Former Cleveland Cavaliers players and FOX Sports Ohio announcers Austin Carr and Campy Russell will be the keynote speakers for the Shaw JCC’s 16th annual Sports Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 1. Monies raised from ticket sales, sports memorabilia auction and sponsorships benefit the Shaw JCC’s programs and services offered to the community.

“As a long-time Cavs fan, I’m thrilled Austin Carr and Campy Russell are headlining our dinner this year,” said Shaw JCC executive director Michael Neumann. “There are no other household names with more historical perspective of the NBA and professional Cleveland basketball, who exemplify the values of the Shaw JCC and what this dinner aims to support. Austin and Campy are sure to be a draw for northeast Ohio sports fans and beyond.”

“Mr. Cavalier” Austin Carr begins his 20th season as a TV color analyst for the Cleveland Cavaliers on FOX Sports Ohio. After a standout career with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1971-80, Carr rejoined the team in the front office in June 1991 as the Director of Community and Business Development. Beginning in 1997, Carr became the full-time color analyst for the team’s telecasts on WUAB and the Cavaliers Television Network.

He played the first nine of 10 seasons in the NBA with Cleveland before stints with Washington and Dallas. He ranks second among the Cavaliers’ All-Time leaders in field goals made (4,272) and field goals attempted (9,480). Carr is fourth on the Cavaliers’ All-Time list in scoring (10,265), fifth in games played (635) and sixth in minutes played (19,003). He was the first player chosen in the 1971 NBA Draft and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team in 1972. He represented Cleveland in the 1974 NBA All-Star Game.

Campy Russell begins his 11th season providing analysis on the FOX Sports Ohio pregame and postgame show, “Cavaliers Live,” after spending three seasons as the team’s broadcast analyst on the WUAB TV 43 Cavaliers pregame and postgame show. He is also the Cavaliers’ Director of Alumni Relations, helping connect former Cavs players with the organization and fans.

Russell played 10 years in the NBA, including seven with the Cavs (1974-75 to 1979-80 and 1984-85) where he was an NBA All-Star in 1979. Russell was named to the Cavaliers’ All-Time Team and remains in the Cavs’ all-time Top 10 in five categories. He entered the 1974 NBA Draft as junior under the hardship clause and was the eighth pick of the first round. In 2014, Russell was inducted into the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.

“Austin and Campy have worked together and played together, but the best part of their charm is how long they have been friends as well as the bond they share with other players from their era,” says Neumann.

For more information, contact Jody Faught at 330-835-0025 or  jody_faught@shawjcc.org.