[TedG]

Originally Posted by Grim Tuesday

I think saying "Graciously Accept" is a wonderful FIRST-ism and transcends any original meaning of the word "gracious". I hope teams will continue to say it, as I personally like the tradition (I also enjoy variations on it).

I agree!
Look at the synonyms to the word too.

I don't understand why some of you are annoyed with "team xxxx graciously accepts", it's clean, it's professional and to the point.

Maybe you've heard it so much you're sick of it but there are lots of new people in the stands every year who think it's nice and professional.

I think stating a main sponsor or two is nice too, as long as it's quick an not an Emmy acceptance speach.

I like a lot of the other suggestions here too, fun and original (as long as they aren't too long!)

To the OP, anything you want as long as you get your point across, and done with taste and not offensive.