On January 21, 2020, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP sponsored the VIP Reception at the third annual Houston Sports Awards. Hundreds of Houston’s most celebrated athletes, coaches, teams and contributors gathered for the celebrity-filled event themed “A Golden Era” that honored Mary Lou Retton, Carl Lewis and Rudy Tomjanovich as its third Hall of Fame Class.

The awards, hosted by the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority, commenced with the reveal of the highly anticipated Coach of the Year award, presented to Kelvin Sampson, head coach of the University of Houston men’s basketball team. Following the Coach of the Year awards was a heartfelt presentation for Bob McNair who was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus came home with this year’s Sportsmanship Award, and Jim Crane was named Executive of the Year following the Astros’ second World Series run.

The soiree attracted a star-studded list of attendees, including J.J. Watt and Brennan Scarlett of the Texans, former Rockets player Robert Horry, as well as former Dynamo pros Brian Ching and DeMarcus Beasley. Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo were in attendance, along with Hunton Andrews Kurth partner Mark Arnold, known for his extensive work with the development and leasing of Minute Maid Park, NRG Stadium, Toyota Center and BBVA Compass Stadium.

Hunton Andrews Kurth partner Mike Morfey and associates Lee Davis, Ian Goldberg, Jared Grodin, Mike Hoffman, Andrew Blasio, Rachel Morico, Amanda Thienpont, Michael Bender and Jason Antrican were also in attendance.