Toledo group wins a Dove

Sanctus Real's Chris Rohman, Mark Graalman, Steve Goodrum, and Matt Hammitt at Dove Awards. Toledo Christian rock band Sanctus Real won its first Dove Award in Nashville, taking home the Modern Rock Album of the Year Award for its 2004 release, "Fight the Tide."

Toledo Christian rock band Sanctus Real won its first Dove Award in Nashville, taking home the Modern Rock Album of the Year Award for its 2004 release, "Fight the Tide."

The band, consisting of singer-guitarist Matt Hammitt, bassist Steve Goodrum, guitarist Chris Rohman, and drummer Mark Graalman, was nominated in four categories at the 36th Annual Dove Awards, presented by the Gospel Music Association Wednesday night.

The Toledoans faced stiff competition in the album category from Delirious?, Hawk Nelson, Skillet, and Taylor Sorenson.

Last year, Mr. Hammitt became the first Toledo artist to win a Dove for singing two songs on "Hero: The Rock Opera," a two-disc, multi-artist set that won for Special Event Album of the Year.

Sanctus Real was formed in 1996 and signed with Sparrow Records, the world's largest Christian record label, in the spring of 2002. The band released its debut disc, "Say It Loud," the following December and "Fight the Tide" in June, 2004.

Rock group Switchfoot won artist of the year and three other Doves, the GMA's equivalent of the Grammys, and Southern gospel group the Crabb family also won four Doves at the awards ceremony, held in the Grand Ole Opry.

Casting Crowns won for group of the year, pop/contemporary recorded song ("Who Am I"), and inspirational recorded song ("Voice of Truth"), and its lead singer, Mark Hall, won individual honors for song of the year and songwriter of the year.