Results of the 2021 writing contest

2021 LOUISIANA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONTEST

Awards presented June 26, 2022, Natchitoches, La.

WRITING

PRO EVENT -- CLASS I

1) KATHERINE TERRELL, The Athletic

Gamer of Saints QB Drew Brees final night in the Superdome

JUDGE”S COMMENTS: This story really captured the deflating feeling of losing more than a big game. It was also about losing a favorite, familiar QB for good and realizing he no longer could give his best. There was a sincerity about the story I loved, where it wasn't afraid to break down the harsh reality of Drew Brees reaching the end in tough fashion. With stories like these, there's a tendency to wax poetic and lean toward puff piece, but this was a fair narrative that accurately reflected the bittersweetness of the moment.

2) Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana

Gamer on Drew Brees having likely played his last NFL game.

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Game story on Saints victory over the Buccaneers

HM) Amie Just, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Game story on Saints rally for win over Bucs after Jameis Winston’s ACL injury 

COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS I

1) BRODY MILLER, The Athletic

Story on the night LSU lost to Kentucky and Ed Orgeron’s fate was sealed

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: How does a coach go from winning a national championship with one of the best college football teams ever assembled to out of a job in just 2 years? This story answers those questions, metaphorically putting the writing on the wall for what was Ed Orgeron's imminent departure from LSU after a lackluster loss at Kentucky. The writer not only paints a picture of what went wrong against the Wildcats, but of the various missteps that made this such a crucial outcome for Orgeron. This is how a game story should be written. Don't just tell us what happened -- tell us why it matters.  

2) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Story on Tulane football shows plenty of fight in loss to No. 2 Oklahoma 

3) Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana

Story on LSU's Paul Mainieri extends retirement plan with NCAA Regional victory 

HM) Adam Hunsucker, Gannett Louisiana
Story on how LSU failed quarterback Max Johnson in loss to Auburn 

PRO-COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS II

1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Designated Writers
One special (sports day) in Shreveport-Bossier

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A creative approach to covering a unique two-event day on the local sports scene. A fun read with writing flair. Nice work coloring outside the lines.  

2) Raymond Partsch III, The Kinder Courier

Story on McNeese football team's win over Nicholls

3) Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel

Story on Kobe Dillon’s big day sparks Southern to victory 

PREP EVENT -- CLASS I

1) JIMMY WATSON, Shreveport Times

Story on Mangum & Wheless were supposed to be on sidelines for Logansport/Calvary game

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer understands that the result of the game being played was almost an afterthought. It would've been tempting to cram in a little play-by-play or more details about the game, but that would've made the story less focused. The approach was heartfelt and 100 percent appropriate.Great job.

2) Lenny Vangilder, Crescent City Sports
Story on De La Salle-Hahnville football game with twins on opposite sides

3) Koki Riley, The Daily Advertiser

Story on Westgate football wins the Class 4A state title

HM) Christopher Dabe, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Story on blocked extra point is difference in Jesuit’s playoff win over John Curtis 

PREP-AMATEUR EVENT -- CLASS II

1) JAKE MARTIN, Ouachita Citizen

Story on Ouachita football team ending “The Streak”
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Solid lead about a recent defeat tells the story about the coach's decision to go for Ouchita's winning two-point conversion. Good background, good use of quotes and all in all, it's a story about redemption that was well told. 

2) Glenn Quebedeaux, Crowley Post-Signal

Story on Crowley Millers state tournament loss 

3) Chris Quebedeaux, Crowley Post-Signal

Story on Crowley Millers shocking upset 

HM) Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer

Story on St. Paul’s loses in semifinals of Division I state basketball tournament 

PRO COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) TEDDY ALLEN, Shreveport Times

Column on former Times-Picayune sports stud sat humble, memorable example

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The winning article was a heartfelt tribute to the author’s mentor in which they masterfully weaved a personal anecdote into a life lesson. 

2) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Column on why Pelicans should hire Teresa Weatherspoon as their next head coach 

3) John Marcase, The Town Talk

Column on ageless athletes excelling

HM) Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana

Column on how Drew Brees, the Prince of the City, will play his last game for Saints very soon.

COLLEGE COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) RON HIGGINS, Tiger Rag

Column on LSU’s official report of its Title IX atrocities

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A well-executed takedown piece for a situation that absolutely calls for it. No one is spared -- not even the fans and media who have cultivated a love of SEC football that can serve as fertilizer for coaches to grow unchecked power on campus. But no one is flawed more thoroughly than Les Miles, "the guy portrayed as a family man with a loveable, quirky personality, [who] was just an aging pick-up artist with a bad dye job who repeatedly hit on student workers in his own football office." Unfortunately, sports writing is sometimes forced to venture into areas far from the field or court. A column like this is all the proof you need that the sports section isn't "the toy department." This is a columnist using his voice to demand accountability. It is needed. And this is how to do it.

2) John Marcase, The Town Talk

Column on former LSU president F. King Alexander

3) Adam Hunsucker, Gannett Louisiana
Column on college football is an interruption, not a distraction, from Hurricane Ida

HM) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate 

Column on after all the highs and lows, LSU couldn’t wait to fire Ed Orgeron 

PREP COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) JOHN MARCASE, The Town Talk

Column on the legacy of LHSAA’s Tommy Henry

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Insightful writing and a strong take that is well supported by interviews and details. I enjoyed the "big picture" angle, as well as the argument that it's often the position of power that is polarizing rather than the person who happens to be in that position. Great job.

2) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate 

Column on Kenny Guillot, a successful coach and a life well lived 

3) Kevin Foote, Acadiana Advocate 

Column on how forcing Northside to face Class 4A giants is shameful 

HM) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Column on LHSAA forfeit rulings

GENERAL SPORTS COLUMN -- CLASS II

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian

Column on Ragin' Cajuns football team struggling to draw crowds

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A clear, concise column with a straightforward and engaging lead. Nice use of numbers to bolster the premise. 

2)  Hunter Bower, GeauxPreps.com

Column about how unifying public and private LHSAA schools can benefit both parties 

3)  Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer 

Column on entering another school year of uncertainty due to COVID 

PRO FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) JEFF DUNCAN, The Athletic 

Feature story on former Saints standout Steve Gleason’s 10-year fight with ALS 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The story of Michael Gleason and his family is truly one of the most affecting features in recent memory. Seldom do profiles strike all the right notes, and yet, this one does just that. Readers feel it, and the writing effectively and thoroughly evokes all sorts of emotions—joy, inspiration, heartbreak, empathy, and so much more. Covering this subject matter takes incredible delicacy and talent. Not everyone can get people to open up like this piece did, particularly when digging through the depths of tragedy. The author also finds a way to evince even more emotion with enviable prose and sentence structure, in a completely organic matter. Nothing about the way this story is written or set up ever, at any point, feels forced, overwritten or unnecessary.  This story isn't just journalism at its peak. It is art at its most influential and unique—and equally impressive, at its most memorable.

2) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Feature on how determination helped Terry Fontenot land job as an NFL GM 

3) Katherine Terrell, The Athletic

Feature on the Saints move to Texas during Hurricane Ida

HM) Christian Clark, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Feature on how a divide grew between Zion and the Pelicans 

COLLEGE FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) ADAM HUNSUCKER, The News Star

Feature on football returning to McNeese State University

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Sports writing at its best teaches us about more than a game. In a category full of hurricanes and COVID aftermath, the winning story dropped me squarely into the hub of a community. It made me care about more than a school and a team of players. It made me care about a town and its people with a beautiful mixture of reporting and detail.

2) Brody Miller, The Athletic

Feature on how Louisiana Tech baseball rebuilt after tornado

3) Leah Vann, The Advocate

Feature on relationship between LSU LB Damone Clark and coach Blake Baker 

HM) Wilson Alexander, The Advocate

Feature on LSU and McNeese State trying to survive after hurricanes 

PREP FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) JIMMY WATSON, Shreveport Times

Story on how death of “Three” Johnson sparks hope of change for his mother

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The first three paragraphs pull you in and force you to keep reading. Your heart hurts for the mother, but finds comfort and solace in the fact that she sees the senseless murder of her son as a chance to maybe bring about some change. The story had me wanting more when it was over, hoping for some kind of resolution. Sadly, I know his mom feels the same way. Kudos to the writer for tackling such a difficult subject and making it read seamlessly.

2) Jeff Duncan, The Athletic

Feature story on the recruitment of Newman QB Arch Manning 

3) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate 

Story on how Rebecca Marshall did not plan to coach, but now leaves a legacy

HM) Adam Hunsucker, Gannett Louisiana

Story on Ruston quarterbacks coach Steven Ensminger Jr. pursues the coaching careerCategory 3

GENERAL SPORTS FEATURE -- CLASS II

1) TEDDY ALLEN, Designated Writers

Feature on baseball gods letting LA Tech play final 16 games of season in new home park

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Exceptional piece capturing the scene and mood of a big event

2) Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian

Feature on Ragin' Cajuns Jesus Coordinator Eric Treuil

3) Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer 

Feature on former Hannan golfer Abbey Daniel qualifying for U.S. Women’s Open 

HM) Chris Landry, The Daily Iberian

Feature on Delcambre High grad wanting to honor grandmother at Paralympics

BREAKING NEWS -- OPEN CLASS

1) AMIE JUST, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Story on Saints’ QB Drew Brees announces his retirement from NFL 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Football fans tend to develop a narrow focus on recent results and lose sight of the people under the helmet. This piece not only lays out the on-field accomplishments and accolades of one of the best players of all time but also reminds readers that Brees is a hall of fame human being. The writer provides context for his altruism starting with his post-Katrina arrival and wrapping with witnessed intimate moments following his final game. Poignant without gushing.

2) Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana

Story on Husch Blackwell dropping hammer on LSU concerning its mishandling of allegations.

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Reaction to the breaking news of sports journalist Bob Roesler’s death

HM) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Story on Tulane police officer killed outside high school basketball game 

GENERAL SPORTS -- OPEN CLASS

1) BROOKS KUBENA, The Advocate

Story on an unlikely football connection between Louisiana and Sweden 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I really enjoy how the story always circled back to where the story started, or where it could have started. The writer also did a great job of connecting how the Swedish people got into football, the events that transpired because of that, and how it has gone on to affect not just the sports landscape of the country, but a good chunk of the country's ethos. The explanation of Lagom and why it is so important to Sweden, followed by how the game of football has changed within the country, really made me enjoy it and want to keep reading. I enjoyed the detail that went into the story as well.

2) Tony Taglavore, 318 Forum

Story on Collin Evans climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro

3) Zach Ewing, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

Story on sports betting first day in Louisiana 

HM) Adam Hunsucker, The News-Star
Story on Sam Burn’s rise to PGA Tour winner from his Shreveport roots 

OUTDOORS WRITING -- OPEN CLASS

1) GLENN QUEBEDEAUX, Crowley Post-Signal

Story on youngster denied lake record due to Covid snafu 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A COVID fishing-record story. Well-told fish stories are always suspicious and better be good. This one is clearly real, and unique.

2) Raymond Partsch III, The Kinder Courier

A feature on 14-year-old knifesmith Cole Ogea

3) Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press

A feature on geese taking over Lake Charles downtown

HM) Don Shoopman, The Daily Iberian

A story on son callings in a big tom for his dad, who doesn’t miss first turkey

SPECIAL SECTION -- OPEN CLASS

1) THE ADVOCATE, One in a Million

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Every angle of Drew Brees' retirement was covered, from personal reflections by staff writers and Brees' closest associates, to his philanthropy, durability, his fiery pregame speeches, the 2009 championship season, Brees' relationship with Sean Payton and his final game. And then they were tied together with stunning photos, charts and graphics. This was a special section befitting a legend.

2) St. Tammany Farmer, High School Football Preview

3. The Advocate, Pro Football Hall of Fame

COLLEGE-PRO PHOTOGRAPHY -- CLASS I

1) TRAVIS SPRADLING, The Advocate

Photo of LSU catcher appling tag to ULL runner as both lunge for the plate 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Peak action is always a winner. You can just feel that this is an important moment in the game. Tenseness oozes from his photo. Would have liked to have seen a sequence here perhaps.

2) Jonathan Mailhes, Tiger Rag Magazine

Photo of  LSU’s Jaray Jenkins catching game-winning TD against Texas A&M

3) Rick Hickman, Lake Charles American Press

Photo of West Florida football player losing his helmet against McNeese 

PREP-AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY -- CLASS I

1) RICK HICKMAN, Lake Charles American Press

Photo of opponents shaking hands – during home run trot.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Photographer captures a moment you don't often see in playoff-level events (at least not in Texas): a moment of sportsmanship and recognition.

2) Travis Spradling, The Advocate

Photo of man fishing from the back of his truck while flying a kite

3) Jonathan Mailhes, Tiger Rag Magazine

Photo of state’s top prospect St. Thomas More QB Walker Howard 

GENERAL PHOTOGRAPHY -- CLASS II

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian

Photograph of Roberto Diaz winning first golf tournament at Chitimacha Open

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Sports photography is about moments and emotions. Here, you have both. This photo made me laugh out loud. Any photo that does that is automatically a winner.

2) Tom Morris, The Ouachita Citizen

Photograph of Sterlington Panthers state football championship win

3) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner

Photo of Catholic-PC base runner leaps over False River catcher to avoid tag 

MAJOR AWARDS

BEST SECTION -- CLASS I

1) THE ADVOCATE 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: No one competes with this outlet’s designs. Reader friendly, fabulous photos and best use of charts and statistics. Reads drier than American Press but wins with depth.

2) Lake Charles American Press

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A thorough, serious sports section that likes to have fun. Professional in word, photos and design. The best columns in the state and hasn’t forgotten the value of agate.

BEST SECTION -- CLASS II
1) THE DAILY IBERIAN

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Strong sports section. Very clean.Strong story on LSU’s Title IX problems, which extend for ages, and a great mix of college and high school coverage. Clean TV schedule and dedicated Sunday Outdoors page and nice additions.

2) St. Tammany Farmer

3) Ouachita Citizen

HM) Houma Courier

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) JIMMY WATSON, Shreveport Times

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: While reading the first story of this writer’s entry for Prep Writer of the Year, my first thought was “Why wasn’t this story submitted as prep feature?” It had all the makings of an award-winning prep feature – a strong lead, solid transitions and a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Then I got to the second entry of the four selections this writer submitted, and realized the writer made the right choice, albeit a tough choice. The second story picked up emotionally where the first selection left off and hooked the reader right in with a tremendous first three paragraphs. This writer has an uncanny ability to know exactly what notes to play to tug on the heartstrings, and when to pull back enough to re-center the reader on the story. In an absolutely stacked division filled with some of the best prep writers in the country, this writer stood out above the rest with four very solid entries – all of which are award worthy pieces.

2) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate 

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

HM) Koki Riley, The Daily Advertiser

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II

1) JIM DERRY, St. Tammany Farmer

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A column on the risks of playing sports with CoVid, a controversial topic, carried the added punch of the writer discussing his/her contraction of CoVid and the

results of it. Right on target. Another feature on four coaches and how their landscape has changed post-pandemic was timely and full of reporting. Two solid game stories rounded out an impressive entry.

2) Raymond Partsch III, Kinder Courier

3) Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen

HM) Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel

BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR -- OPEN CLASS

1) BRODY MILLER, The Athletic

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This was a master class of reporting and gripping narrative writing that is captivating to both your casual sports reader and a seasoned sports journalist. The casual reader senses the page-turner quality of the writing that keeps them reading far longer than they anticipated; the journalist is taken by specific turns of phrase or specific bits of reporting that make them wonder how he/she got the information. Simply put: this is the stuff that makes a person your favorite sportswriter’s favorite sportswriter.

2) Luke Johnson, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

3) Katherine Terrell, The Athletic

HM) Christian Clark, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) SCOTT RABALAIS, The Advocate

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The winning writer moved from subject to subject, each of them different from the others, with ease and talent. The writer hit the right marks at the right time, and the reader felt they had learned something and felt something at the end. Excellent work from a category in which there was a lot of talent on display. 

2) Ron Higgins, Tiger Rag

3) Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana

HM) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate 

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS II

1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Designated Writers
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Excellent take on Chip Kelly hiring at LSU

2) Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Touching first-person thoughts in all columns

3) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner

HM) Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel

STORY OF THE YEAR

JEFF DUNCAN, The Athletic 

Feature story on former Saints standout Steve Gleason’s 10-year fight with ALS 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Steve Gleason’s story is not a comfortable read, but it’s not supposed to be. It’s a fabulous story about an incredible human being with ALS. This writer takes no shortcuts and wants you to understand, not just know, the life that Gleason and those who care for him endure. This is a clear winner in a very competitive field. 

SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR

Awarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in regular writing categories. Points are NOT awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Beat Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.

RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian & Kinder Courier News

9 points (one first, three seconds)

Teddy Allen (2), 6

Jimmy Watson (2), 6

John Marcase (1), 6

Rod Walker, 6

Glenn Quebedaux (1), 5

Jeff Duncan (1), 5

Brody Miller (1), 5

Glenn Guilbeau, 5

Katherine Terrell (1), 4

Adam Hunsucker (1), 4

NEWSPAPER SWEEPSTAKES

(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis in all categories in regular writing contest except for Story of the Year; first-place awards in parentheses)

CLASS I

Baton Rouge Advocate (5), 24 points

The Athletic (4), 18

The Times-Picayune | The Advocate (1), 12

Shreveport Times (4), 12

Tiger Rag (1), 8

Lake Charles American Press (1), 7

Alexandria Town Talk (1), 6

USA Today Louisiana, 6

Crescent City Sports, 5

Monroe News-Star (1), 3

Acadiana Advocate, 1

Lafayette Daily Advertiser, 1

CLASS II

The Daily Iberian (3), 11

St. Tammany Farmer (1), 11

Designated Writers (3), 9

Ouachita Citizen (1), 7

Crowley Post-Signal (1), 6

Kinder Courier News, 6

Pointe Coupee Banner, 2

318 Forum, 2

Geaux Preps, 2

Concordia Sentinel, 1

Gannett Louisiana, 1

BROADCASTING

BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (SOLO)

1) MATT MOSCONA (host), Matt Musso & Paul O’Neil (producers), After Further Review, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Host was engaging, thoughtful, and well prepared.

2) Kevin Foote (host), Louis Prejean & Nick Dias (producer), Footnotes, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette

3) Raymond Partsch III (host), Louis Prejean & Nick Dias (producer), RP3 & Company, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette

HM) Patrick Netherton (host), Rogers Hampton (producer), Patrick Netherton Show, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport

BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (DUO-TEAM)

1) SPORTS TALK with JJ & BONZAI BEN, 1130 The Tiger

Hosts: John James Marshall, Ben Marshall

Producer: Travis Stewart

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This clip left me wanting to get the hosts takes on a bunch more stuff. I loved how fired up and passionate they were. It was also funny in spots, and finding that line between good, sincere analysis and fun is the line every host should try and toe. I think this show did it the best. Only thing missing was an interview portion.

2) Off the Bench, 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge

Hosts: T-Bob Hebert and Jacob Hester

Producers: Mario Jerez and Daniel Cardenez

3) Morning Drive with Aaron and Jake, Sports Talk 97.7 FM, Monroe 

Hosts: Aaron Deitrich & Jake Martin

BEST RADIO INTERVIEW

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, 103.7 The Game

Interview with former NFL player Bill Curry & McNeese football coach Frank Wilson

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Really succinct, smart questions that elicited great response and storytelling from the guest.  Excellent follow up question, when Curry mentioned Don Shula, the follow up question was short and to the point..."what was your experience like with Don Shula". (paraphrasing). but a really nice follow up.  Short,  meaningful and relevant questions

2) Kevin Foote, 103.7 The Game

Interview with former UL and NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme

3) Patrick Netherton, 1130 The Tiger

HM) The Locker Room, KMLB 105.7 FM

Interview with Ouachita’s Todd Garvin and West Monroe’s Jerry Arledge

BEST LIVE RADIO BROADCAST TEAM

1) CAPTAIN SHREVE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, Tony Taglavore and Jimmy Martin, The River 95.7 FM 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Well prepared, used stats well, tossed in coaches comments. Very good job. This was the best of the ones I heard.

2) Carencro High School Football, Ben Love and Blaine Viator, Z105.9 FM

3) Vermilion Parish Game of Week Football, Craig Wall, Ward Courville, 106.3 Radio Lafayette

BEST PODCAST

1) RALPH MALBROUGH, ANDREW JUGE, DAVE CARIELLO & KEVIN HELD, Saints Happy Hour Podcast

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I liked that this show felt like a few buddies sitting around talking football. Their takes were definitely from a fan's perspective, but they were educated and not over the top. I liked the additional production and I paused the audio so I could participate in their trivia question. I got the answer wrong, but weaving the trivia into the show was brilliant. 

2) Ross Jackson, “Locked on Saints Podcast”

3) John James Marshall & Teddy Allen, “Designated Podcast”

HM) Matt Moscona and T-Bob Hebert, “Whiskey and Wine”

BEST TV SPORTSCAST

1) FLETCHER MACKEL, WDSU

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Fletcher’s stories were very well done. His story on sports and Mardi Gras had very interesting insight and interviews. Loved the use of a costume. His personal story about how Drew Brees had an influence on his life and the effect he had on the city of New Orleans was excellent. His delivery is clear and concise.

2) Aaron Dietrich, KNOE

3) Jared Paul Joseph, WVLA

HM) Brady Renard, Zach Nunez & Brandon Williams, KPLC

BEST LIVE TV BROADCAST TEAM

1) LYN ROLLINS & CHRIS MYCOSKIE, ESPN+

Football game between Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The clip begins with a good description of what’s happening at that time in the game. The announcers work well with each other to tell the story. The analyst gives a great explanation of what’s at stake for both teams. During the official replay, there is a lot going on. The crew stayed calm and calmly described what was happening. This was well executed by not only the commentators, but also the production crew.

2) Dan McDonald & Scott Brazda, ESPN+

Football game between University of Louisiana Football and Nicholls

3) Chris Mycoskie & Teddy Allen, ESPN+

Men’s basketball game between Louisiana Tech and Texas Southern

SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS

DIVISION I (Release/Feature - Football)

1. JASON PUGH, Northwestern State University 
Feature on sixth-year senior WR Gavin Landry’s NSU career

Judges’ Comments: “The winner in this category details the career of a former walk-on who overcame a heart defect and a torn ACL to survive and shine. Judicious use of quotes and great context.” 

2. Matthew Bonnette, McNeeseSports.com

McNeese football head coach Frank Wilson looks back on the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. 

3. Harrison Valentine, LSU Athletics Communications

Brian Kelly’s introductory press conference and first day at LSU.

DIVISION II (Release/Feature – Men’s Basketball, Baseball)

1. KANE MCGUIRE Louisiana Tech Strategic Communications

Feature on Exavian Christon’s Return to Basketball: 

Judges’ Comments: “Excellent detail about Christon dealing with a heart problem, especially the day it happened and the honest, raw, scared emotions of his comeback.”

2. Harrison Valentine, LSU Athletics Communications

Feature on LSU star transfer Tari Eason, sixth Man of the Year in the SEC. 

3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State University

Release on retiring men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy’s press conference.

DIVISION III (Release/Feature – Women’s Basketball, Softball)

1. HARRISON VALENTINE, LSU Athletics Communications

Feature on LSU’s star senior point guard Khayla Pointer

Judges’ Comments: “A complete piece of writing about an established star who quickly established a bond and a trust in her new head coach after playing her entire college career under her aunt who had been fired.” 

2. Grant Kauvar, LSU Athletics Communications

Release on Kim Mulkey’s first year at LSU winning AP Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year. 

3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech Strategic Communications

Feature on Louisiana Tech softball being Taylor-Made in 2022

DIVISION IV (Release/Feature – all other sports)

1. KANE MCGUIRE, Louisiana Tech Strategic Communications

Feature on Louisiana Tech’s soccer-playing Doll Sisters

Judges’ Comments: “Winner detailed the family dynamic with the perfect balance of detail and humor of an eight-year era at Tech when the Doll sisters were huge contributors on the field and in the classroom. 

2. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State

Volleyball feature on assistant coach Stacey Aldredge and mother’s battle with cancer. 

3. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics Communications

Game release on Louisiana’s soccer win over Southeastern Louisiana.

DIVISION V (Game Notes – All sports)

1. MATT SULLIVAN, Louisiana – Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Notes vs. LSU in the Wally Pontiff, Jr., Classic

Judges’ Comments: “Great front page. Clean, good size font, all the information you need if I was only going to read one page. Having the quick facts on page 2 is perfect. Most won’t read past the first couple of pages, so it is great to have it there. Like the retired numbers on the numerical roster page. Clean text throughout, not using a whole bunch of different fonts and colors Good to have Minor League players included in the notes. Good to have a page on the home stadium, including attendance records.

2. Eric Jones, Louisiana Tech – Baseball Notes vs. Middle Tennessee

3. Kent Lowe, LSU – Men’s Basketball Notes at NCAA Championships

DIVISION VI (College Radio Play-By-Play)

1. CHRIS BLAIR, LSU – Call of LSU Baseball’s Walk-Off Win Over Georgia

Judges’ Comments: “Chris is always on-point, ready for every big moment!!  He never takes a play, down, trip down the floor....or pitch....Off. In a big moment, he makes it big without shouting, screaming or getting out of control ... a real veteran. LSU has a true gem because every time something huge happens, they can always know that Chris has nailed his call for a true archival soundtrack that the school and fanbase can be genuinely proud to have, and reflect on for decades to come.”

2. Nick White, ULM – Call of ULM Football’s Victory Over Liberty After Warhawks Were 32-Point Underdog

3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech – Call of Bulldogs’ Grab of Defeat From the Jaws of Victory Against SMU

DIVISION VII (Best College Graphic)

1. Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball 2021 Senior Day Graphic

Judges’ Comments: “I think that while there are elements in the graphic that give it a textured feel, I think the concept is very clean and concise. You know exactly what you're looking at when you see this graphic. Good use of photography and to not overdo it. I like the addition of Senior Weekend 21 at the top. I think having that is needed to tie the whole graphic together if someone didn't read the tweet.” 

2. LSU – Kim Mulkey Graphic For AP Coach of the Year

3. (tie) Louisiana Tech's 2021 Baseball Regional Graphic 

3. (tie) Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Opening Weekend Attendance Graphic

DIVISION VIII (Best College Photo)

1. BEN MASSEY, RaginCajuns.com

Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Members Pay Homage At Tony Robichaux’s Retired Number Prior To Easter Weekend Game vs. ULM

Judges’ Comments: “This photo should be titled, “With Honors.” Honoring the memory of a coach who instilled in his players the true meaning of the sport and what it means to stand for what you believe in, no matter what the cost.”

2. Mitchell Scaglione, LSU Sports.net

Track and Field’s Ji’eem Bullock lands in the Long Jump at Arizona State’s Baldy Castillo Invitational

3. Matt Sullivan, RaginCajuns.com

Louisiana Pitchers Tommy Ray and Bo Bonds Having Fun During Practice in the Rain