Stamford Resident, Former Knicks Player To Receive Stags Service Award

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Three Connecticut residents will receive the inaugural Stags Service Awards from Fairfield University for their contributions to the local sports community.

Fiarfield University presents the 2014 Stags Service Awards taking place in Bridgeport. Three Connecticut residents will be honored for contributions to the local sports community.
Photo Credit: *File Photo*

by Javier Simon

11/18/2014 4:00 a.m.

John Starks, former player for the New York Knicks; Christopher Russo, a SiriusXM Radio personality; and Chris Elsberry, a Connecticut Post sports writer, will be honored at The Harbor Club in Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets for the event, presented by Fairfield University, are $80 each. Admission includes a buffet dinner, a weekend pass to the six Coaches vs. Cancer Classic games, and a donation to the American Cancer Society. For tickets, visit fairfieldstags.com or call 203- 254-4136.

“The Stags Service Awards are a way for Fairfield University to recognize individuals in the greater Connecticut area for their work in their communities,” said Gene Doris, director of athletics. “As a Jesuit institution, Fairfield University emphasizes the importance of making a difference in our community by giving of oneself for the benefit of others. I believe John Starks, Chris Russo, and Chris Elsberry epitomize the essence of the Stags Service Awards.”

Starks, who lives in Stamford and played in the NBA for 13 seasons, earned a spot in the 1994 All-Star Game and finished his career with more than 10,000 points and the Knicks record for most career three pointers. He also founded the John Starks Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting High School seniors through academic scholarships and community service programs.

Russo, of New Canaan, has provided commentary on college and professional sports for three decades, beginning with his stint in Orlando on WKIS. He joined Sirius/XM in 2008 where he anchored “Mad Dog Unleashed.” Russo remains active in the community through his work with youth and local sports programs.

Elsberry joined the Bridgeport Post-Telegram/Connecticut Post in 1984. He has covered the Super Bowl, the World Series, the NBA Championship, and the Stanley Cup. He also has written about every professional sports team in the region and has been a regular at most of the area’s college athletic teams.

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