The Hugo Germino Sports Ambassador Award was established to honor deserving citizens who have spent an exceptional amount of time promoting, coaching, and working with young people in various sporting activities in the Durham community, without recognition. We feel these individuals deserve credit for taking their time and interest to promote athletics, fun, and happiness for so many people without expecting any pay or personal accolades.
Hugo Germino was the perfect example of such an individual. Hugo joined the Herald-Sun newspaper in the mid 1930s and became Sports Editor in 1938. He also had a sports program on WDNC radio every day and he was an announcer for the Durham Bulls’ home games. He always wrote positive things about teams, players, coaches and their families. He helped start the Herald-Sun Golf Tournament in 1940 and served at each tournament until his death. Germino helped establish the Triangle Seniors Golf Association. He served as President of the ACC Sports Writers Association and on the Board of Directors of the U.S. Basketball writers Association. Hugo was president of the Durham Jaycees and the Sertoma Club in Durham. He organized softball games for British sailors while their damaged ships were being repaired during WWII. People enjoyed his daily sports articles, simply because they were written from his heart in a positive manner, and with a local flavor that readers could relate to.
The 2025 recipient of the Hugo Germino Sports Ambassador
Award is Miles Wolff, Jr. Miles is responsible for bringing the Durham Bulls back to existence after a 10-year absence from the City and revitalizing the historic Durham Athletic Park in the process. Within a few years, attendance was so strong that it was determined that a new stadium would need to be built. One of the investors in that project was a Durham native, Thom Mount, who had been a movie studio leader in California for many years. Mount had been contemplating making a baseball movie, and upon seeing Wolff’s accomplishments with the Bulls, determined that Durham and the Bulls were perfect, and the classic movie, “Bull Durham,” was made. “Bull Durham” has led to the Durham Bulls’ being arguably the most recognized and successful minor-league baseball operations around the world. Wolff’s foresight and involvement led to construction of the Durham Bulls Athletic Park stadium, and thus the spectacular revitalization of downtown Durham.
Wolff’s fascination with minor league baseball began as a youth in Greensboro, where he sold sodas at the Greensboro Patriot’s games at age 12. After college, he worked for the Atlanta Braves organization, serving as General Manager of the Savannah Braves in the process. His relationship with the Braves led to the affiliation of the Bulls as a Class A farm team of the Braves when they came back to Durham.
Wolff truly embodies the spirit and intent of the Hugo Germino Sports Ambassador Award.