RENO, Nev. – A long-standing and generous supporter of the University of Nevada athletics department, John Morrey has been named as the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Jake Lawlor Award and will be presented with the honor at the 51st annual Governor's Dinner on Thursday night at the Governor's Mansion in Carson City.

The award is named after the legendary Wolf Pack coach and athletics director Jake Lawlor, and is given annually to individuals who have consistently demonstrated unwavering support of Wolf Pack Athletics.

Morrey is the president and managing partner of Morrey Distributing Company in Northern Nevada. Founded in July of 1954 when Joe and Esther Morrey moved to Reno from San Francisco to open the original facility on Fourth Street in Reno with five employees, Morrey Distributing will celebrate its 65th anniversary on Thursday with more than 60 employees. The family-owned company now spans three generations, with John having served as president for nearly 40 years.

John and his wife, Marilyn, were members of the Pack's Millennium Team in 2000, helping the program facilitate its move from the Big West to the Western Athletic Conference.  Twelve years later, the Morreys were part of the Battle Born Team, which helped Wolf Pack athletics make the move to the Mountain West Conference. Moreover, Morrey Distributing is also the annual sponsor of the Bobby Dolan Baseball Dinner.

"We are incredibly grateful for the decades of generosity and support for Nevada athletics from John Morrey and the Morrey family," said athletics director Doug Knuth. "The Morreys, and John specifically, have always been synonymous with the Wolf Pack and their steadfast commitment to our athletics program has left an impactful legacy on our campus and in our community."

Since 1980, the University of Nevada has issued its highest honor, the Jake Lawlor Award, every year at the Governor's Dinner. This year's dinner, now in its 51st year, features Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith.

Jake Lawlor Recipients
2019     John Morrey
2018     Don Weir
2017     Donald L. Jensen
2016     The Dolan Family
2015     Chris & Kim Aramini
2014     Craig Karrasch & Mark Knobel
2013     Chris Ault
2012     E.L. Cord Foundation
2011     Dixie May
2010     Drs. Harry & Rita Huneycutt
2009     John Ascuaga
2008     Roger Primm
2007     Jack & Rick Reviglio
2006     Roger Trounday
2005     Joe Crowley
2004     Roger Bergmann
2003     Bob Armstrong
2002     Harvey Whittemore
2001     Robert A. Cashell
2000     Gary Carano
1999     Bill Raggio
1998     Christina Hixson
1997     Bill Parish
1996     George Basta
1995     Brain Whalen
1994     John Legarza
1993     Ernie Martinelli
1992     Bob Smeath
1991     Holmes Hendricksen
1990     Don Carano
1989     Jack Spencer & Jack Cook
1988     Tom Reviglio
1987     Dr. Joe Libke
1986     Dick Trachok
1985     Bill "Wildcat" Morris
1984     Dr. Gerald Dales
1983     Bob McDonald
1982     Jimmy Olivas
1981     Ty Cobb
1980     Dale Whiddett