The American Heart Association (AHA), the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to a world of longer, healthier lives, announced the finalists for the 2019 Paul “Bear” Bryant Awards, sponsored by Marathon Oil Corporation. Representing the nation’s best in college football, these coaches will compete for the highly-coveted and final title of the season: the 2018 Paul “Bear” Bryant Coach of the Year Award. The winner will be announced live on Jan. 9, 2019 during the awards dinner and ceremony at the Post Oak Hotel in Houston.
The 2018 award finalists are:
- Bill Clark – University of Alabama-Birmingham
- Josh Heupel – University of Central Florida
- Brian Kelly – Notre Dame
- Jeff Monken – Army West Point
- Nick Saban – University of Alabama
- Dabo Swinney – Clemson University
- Jeff Tedford – Fresno State University
Coach Frank Beamer is the recipient of the 2019 Paul “Bear” Bryant Lifetime Achievement Award and will also attend the dinner in January. Beamer coached the Virginia Tech Hokies for 29 years, retiring in 2015.
Now in its 33rd year, the Coach of the Year Award recognizes the country’s top college football coach for their contributions both on and off the field. The award is the only college coaching honor selected after all bowl games are concluded and is voted on by the National Sports Media Association.
Behind the scenes, the award is much bigger than a season’s success. It is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on heart disease and stroke – the nation’s no. 1 and no. 5 health threats. Since the adoption of the name, the Bryant Awards has raised over $9.8 Million for the American Heart Association, funding research, education and advocacy efforts and saving countless lives. “Bear” always talked about being bigger than something other than himself. The Bryant Awards offer an opportunity to do just that — to join the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease and stroke and help save lives.
Once again, sports aficionados can enjoy the Bryant Awards live on FOX College Sports – available through most cable providers.
Fans can take part in the online silent auction benefiting the AHA. Items are available for bidding online now at https://BearBryantAuction2019.ggo.bid. Notable auction packages include: a 15-day Grand European River Cruise for two; tickets to the Master’s Tuesday Practice Round in Augusta, Georgia for four; a suite at the Toyota Center to see the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, March 22, 2019; and autographed sports memorabilia from the Houston Astros, Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and more.
Marathon Oil Corporation has served as the presenting sponsor of the Bryant Awards for the past ten years, underscoring the Company’s commitment to health and wellness. The Company strives to partner with local organizations to recognize and advance important public health initiatives in the communities where it operates.
Lee Tillman, Marathon Oil president and CEO, says the finalists are each remarkable. “These distinguished coaches are leaders on and off the field, and we’re honored to welcome them to this elite group,” Tillman said. “They represent Paul “Bear” Bryant’s belief in excellence and support the Bryant family’s commitment to the American Heart Association’s mission of building a world of longer, healthier lives.”
To purchase tickets to the Bryant Awards, contact 832-918-4009 or visit www.bryantawards.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a leading force for a world of longer, healthier lives. With nearly a century of lifesaving work, the Dallas-based association is dedicated to ensuring equitable health for all. We are a trustworthy source empowering people to improve their heart health, brain health and well-being. We collaborate with numerous organizations and millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, advocate for stronger public health policies, and share lifesaving resources and information. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
About Marathon Oil Corporation
Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE: MRO) is an independent exploration and production company based in Houston. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at www.marathonoil.com.