Bruins represented at L.A. Sports Awards

The 2008 L.A. Sports Awards were held Friday, bringing together some of the biggest names in the Southland. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block was on hand, along with legendary Bruin volleyball player Karch Kiraly.

A media panel selected by the L.A. Sports Council named the top 10 moments of the year, and the Bruins' third straight trip to the NCAA Final Four in men's basketball was selected as Los Angeles' sixth greatest moment of 2008. While picking up UCLA's hardware, Block praised the school's well-rounded success.

Every local team was honored for its greatest moment based on an Internet fan poll. UCLA's top moment was winning three NCAA championships in one month. In a span of just 20 days in May, Bruins took home top honors in women's water polo, women's tennis and men's golf.

Curiously, the media's favorite UCLA moment (another deep run in March Madness) wasn't the same as the fans'. They had three options from which to choose, as nominated by the school: the three NCAA championships, the Big Dance and the Beijing Olympics (15 medals won, plus five coaches of medal winners).

Volleyball stars Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor also were honored for their Olympic gold. Although they were unable to attend, Walsh sent a heartfelt video speech that singled out UCLA's Karch Kiraly for his help training the duo. Kiraly was at the awards show as a presenter.

The Dodgers' acquisition of Manny Ramirez and the subsequent "Mannywood" craze was the top winner overall. Staples Center stars dominated the individual awards, with Kobe Bryant being named Sportsman of the Year; Candace Parker, Sportswoman of the Year; Phil Jackson, Coach of the Year; and Mitch Kupchak, Executive of the Year.

A TV presentation of the awards ceremony will air Friday on PrimeTicket, with several repeats in the following days.

—Adam Rose

Photo: Jon SooHoo / L.A. Sports Council