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Louisville Sports Commission Press Releases

Louisville Sports Commission CEO Karl F Schmitt Jr. to Retire in February 2023

Led Organization Since 2010 Through Growth, Expanded Community Outreach Initiatives

Louisville, Ky. – Feb. 8, 2022 – After leading the organization on a growth trajectory for 12 years, Louisville Sports Commission (LSC) President and CEO Karl F. Schmitt Jr. announced today he will retire in February 2023 when he turns 70.

The LSC was founded in 1999 with a singular mission – to attract sporting events to Louisville that generate positive economic impact with the local travel and tourism industry. In the time since Schmitt has been at the helm, the organization has grown its core business and expanded its mission to include community-focused programs around active lifestyles and workforce initiatives.

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Applications Now Being Accepted for 2022 Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame

Louisville, Ky. – Feb. 7, 2022 – The Louisville Sports Commission is accepting nominations for the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame fueled by the Kentucky Lottery (KSHOF) through March 31, 2022. Eligibility and selection criteria and the nomination form can be accessed online at KySportsHOF.com.

Nominations received by March 31 that meet the Selection Criteria will be placed in a pool for consideration for the KSHOF Class of 2022.

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Houston’s Marcus Jones Named 2021 Paul Hornung Award Winner

Award for Most Versatile Player in Major College Football Presented by Texas Roadhouse

Louisville, Ky. – Dec. 8, 2021 – University of Houston senior Marcus Jones, an All-American return specialist and lock down cornerback who also saw duty on offense, has been named winner of the 2021 Paul Hornung Award presented by Texas Roadhouse, given annually to the most versatile player in major college football.

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Will Levis wins 11th Annual Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award fueled by the Kentucky Lottery

Award Given to MVP on Winning Team in Annual UofL vs UK Kentucky Governor’s Cup

Louisville, Ky. – November 28, 2021 – Kentucky junior quarterback Will Levis rushed for 113 yards and four touchdowns to earn the 2021 Howard Schnellenberger MVP Award fueled by the Kentucky Lottery, as the Wildcats overpowered Louisville 52-21 yesterday at Cardinal Stadium. Levis was selected by a vote of the working media covering the game as the MVP of the annual Governor’s Cup matchup between UK and UofL.

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Winners Announced for 2021 Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam®

Louisville, Ky. – October 16, 2021 – With more than 2,200 registered participants, the Louisville Sports Commission’s Urban Bourbon Half Marathon presented by Jim Beam® went off this morning under cool, sunny skies at race start.

Ali Faraji-Tajrishi of Louisville, Ky., won the men’s half marathon in a time of 1:14:34, edging second-place finisher Kyle Bowling of Louisville, Ky., who clocked a time of 1:15:20. Faraji-Tajrishi also won the 2019 UBHM.

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