The 2022 Panthers’ Choice Awards took place Sunday night, and in the midst of a record year for Pitt athletics, Pitt football cleaned up across the board.
Kenny Pickett, Jordan Addison, Gavin Bartholomew, Cal Adomitis, Chris LaSala and Pitt football brought home awards honoring individual and team success in 2021.
Male Athlete of the Year, Panther Award – Kenny Pickett
The Athlete of the Year Award is presented, “to the student-athletes who have the most outstanding athletic performances of the past year of competition & were instrumental in both individual and team success.”
Kenny Pickett threw for 4,319 yards and 42 touchdowns in 2021, leading Pitt to the first ACC title in team history, and he finished as Pitt’s first Heisman finalist since Larry Fitzgerald in 2003.
As the Male Athlete of the Year, he also earned the honor of being represented on Pitt’s Varsity Walk as part of a group of senior student-athletes who, “have promoted Pitt Athletics through their outstanding athletic achievement.”
Gold Standard Teammate, Newcomer of the Year – Gavin Bartholomew
The Gold Standard Teammates of the Year, “goes to the student-athlete from each team who most effectively inspired his or her team through exemplary commitment, composure and integrity.”
Bartholomew emerged as a true freshman contributor for Pitt, racking up 326 yards and four touchdowns on 28 receptions. As a key factor in Pitt’s offense, he grew each week.
And as a sophomore in 2022, he’s already emerged as a player who is poised for a breakout season.
With Newcomer and Teammate of the Year, Bartholomew has set his freshman season as a very, very high bar to follow.
The Newcomer of the Year is presented to, “a student-athlete who has made an immediate impact at Pitt in their first year of competition.”
Gold Standard Administrator of the Year – Chris LaSala
Chris LaSala is in his 26th season on Pitt’s football staff, and he currently serves as Pitt’s associate athletic director of football administration.
LaSala is one of Pitt’s longest-tenured members, serving a vital role on Pitt’s staff in not only winning an ACC championship but providing day-to-day responsibilities of travel accommodations, youth camps, coaching clinics, and preseason camps and daily administrations.
The Gold Standard Administrator of the Year Award goes to the, “non-coaching staff members of the athletic department who have gone above and beyond to ensure success and development of the student-athletes.”
Male Performer of the Year – Jordan Addison (Virgina)
Jordan Addison emerged as the best wide receiver in college football in 2021, bringing home the 2021 Biletnikoff Award, and he’s primed for even more in 2022.
With a season-high 202 yards and four touchdowns on 14 touchdowns against Virginia, to help clinch a spot in the ACC championship game, Addison earned Pitt’s Male Performer of the Year award.
The Performer of the Year is, “reserved for the most remarkable or significant single performances achieved over the last year.”
Blue-Gold Award – Cal Adomitis
Cal Adomitis thrived as Pitt’s long snapper over the past few seasons, earning the opportunity to compete at the NFL Combine as the sole long snapper, and he earned Pitt’s Blue-Gold Award.
Adomitis stood out off the field, raising over $100,000 for the UPMC Children’s Hospital, after setting an initial goal of $94,000. His charitable efforts, combined with his stellar play on the field earned his Blue-Gold Award.
The Blue-Gold Award, “is presented to the senior student-athletes who best represent the student-athlete ‘ideal.'”
As a Blue-Gold Award honoree, Adomitis will also see his name added to Pitt’s Varsity Walk.
Team Moments of the Year – ACC Champ
And of course, Pitt’s 2021 ACC championship, the culmination of efforts from Pickett, Addison, Bartholomew, Adomitis, LaSala and so many more, was the Team Moment of the Year.
Pitt’s first ACC title in football capped off a spectacular season of football. The celebration at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina over the night of Dec. 4 — and into Dec. 5 — was electric.
