ORLANDO, Fl. - The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) today announced the names of the top finalists for the 73rd Annual AAU James E. Sullivan Memorial Award, which recognizes the top amateur athlete in the nation.    The first round finalists are: Nick Collison (Men's Basketball); Natalie Coughlin (Swimming); Sarah Hughes (Skating); LeBron James (Men's Basketball); George Kotaka (Karate); Stacey Nuveman (Softball); Nicole Ohlde (Women's Basketball); Apolo Anton Ohno (Speedskating); Derek Parra (Speedskating); Cael Sanderson (Wrestling); and Chris Waddell (Paralympic Alpine Skiing and Track and Field).    Editor's note: Sanderson completed an undefeated 159-0 college wrestling career in 2002, winning his fourth NCAA Div. I title for Iowa State. He also was the No. 1 freestyle wrestler in the nation at his weight class, winning the U.S. Nationals and World Team Trials.    Three wrestlers have won the Sullivan Award: John Smith (1990), Bruce Baumgartner (1995), Rulon Gardner (2000).    The AAU Sullivan Award recognizes athletes who have achieved athletic excellence, exhibit leadership, character, sportsmanship and the ideals of amateurism.  It has been presented annually by the AAU since 1930 as a salute to founder and past president of the AAU, and a pioneer in amateur sports, James E. Sullivan.      A 10-member AAU Sullivan Committee selected the 11 finalists from an initial group of 50 nominations. Ballots to select the top five and the 2002 winner were mailed today to an 800-member voting body consisting of AAU Board of Directors, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) Board of Directors, Select Media, and 2001 AAU Sullivan Award Event Attendees. The top five finalist and the National recipient will be formally recognized and announced March 18th, 2003 at the New York Athletic Club in New York City.     "This year's selection of award finalists represents a diverse group of athletes participating in both individual and team sports," said AAU President Bobby Dodd.  "The common thread that links our finalists is that they are not only first-class athletes, but first-class individuals as well.  We hope that they will continue to serve as positive role models for the youth of America."    Considered the "Oscar" of sports awards, the AAU James E. Sullivan Award has been presented to prominent athletes of our time including last year's recipient Michelle Kwan. Others include: Peyton Manning (1997), William "Bill" Bradley (1965), Dan Jansen (1994), Janet Evans (1989), Jim Abbott (1987), Jackie Joyner-Kersee (1986), Greg Louganis (1984), and the late Florence Griffith-Joyner (1988).    "For the past 73 years, the Sullivan Award has recognized athletes that epitomize sportsmanship and integrity," noted AAU president Bobby Dodd.  "We at the AAU are committed to continuing this time-honored tradition, and even helping it to grow in prominence."    The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is one of the largest, non-profit, volunteer, sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs for all ages. Our philosophy of "Sports for All, Forever," is shared by nearly 500,000 participants and over 50,000 volunteers.  Divided into 57 associations, the AAU sanctions more than 34 sports programs, 250 national championships, and over 10,000 local events across the United States annually.  For more information on the AAU please visit our website at www.aausports.org.