Finalists for DAC Athlete of Year Announced Today at Auto Show

DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2004 -- Twelve of Michigan's most talented scholar-athletes will be introduced today when the Detroit Athletic Club announces the finalists for its Michigan High School Athlete of the Year Award. The announcement will take place at noon during a press conference held at the Dodge display at the North American International Auto Show. The nominees will be in attendance for photo opportunities and interviews.

Two of those athletes -- one male and one female -- will be named DAC High School Athlete of the Year at the Dodge National Athletic Awards. The awards, televised across America on Fox Sports Net, will take place on Tuesday, March 16 at the Fox Theatre in downtown Detroit.

The Dodge National Athletic Awards also honors several professional athletes not only for their athletic performance but for community service and civil performance off of the field. Among the 2004 honorees are Barry Sanders, Roger Clemens, Eli Manning and the Detroit Shock Basketball Team.

The Dodge National Athletic Awards raise funds in support of March of Dimes efforts to save babies through programs of research, community service, advocacy and education.

Taking part in today's press conference are Darryl Jackson, Vice President, Dodge Division, March of Dimes Eastern Division Board Chairman Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano and Detroit Athletic Club President Elect Joe McMillan.

Among the past winners of the DAC High School Athlete of the Year Award are Shane Battier, now a star in the NBA and former University of Michigan quarterback Drew Henson, currently playing baseball for the New York Yankees.

For further information, call the March of Dimes at 248-359-1550.