Event Date & Time

Thursday, June 6, 2019
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Event Location

Amarillo Civic Center
401 S Buchanan St, Amarillo, TX 79101
Get Directions

About 2019 Best of The Panhandle Sports Awards

Join the Amarillo Globe-News as we celebrate and honor the accomplishments of the 2018-2019 All-Star high school student athletes at the Best of The Panhandle Sports Awards. The Best of The Panhandle Sports Awards banquet is the Amarillo Globe-News' way of saying thank you to the thousands of outstanding high school athletes, coaches, and fans who allow us to share their stories, performances and passions. Presented by United Supermarkets, the event honors the top performers in 20 sports from 15 counties and 20 high schools. Awards will be presented to the Outstanding Player of the Year in each sport, as well as Male & Female Athletes of the Year. Best of The Panhandle athletes are invited to attend for free and the event is open to family, friends and the general public.

We are proud to welcome Dallas Cowboys Linebacker, Leighton Vander Esch, as our featured special guest. Leighton will be live in Amarillo for a question and answer session about lessons he's learned and memories he's made during his career.

Doors open at 6:00pm. Event starts at 6:30pm. General admission tickets may be purchased for $50. Best of The Panhandle athletes will receive a invitation with instructions for claiming your free ticket.

Best of The Panhandle Sports Awards is presented by the Amarillo Globe-News and United Supermarkets. Thank you sponsors for allowing us to bring this event to our community.



Special Guest

Leighton Vander Esch

Dallas Cowboys Linebacker
Leighton Vander Esch grew up in Riggins, Idaho, where he played eight-man football, basketball and track in high school. In his high school football state final against Lighthouse Christian School, he collected more than 500 yards of total offense and scored all five of his team's offensive touchdowns. He led Salmon River High School to a 1A D2 state championship and was named All-Idaho 1A Division II Player of the Year.

In a recent effort to give back to his hometown, Vander Esch purchased a brand new weight room for his former high school, Salmon River High School.

After his junior season at Boise State University, Vander Esch decided to enter the 2018 NFL Draft. At the conclusion of the pre-draft process, Vander Esch was projected to be a first round pick by NFL draft experts and scouts. He was ranked as the third best linebacker prospect in the draft by Sports Illustrated, the third best outside linebacker by DraftScout.com, the fourth best linebacker by NFL analyst Mike Mayock, and the sixth best outside linebacker in the draft by ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys selected Vander Esch in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He finished his first season in with a franchise rookie-record 140 combined tackles, seven deflections, and two interceptions in 16 games and 11 starts.

Supporting Sponsors

SUPPORTING SPONSORS
AOMS
Amarillo College
Buzula
Quick Quack

TABLE SPONSORS
FirstBank Southwest
ACFCU
AISD
Cinergy
Tickets

How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets, which include dinner, are $50.

How will the tickets be released?
You can print your tickets at home or show your phone at the door.

Will tickets be available at the door?
Tickets could sell out before May 24. If you want to guarantee your admission, purchase tickets in advance.

Will there be assigned tables?
Only sponsors will have assigned tables.

Sponsors