The sporting communities of Rochford and Brentwood came together for a night of recognition and celebration as the winners of the 2024 Rochford and Brentwood Sports Awards were announced. The awards ceremony, held earlier this week (Wednesday 16 October), at The Mill Arts & Events Centre in Rayleigh, recognized the outstanding achievements of athletes, coaches and volunteers who have made significant contributions to local sports over the past year. This year's awards showcased a diverse range of talent across various sports, highlighting the dedication, skill and passion that exist within our sporting communities. The awards honored those who have not only excelled in their sport field but have also made a positive impact on the local sporting community.
Sporting Excellence Recognized
The winners of the Rochford Sports Awards 2024 are:
- Sports Personality of the Year: Todd Geggus
- Young Sports Personality of the Year: Jake Radev
- Highly Commended: William Hurley
- Changing Lives Through Sport & Physical Activity Health Initiatives: Silverbirch Farm
- Highly Commended: Hawkwell Junior parkrun
- Coach of the Year: Brad Parsons
- Highly Commended: Anthony Row
- Community Club of the Year: Rayleigh Community Boxing Club
- Highly Commended: Great Wakering Rovers FC
- The Inclusive Communities Award: Rayleigh Rebels
- Unsung Hero: Colin Stroud
- Highly Commended: Matthew Ferridge
- Young Volunteer: Owen Day
Following the awards ceremony, the Chairman of Rochford District Council, Councillor Sarah-Jane Page, said: “A huge congratulations to all our worthy winners! The sportspeople and volunteers of Rochford are truly remarkable and celebrating them at the Sports Awards was a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge their dedication and commitment. It has been inspiring to see their hard work and commitment make a real difference in Rochford and the Sports Awards were a fitting celebration of their achievements.”
Notre Dame's Defensive Star Earns Midseason All-American Honors
Senior safety Xavier Watts has been named a first-team Midseason All-American by both the Associated Press and The Sporting News for his 2024 performance through the first half of the season. He was named to both outlets’ preseason All-America first teams prior to the 2024 campaign. The 2023 unanimous All-American has continued to lead the Irish defense in 2024, leading the secondary with 21 tackles, two interceptions (34 yards in return), five pass breakups and two quarterback hurries, in addition to a forced fumble.
Watts' Impact Plays
Watts has made impact plays throughout the season, totaling three third-down stops and four fourth-down stops through six games. Watts was a game changer in the 31-24 win over No. 15 Louisville. He posted his second interception of the season, with two pass breakups, a QB hurry and three tackles in several key situations, including the game-sealing pass breakup. Five of Watts’ disruptions came on third or fourth down (two on third, three on fourth). A second quarter PBU forced a Louisville punt, while Watts returned an interception later in the quarter for 34 yards, setting up a Notre Dame field goal. The interception marked the first pick thrown by Louisville QB Tyler Shough all season. Then, at the end of the half, Watts stymied a last-ditch effort by the Cardinals on fourth-and-1 with a tackle for no gain to end the half.
In the third quarter, Watts notched his QB hurry on fourth-and-2, forcing an incomplete pass. On Louisville’s last offensive effort of the game, with the Irish ahead by a touchdown, Watts broke up a downfield pass attempt on fourth down to seal the game for the Irish, as the offense took a knee to run out the clock. Watts has also been named to midseason all-america teams by CBS Sports and The Athletic. In 2023, Watts won the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, recognizing college football’s defensive player of the year, in addition to being named a unanimous All-American.
A Legacy of Sporting Excellence
The 2024 Rochford Sports Awards serve as a testament to the dedication, talent and passion that exist within our sporting communities. They offer a platform to celebrate and acknowledge the individuals and groups who are shaping the future of sports in Rochford and Brentwood. As the recipients of these awards continue to contribute to their respective fields, they inspire future generations of athletes, coaches and volunteers to pursue their sporting dreams and make a positive impact on the communities they serve.
