EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS AWARD
In conjunction with its 40thAnniversary celebration in 2013, the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame announced the creation of its new Excellence in Sports award, which has since been presented annually to a Polish-American athlete or sports personality for achieving the highest level of accomplishment in their field.
2023 — Natalie Wojcik
2021 — No Award Presented
2020 — No Award Presented
2019 — Sam Mikulak
2018 — Dave Dombrowski
2017 — Joe Maddon
2016 — Gary Kubiak
2015 — Frank Kaminsky
2014 — Liz Johnson
2013 — Brad Keselowski
MATT DOBEK SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
In 1989, the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame established its Special Recognition Award, as a means of recognizing those individuals that have demonstrated dedication, devotion and service to sports, in extraordinary but frequently unheralded ways. In 2010, by vote of the Board of Directors, the award was re-named in honor of former Detroit Pistons’ Public Relations Director Matt Dobek. The award is presented annually at the NPASHF Induction Banquet.
2022 — Ted Kulfan
2021 — Bruce Madej
2020 — No Award Presented
2019 — Ray Okonski
2018 — Joe Drobot, Jr.
2017 — Ron Bak
2016 — London and Mary Morawski
2015 — Lt. Col. Matt Urban
2014 — Jerry Nasiatka
2013 — Edward J. Piszek
2012 — Tom Kowalski
2011 — Joe Kopicki
2010 — George Eichorn / Nikki Nemitz
2009 — Al Sobotka
2008 — Jerome “Buck” Jerzy
2007 — Stan Drall
2006 — Ted “Tadziu” Piascik
2005 — Leo Obloy / Chet Kuskowski
2004 — Art Robbie / George Barcheski
2003 — Matt Dobek / Frank Suchyta
2002 — Ted Klamerus / Ed Pett
2001 — Father Ted Blaszczyk / Ron Kalczynski
2000 — Msgr. Stanly Milewski / Greg Bzura
1999 — Hamtramck 1959 Little League World Champs
1997 — Hank Gniewek / Max Kurland
1996 — Edith Glusac / Mack Phillips
1995 — Dorothy Kukulka / Edward Zalucki
1994 — Bernie Holowicki / Chet Jawor
1993 — John Gavie / Dick Tracewski
1991 — Joel Mason / Walt Witucki
1990 — Sue Kruszewski Hardy / Bernie Witucki
1989 — Mike Sitkowski / Tony Lutomski
TONY KUBEK MEDIA AWARD
The Tony Kubek Media Award is named after the NPASHF inductee and nationally known and honored television announcer. It is presented to an individual of Polish-American heritage for outstanding contributions to sports media. The inaugural winner in 2019 is ESPN writer and sports analyst Adrian Wojnarowski.
2021 — Joe Posnanski