Linda Toscano collected Harness Trainer of the Year honours at the 77th edition of the New Jersey Sportswriters Association Banquet on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.
A crowd of nearly 300 attended the luncheon which honoured sports figures from football, hockey, baseball, women’s soccer, coaching and journalism.
In addition to Toscano, the awards went to Jack Curry of the YES Network [Broadcast Achievement], Todd Frazier of the Cincinnati Reds [National League Rookie of the Year], Carli Lloyd of the US Women’s Soccer Team [Woman of the Year], Kyle Flood of Rutgers [College Football Coach of the Year], Brad Brach of the San Diego Padres [Relief Pitcher of the Year], Basketball Coach Gerry Matthews of Richard Stockton College [Hall of Fame], NHL Referee Kerry Fraser [Hall of Fame], Athletic Director Walter Hameline of Wagner College [Hall of Fame], Baseball Coach Ken Frank of Toms River South [Distinguished High School Service], Punt Returner Bruce Harper of the New York Jets [Football Good Guy], Dennis Drazin of Monmouth Park [Distinguished Service to Horse Racing], Baseball Coach Phil Cundari of Seton Hall [Hall of Fame], Football Coach Jay Price of Manasquan High School [Hurricane Sandy First Responders Tribute], Reporter Phil Anastasia of the Philadelphia Inquirer [Newspaper Achievement Award], Frankie Edgar of the Ultimate Fighting Championship [Hall of Fame] and Golfer Jim McGovern [Hall of Fame].
Toscano, trainer of three U.S. divisional champions, including 2012 U.S. Horse of the Year Chapter Seven, will also be honoured as Trainer of the Year by the United States Harness Writers Association on March 3 and with the Governor’s Cup at the New Jersey Breeders Awards luncheon on January 27.
(SBOANJ)