Celebrating 70 Years: The Touchdown Club of Annapolis Annual Football Banquet
The Touchdown Club of Annapolis marked a major milestone on Thursday, February 20th, by hosting its 70th Annual Football Banquet at the DoubleTree Hotel in Annapolis. Presented by Kelly Insurance & Investments Inc., Liff Walsh & Simmons | Eagle Title, and Hyatt Commercial, the event brought together athletes, coaches, and football enthusiasts to celebrate outstanding performances and contributions to the sport.
A Night of Recognition and Remembrance
Hyatt Commercial had strong representation at the event. Justin Mullen, a past president of the Touchdown Club, and John Gallagher, the current vice president, along with other team members attended. The banquet honored local athletes and community figures who have made a lasting impact on football in Anne Arundel County and beyond.
This year’s banquet honored the late Pete Medhurst, a beloved Maryland sports broadcaster who passed away too soon. Known as the “Voice of Navy Athletics,” Medhurst announced games for the Washington Nationals, WBAL, and Rosecroft Raceway. His wife, Brenda Medhurst, accepted the Jim & Rae Morgan Award on his behalf. This award recognized his unwavering dedication to the Touchdown Club and the broader sports community. The Club was lucky to have Medhurst serve as banquet MC for 15 years. JP Finlay of NBC4 Washington and 106.7 the Fan served as master of ceremonies this year.
Honoring a Football Legend
Pro Football Hall of Famer John Riggins, known as “The Diesel,” was the evening's honored guest. Riggins played in the NFL from 1971 to 1985, leaving a mark on the league with 11,352 rushing yards, ranking 20th in NFL history. He shared personal stories from his playing days, making the night both memorable and entertaining.
Recognizing Outstanding Athletes
The Touchdown Club remains dedicated to supporting youth and high school sports programs in Anne Arundel County. It also recognizes athletic excellence and provides financial assistance to community programs and athletes in Anne Arundel County. Several standout players and coaches were honored during the banquet:
Brandon Gorham (Arundel High) – Earned Most Outstanding Lineman in Anne Arundel County with 61 tackles and 14 sacks.
Malik Washington (Archbishop Spalding) – Made history as a three-time winner of the Most Outstanding Player award. The talented quarterback is set to continue his career at the University of Maryland.
Tyler Womack (Annapolis High) – Named Most Outstanding Player in Anne Arundel County after leading Maryland in rushing with 1,844 yards and 25 touchdowns.
Jack Walsh (Arundel High) – Recognized as the Anne Arundel County Team of the Year head coach.
Kyle Schmitt (Archbishop Spalding) – Honored with the Alan Pastrana Memorial Coach of the Year Award.
Tai Felton (University of Maryland) – Senior wide receiver named Most Outstanding Player at the collegiate level.
Colin Ramos (U.S. Naval Academy) – Senior inside linebacker awarded Most Outstanding Player for his contributions on the field.
Seth Baldwin (South River Youth Association) – Received the Vince DePasquale Service to Youth Football Award for his dedication to the sport at the grassroots level.
A Legacy of Excellence
For seven decades, the Touchdown Club of Annapolis has fostered a love for football and recognized those who contribute to the game at the youth and scholastic levels, including USNA and University of Maryland . Once again, the banquet highlighted the club’s commitment to supporting local athletes and creating opportunities for future stars.
The evening wrapped up with Riggins' lighthearted Q&A session. Attendees left inspired by the achievements celebrated and the memories shared, with Riggins' humor leaving them laughing and ending the evening on a light note. The 70th Annual Football Banquet was more than an awards night—it was a tribute to the spirit of the game and the community that sustains it.