DAPHNE, Ala. — Pat White, former Daphne resident and current West Virginia University quarterback, is eligible again for the Alabama Athlete of the Year award. Fans can vote online for their favorite athlete in the state; the Web site is www.ussa.edu. Voting ends Dec. 24.

The United States Sports Academy in Daphne has sponsored the competition since the early 1980s, according to Mark Stevens, the school’s communications director. Past winners include Shaun Alexander, Charles Barkley, Davey Allison and Evander Holyfield.

Among this year’s candidates are White, Auburn kicker Wes Byrum, Alabama receiver D.J. Hall, and Arizona Diamondback and former Mobile BayBears outfielder Justin Upton.

“It’s like a Christmas present to them,” Stevens said of the award, referring to the voting expiration date on Christmas Eve. “To have our very own Patrick White in the running is awesome. He’s accomplished some amazing things,” he said.

White won the 2006 award and is currently among the top three in votes for this year’s award, Stevens said. White is getting stiff competition from Byrum, so he could use the community’s support to pull for one of their own, Stevens said.