The University of Akron Athletics
USBWA Honors Dan Peters with Most Courageous Award
February 20 | Men's Basketball
Follow Akron Basketball on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram | #4PetesSake
For pictures and articles from Suits and Sneakers Weekend, as well as information on cancer awareness, click here.
Complete Release from the United States Basketball Writers Association
AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron Director of Basketball Operations Dan Peters has been named one of three recipients of the United States Basketball Writers Association's (USBWA) Most Courageous Award, the association announced on Thursday.
Peters will share this year's award with Dau Jok of the University of Pennsylvania. Kirsten Moore of Westmont College was selected as the recipient of the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award for women's basketball.
Peters was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December and is currently on a leave of absence while receiving chemotherapy. He will receive his award during Akron's season finale against Kent State on Friday, March 7.
"I am honored and humbled to share this honor from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association with two incredible people like Dau Jok and Kirsten Moore," Peters said. "It has been amazing to see the amount of support I have received since being diagnosed with cancer in December."
During the Coaches vs. Cancer Suits and Sneakers Awareness weekend in January, 26 collegiate programs across the country – including Arizona, Indiana, Cincinnati, West Virginia and Akron, among others – wore lapel pins with the phrase "4 Pete's Sake" on them to show their support for Coach Peters. His story of support throughout the coaching community, through national articles, social media and special events, has helped create awareness for all those that battling pancreatic cancer.
"I can't think of a person more deserving of this award than Dan Peters," head coach Keith Dambrot said. "His courage and determination during these tough times is an inspiration to all of us. He has touched so many young lives during his coaching career and we continue to support him in his battle."
A 30-plus year veteran of the collegiate coaching scene, Peters joined the Akron staff in 2009 after time at Ohio State (2004-09) and Cincinnati (1999-2004) as an assistant coach, as well as the head coaching spot at Youngstown State (1993-99). He also was on former Akron head coach Coleman Crawford's staff for the 1989-90 and 1990-91 campaigns.
As part of the award, The USBWA will make a contribution to a charity as selected by each award recipient.
About the U.S. Basketball Writers Association
The U.S. Basketball Writers Association was formed in 1956 at the urging of then-NCAA Executive Director Walter Byers. With some 900 members worldwide, it is one of the most influential organizations in college basketball. It has selected an All-America team since the 1956-57 season. For more information on the USBWA and the Oscar Robertson Trophy, contact executive director Joe Mitch at 314-795-6821.
