Redskins coach Steve Spurrier receiving the Touchdown Club’s Founder’s Award, given for contributions to the sport of football.
The evening’s other honorees were:
- Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (Pro Player of the Year)
- Heisman Trophy-winning USC quarterback Caleb Williams (College Player of the Year)
- Longtime Northern Virginia high school football coach Danny Meier (inducted into the Circle of Legends)
- John’s College High School Coach Pat Ward (High School Coach of the Year)
- DeMatha Catholic High School defensive lineman Jason Moore (Maryland High School Player of the Year)
- Archbishop Carroll High School tight end and defensive end Nyckoles Harbor (Washington, D.C., High School Player of the Year)
- Fairfax High School running back and linebacker Tony Rojas (Virginia High School Player of the Year)
