Redskins running back and 2004 Episcopal High School graduate Tim Hightower joined the Alexandria Sportsman's Club May 15 in honoring the city's top scholar athletes eight years after he himself was named athlete of the year by the club.

“It seems like only yesterday,” Hightower said prior to taking to the podium to deliver the keynote address.

Hightower praised the student athletes in the room, saying “People don't see what goes on behind being the best. You still have to study and do your chores then go out on the field and be a leader. It's not easy and I admire all of you for your accomplishments.”

Hightower recalled his time as a student at EHS and praised football coach Mark Gowin, who was surprised with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Gowin recently announced his retirement after 24 years in coaching.

“I can't thank coach Gowin enough for all the lessons he taught me,” Hightower said.

Other awards included the Sportsman of the Year Award, presented to Gerald File, the Hall of Fame award to George Washington High School athletic standout Dan Lehman, Coach of the Year to Bishop Ireton's Tony Verducci and the Civic award to Denise Dunbar.

“My hat is off to all of the student athletes in this room,” Hightower said in celebrating the award winners. “Cherish this moment. You'll remember it always.”