Nick Sakiewicz, General Manager of the MetroStars, was named as the MLS Executive of the Year for the second consecutive season. He also received the MLS Executive of the Year honor in 1999 as General Manager of the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Sakiewicz helped engineer the most dramatic turnaround in MLS history as the MetroStars went from a league-worst record in 1999 to Eastern Division champs in 2000. Stephen Zack, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for D.C. United was named MLS Marketing Executive of the Year. Zack, who was the 1997 MLS Marketing Executive of the Year, oversees the marketing, operations and ticket sales departments for the organization. Under Zack’s direction, United’s season ticket sales increased by 21% and the Black & Red led the league in both total ticket revenue and total group sales. Scott DeBolt, Director of Operations for the Chicago Fire, is the 2000 MLS Operations Executive of the Year. DeBolt oversees all game operations and team-related support systems. His attention to detail and meticulous organizational skills enabled him to address the teams numerous administrative needs. Gabriel Gabor, Director of Media Relations for the Miami Fusion, was named the MLS Public Relations Executive of the Year. Gabor, who oversees all aspects of the Fusion’s media relations and team publications, was recognized for his consistent, accurate and proactive efforts in providing media members with information and generating coverage for the Fusion. Bruce Morgan of the San Jose Earthquakes was named as the 2000 ACE Athletic Trainer of the Year in an announcement last Tuesday. New in 2000, this award is given to the MLS Athletic Trainer who while faced with the challenges of injury and illness to his or her players, experienced measurable success in rehabilitating them. D.C. United was named as the recipient of Major League Soccer’s Team Ticketing Sales Award for the second consecutive season. The Team Ticketing Sales Award honors the ticket sales staff that demonstrates the highest degree of market success in season ticket sales, group ticket sales, ticket consistency, and customer service throughout the year.