2023 LOUISIANA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONTEST

Awards presented June 23, 2024, Natchitoches, La.

 

WRITING

 

PRO EVENT -- CLASS I

1) ROD WALKER, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on how Saints’ Taysom Hill turns back clock in win over Bears

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This story had me early and kept my interest. It started with a great smart lede, using a current event and tying it to past NFL history. There was use of fantastic quotes to really provide color and interest on Taysom Hill's role, including honest reactions by their QB, Derek Carr, and a great pop culture comparison to "Friday NIght Lights". There's just so much good detail here and even an extra telling quote about HIll knowing his own versatile role and the special stats it brings. This was well done from beginning to end and deserves to be in the top spot.

2) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate

A story on a trip with dad producing a massive World Series of Poker payday

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

A story on Pelicans defeating Grizzlies to lock up playoff berth

HM) Will Guillory, The Athletic

Story on Trey Murphy leading Pelicans to a victory over the Nuggets

 

COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS I

1) RON HIGGINS, Tiger Details

Story on LSU baseball team winning College World Series

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: "An all-encompassing good read. A really enjoyable setup in the first few paragraphs tying Jay Johnson with Skip Bertman with the tape. The writer does a good job of focusing less on the play-by-play of a blowout game with the significance of the national championship. Blowouts are hard to write sometimes but can also be done effectively. The writing is clean, crisp and keeps the story moving. The context of describing the pitching situations for both teams also was important, and the writer injected that into the story at the right time. I liked the tie-in at the end as well. This was well done from start to finish."  

2) Jim Kleinpeter, The Advocate

Coverage of LSU women’s basketball national championship game

3) Dan McDonald, Acadiana Advocate

Story on Ragin’ Cajun golf pulls off monumental upset for Sun Belt title

HM) Guerry Smith, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Tulane’s comeback win over USC in Cotton Bowl caps dream season

 

PRO-COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS II

1) RHETT MANUEL, Ville Platte Gazette

Story on Will Wade and McNeese earning win over Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The lede, while arguably not exactly objective and not exactly tied to the rest of the story, made me want to keep reading. Third graph did a good job summing up what happened, which is good to get to quickly. Perhaps a bit too much play-by-play in the story, but a good account of what happened and reaction to it. Nice job folding in multiple voices too. 2) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

Story on Will Wade taking spotlight at Southland Conference Media Day

3) T. Scott Boatright, Lincoln Parish Journal

Story on Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern 

HM) No honorable mention awarded

 

PREP EVENT -- CLASS I

1) CHRISTOPHER DABE, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Edna Karr’s Tre Brown wears No. 5 in game for first time in honor of fallen player

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A very emotional story about embracing a legacy and the brotherhood that always lives on at Edna Karr.

2) Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports

Game story on Jesuit edging Runnel to win Division I Select Baseball Title

3) Raymond Partsch III, Crowley Post Signal

Game story on Notre Dame coach Lewis Cook recording 400th career win

HM) William Weathers, The Advocate

Game story on St. Joseph Academy’s soccer win over Dominican

 

PREP EVENT -- CLASS II

1) MALCOLM BUTLER, Lincoln Parish Journal

Story on Ruston QB Josh Brantley using his legs to beat ASH, opponents

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The lead and the next few paragraphs do a good job setting up the game story. The story as a whole shows how important Brantley's progression as a quarterback has been to helping the team win that game specifically, but how it also helped jump start the season. The story also talks about the job he did by running the ball, and how it is helping him become a better quarterback, and the team play better offense.

2) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer

Story on family focus leads Hannan to third state volleyball title in four years

3) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

Story on family reflects on Father/Son showdown on the diamond

HM) Glenn Quebedeaux, Crowley Post Signal

Game story on DeQuincy-Notre Dame football game

 

PRO COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) ROD WALKER, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Column on encouraging Zion Williams to hear words of wisdom from teammates

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This is a creative column, getting the point across in a unique style, with an easy flowing narrative from start to finish.

2) Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Column on Zion Williamson needing to avoid making TMZ headlines

3) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate

Column on remembering dad at the Masters and Amen Corner

HM) John James Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Column on inability to throw a decent ceremonial first pitch

 

COLLEGE COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) ROD WALKER, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Column on Tulane football’s biggest win ever in Cotton Bowl

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Excellent opening that captured the rise of a program that needed resuscitation. The author effectively weaved in Tulane’s inglorious football history, which provided context for the significance of their Cotton Bowl victory. A lot of effective, punchy writing: “‘Whatever it takes.’” And it took a lot.”

2) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Column on the downside of the NCAA Transfer Portal

3) Christian Clark, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

HM) Ron Higgins, Tiger Details / Shreveport-Bossier Journal

 

PREP COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Shreveport Bossier Journal
Column on prep games should not be played at Independence Stadium

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This columnist got right to the point and backed up their argument with solid information. The kicker was strong and left no doubt which side of the fence this writer was on regarding this topic.

2) Raymond Partsch III,  ESPN Southwest Louisiana

Column on Louisiana high school mascots need some seasoning

3) Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times

Column on Calvary’s Hutch Grace making decision that makes us all feel good

HM) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Column on it shouldn’t be this tough to track the girls’ basketball state tournament 

 

GENERAL SPORTS COLUMN -- CLASS II

1) DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Parish Journal

Column addressing cancellation of Northwestern State’s football season after shooting death

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This is a sobering and insightful piece of journalism. It goes far beyond sports and speaks to a widespread problem in America, where it seems the only accountability expected of institutions is toward those who have the most money/power/influence. And without accountability, how can there possibly be justice? I'm left with a sense that the general public will never truly know what happened here, and that's a sad, frustrating feeling. But stories like this are the most important ones we can write. After all, it's better to be a prisoner of hope than to have no hope at all.

2) Bob Tompkins, Rapides Parish Journal

Column on being that time of year to endure coaching jargon 

3) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

Column on coming, seeing, and being conquered in Omaha for the College World Series

HM) Dan McDonald, McD Media  

Column about 50-year sports career defined by Jim Croce plane crash

 

PRO FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) WILL GUILLORY, The Athletic

Story on Brandon Ingram’s path to greatness begins with fighting his inner demons

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Brandon Ingram has been bit of an enigma, so seeing a writer dig into what makes him tick was excellent planning and execution. Terrific job.

2) Terrin Waack, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Saints first-round draft pick Bryan Bresee fueled by family tragedy

3) Luke Johnson, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Saints’ offensive linemen and their weekly dinners

HM) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Story on New Orleans Pelicans entering another key offseason 

 

COLLEGE FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) LEAH VANN, The Advocate

Feature on LSU’s Dylan Crews wanting to become the greatest

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This was an excellent piece, examining the growth and character of a star player. The writer provided excellent insight, not only into what drives the player, but also into those who helped push him and direct him toward on his path. The feature, which uses an excellent lede to immediately draw the reader into the story, is Exhibit A on how to write a player profile.

2) Ron Higgins, Tiger Details

Feature on LSU and athletic director Scott Woodward flipping fortunes of Tiger athletics.

3) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate

Feature on ex-University High star on road back to football after Virginia shooting

HM) John James Marshall, Shreveport Bossier Journal
Feature on the pride of Hayden Travinski’s mom

 

PREP FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Story on a special moment for Haughton kicker Coleman Pratt

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This piece is a great example of what can happen when a good story meets good writing. The subject matter – a boy with dwarfism who kicked an extra point in a varsity football game – is unusual and unusually well-handled. The tale itself was wonderfully well-constructed: The lede piqued my interest, the kicker split the uprights and there was plenty of good story-telling in between.

2) Kevin Foote, Acadiana Advocate

Story on former players remember former Lafayette High coach Bob Mahfouz

3) Christopher Dabe, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on seven months after liver transplant, Kaden Foster is back playing football

HM) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Story on John Curtis high school football coach J.T. Curtis 

 

GENERAL SPORTS FEATURE -- CLASS II

1) MALCOLM BUTLER, Lincoln Parish Journal

A feature on Ruston High coach overcoming personal mistake that almost cost him his career

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A really detailed look at a nuanced topic. Did a great job of getting the subject to open up about very personal matters. Well-sourced with clean copy. A great read all around.

2) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

A feature on two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback reflecting on career

3) John James Marshall, Designated Writers
A feature on the struggles of Parkway’s Trenton Lape

HM) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

A feature on former prep star rides AAA shuttle after MLB debut 

 

BREAKING NEWS -- OPEN CLASS

1) WILSON ALEXANDER, The Advocate

Story on LSU’s star defensive tackle Masson Smith being suspended

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The piece quickly and expertly lays out the news of the day before diving into what the Tigers will lack without the suspended player’s presence, as well as what they’ll gain upon his return. The reporter’s expertise comes through as they flesh out a story with extensive background that never feels like it’s a bigger part of the story than the news itself.

2) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer

Story on Danny Tullis stepping down at Pope John Paul II

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Story on Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan signing new contract

HM) Guerry Smith, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Tulane hiring Jon Sumrall as Willie Fritz’s replacement

 

AMATEUR SPORTS -- OPEN CLASS

1) DAN MCDONALD, The Acadiana Advocate

Story on Acadiana golfer completes around-the-globe odyssey

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer had a terrific topic. And then he delivered a terrific story that answered so many of the questions readers would have about a unique golf odyssey. What is Paul Jones’ favorite course? How did he get to play Augusta National? Packed with great details and nicely bookended with scenes that place the reader in the same magical spot in New Zealand.

2) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

Story on Neal Enright running for those with Down Syndrome in CCC

3) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Story on evolution of local youth baseball tournaments

HM) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Story on New Orleans Boosters amateur baseball program

 

OUTDOORS WRITING -- OPEN CLASS

1) DON SHOOPMAN, The Daily Iberian

A harrowing tale of survival and loss for a local shrimp fisherman.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The lead pulls you in and every paragraph which follows keeps you hanging on to every word. As easy as it would have been for the writer to just bring you from Point A to Point B, this talented scribe made sure you felt like you were there, along for the ride, so to speak. I think what stands out to this judge is how the writer seamlessly bounces back and forth between the present day and the past. Just as you start to feel safe and comfortable, as the subject did in his telling of the story, the writer pulls you back into the water and you get to relive those harrowing moments again. A very solid story that I had to go back and read three more times, just because it was such an enjoyable read.

2) Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press

For story about hunter finally bagging a deer on Colorado trip

3) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

Feature on local attorney presenting case in support of local delicacy

 

PREP-AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY -- OPEN CLASS

1) HILARY SCHEINUK, The Advocate

Photo of Southern Lab taking the field before kickoff against Liberty.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This really captures the pageantry and excitement of Friday night football, nice angle and a dynamic photo.

2) Michael Odendahl, GeauxPreps

Photo of Barbe High baseball celebrating comeback win for Non-Select Division I baseball title.

3) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer

Photo of Northshore's Reese Jobert scores from third on a wild pitch.

HM) Bret H. McCormick, Rapides Parish Journal

Photo of Tioga’s Ja’Corian Norris returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown

 

COLLEGE-PRO PHOTOGRAPHY -- OPEN CLASS

1) MICHAEL JOHNSON, The Advocate

Photo of LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. diving into the end zone.

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Very nice photo. Yes, it is the classic goal line shot we have seen hundreds of times before, but the photographer still does a nice job of capturing an exciting moment in the game. 

2) Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate

Photo of LSU third baseman Tommy White celebrating hitting a home run at CWS.

3) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

Photo of local fan Anita Haywood holding up a K sign at College World Series.

 

MAJOR AWARDS

 

BEST SECTION -- OPEN CLASS

1) THE ADVOCATE

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The winning entry was an ideal combination of thorough statewide reporting and incredible design aesthetic. What stood out the most though was the wide range of topics that received incredible treatment in the section, from the NFL to women’s basketball to local competitions. That’s the true mark of a statewide institution in my book.

2) Shreveport Times

3) St. Tammany Farmer

 

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) LES EAST, Crescent City Sports

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: There is not one weakness in this entry. Good stories, solid reporting, well told and thorough. 

2) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate

3) John James Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

HM) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate

 

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II

1) JAKE MARTIN, The Ouachita Citizen

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: In a category stacked with talented writers, this judge’s winning entry came down to overall strength and consistency. The game preview does a great job of showcasing a big showdown while incorporating a historical aspect to the contest. The lead was very clever and a cool little tidbit that a lot of reporters may not have thought to use. The feature story was well-written and did a great job of chronicling the events that led to the subject’s return to help his team become of the state’s best programs. The column was a solid piece, and the gamer was everything you could want in a postgame wrap-up. The writer did a great job of giving the reader all the details, but to me, the best part of the gamer was the writer tackling a controversial end to the contest without making it THE story. It would have been easy for the writer to make the postgame flare-up the main story, but instead, they wisely chose to showcase the game itself, thereby not taking away from the team’s ultimate achievement.

2) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal

3) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer

HM) Hunter Bower, GeauxPreps.com

 

BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR -- OPEN CLASS

1) WILL GUILLORY, The Athletic

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: What sets these entries apart is the depth and understanding of the beat this writer covers. Whether it's describing Pelicans' star Brandon Ingram's journey from growing up in hardscrabble Kinston, N.C., to NBA All-Star or shedding light on the relationship between the Pelicans front office and Zion Williamson, it only requires a few paragraphs to get fully involved. This writer's entries read like the beginning of a fast-paced novel, a book a reader doesn't want to put down. But, most of all, it's the writer's knowledge and pertinent contacts that make these must-read stories, the No.1 attribute for a beat writer. 

2) Wilson Alexander, The Advocate

3) Christian Clark, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

HM) Ron Higgins, Tiger Details / Shreveport-Bossier Journal

 

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) ROD WALKER, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This writer provided an eclectic group of columns that spanned the range of what the format can provide. From biting commentary to empathetic understanding to engaging thinkpiece, this columnist hit every note one could hope for from a local thinker in the sports space. Columnists provide informed and educated opinions to readers, and this columnist should be proud of their accomplishment of doing just that. 

2) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate

3) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

HM) Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

 

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS II

1) DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Parish Journal

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Close call between the top two here. The ultimate winner drew me in immediately via the first column, though, with a history piece appealing to readers no matter what generation they claim. Awesome detail, without bogging down the flow. Hit a lot of fun, hot topics: rivalry, scheduling, conference membership. It was an ‘advance’ column that would make me want to go watch the game, just knowing all that had – and had not – preceded the matchup. Second column again was the beneficiary of great detail in a newsy item turned into a terrific piece. I felt well-informed and smarter about local history after reading it. Third column tackled a tough subject with a personalized lede, good reporting, super writing and – again – terrific detail. Some graphs in all three could have used a bit of tightening, but I enjoy lengthy pieces when they read smoothly and are done right. These were. 

2) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal

3) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner

HM) Bob Tompkins, Rapides Parish Journal

 

STORY OF THE YEAR

1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on the special moment for Haughton kicker Coleman Pratt

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer presents Coleman Pratt's story of courage, perseverance, and determination with evocative detail. The writer situates the story within the firm foundation of the people and places that shaped Coleman Pratt. Beyond great sportswriting, this is human-interest writing at its best. 

 

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.

 

Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com

 

 

BROADCASTING

 

BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (SOLO & TEAM)

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

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:  Excellent urgency with each topic presented. It's very clear the host cares deeply (or is at least very good at feigning care) about the things he brings to the table to discuss. Really well-done show. 

2) Raymond Partsch III, Dawson Eiserloh & James Meche, RP3, D-Loh & Meche, ESPN 103.7 Lafayette

3) John James Marshall and Ben Marshall (hosts), Travis Stewart (producer), Sports Talk with JJ & Bonzai Ben, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport

HM) Jordy Hultberg (host), James Meche (Producer), The Jordy Hultberg Show, ESPN 103.7 Lafayette

 

BEST RADIO INTERVIEW

1) AARON DIETRICH & JAKE MARTIN, 105.7 FM 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I know exactly nothing about the LA high school sports scene, but these two interviews had me riveted thanks to the interviewers' willingness to ask hard questions about a conflict with an opposing coach and then another coach's firing. Good work by these

2) Raymond Partsch III, ESPN 103.7 Lafayette

Interview with former Ragin’ Cajuns spirit leader Fabulous Cajun Chicken Russell Heim

3) Jordy Hultberg, ESPN 103.7 Lafayette

Interview with LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey

HM) John James Marshall, 1130 The Tiger
Interview with LSU Gameday Host Hunt Palmer 

 

BEST LIVE RADIO EVENT

1) ST. LANDRY PARISH FOOTBALL, DAWSON EISERLOH, CHAD JONES & RAYMOND PARTSCH III, 98.5 FM

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Really enjoyed the chemistry and emotion plus the descriptive ability of both the play-by-play and color analyst…Painted a clear picture and played off each other really well… Seemed like they had worked together for a while…enjoyed their call.

2) Ruston High Football, Kyle Roberts & Nick Brown,  Z107.5 FM

3) Carencro High School Football, Blaine Viator & Christopher Kovatch, Z105.9 FM

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

 

BEST PODCAST

1) ROSS JACKSON, Locked on Saints Podcast

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This is a really well put-together show and the host speaks with proper urgency about the Saints. This was also the most well-prepared show with a clear direction for each topic. It's the one I'd most like to listen to. Well done.

2) Chris Blair & Kent Lowe,, Play-By-Play

3) Ralph Malbrough, Andrew Juge, Dave Cariello & Kevin Held, Saints Happy Hour Podcast

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

 

BEST TV SPORTSCAST

1) AARON DIETRICH,  KNOE

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: All submissions for this category were outstanding. Aaron Dietrich’s coverage of a tragic story out of Calvin stood out to me. The subject matter was hard hitting and his coverage was spot on. Not an easy story to cover, but he had great sound from some of the people involved. The Buddy Davis Field of Dreams story was also very interesting. Clean camera work and excellent reporting.

2) Fletcher Mackel, WDSU

3) Seth Lewis, WWL

 

BEST LIVE TV EVENT

1) LYN ROLLINS & VICTOR HOWELL, ESPN+

LSU women’s basketball game against Georgia

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The play by play announcer does a great job of setting the scene in the opening few seconds. Lyn and Victor have me hooked with their team comparison. Victor sets up replays and explains what we are seeing with excitement. They call the game down the middle, getting excited when both teams score. Outstanding broadcast by the whole crew.

2) Paul Boron & Evan Blum, VSIN

Jesuit vs Catholic lacrosse LHSLL Division I State Championship
3) Dan McDonald & Eric Mouton, ESPN+/UL

Louisiana-Troy women's basketball game

HM) Paul Boron & Lance Lacoste, VSIN

De La Salle at Newman football game
 

 

 

2023-24 SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS

 

DIVISION I – RELEASE/FEATURE (FOOTBALL)

1. Dan McDonald, Louisiana

Feature on Ronnie Stutes and his 60-year career as a UL football statistician

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Sometimes, a story subject – in this case a long-time statistician with a side gig as a background actor – is so fascinating that the best thing the writer can do is not get in the way and simply act as a tour guide for the reader. It's easier said than done, but the winner in this category nailed it. Beautiful, efficient writing.”   

2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State University

Feature on NSU assistant coach Perry Carter and his recovery from a career-ending injury

3. Evan Roberts, Louisiana 

Feature on Video Coordinator Darren Walker and the essential support he provides to Ragin’ Cajuns Football

 

DIVISION II – RELEASE/FEATURE (MEN’S BASKETBALL/BASEBALL)

1. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana

Feature on Ragin' Cajun baseball and keeping the Little League tradition alive in Lafayette

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Revealing story on Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball and the Lafayette Little League joining forces to conduct a clinic in a town where youth baseball is a building block for future college and major league stars.”

2. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech

Two-Time Knee Injury, Two-Time All-Conference

3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State University 

Feature on NSU pitcher Kevin Robinson’s inspiration in his mother and grandmother’s breast cancer battles

 

DIVISION III – RELEASE/FEATURE (WOMEN’S BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL)

1. Tom Perpetua, Louisiana

Feature on Ragin' Cajuns women's basketball summer trip to Costa Rica

JUDGES COMMENTS: “Well-detailed story on the cause and effect of how a summer trip abroad bonded a basketball team on and off the court.”

2. Ed Cassiere, Xavier University of Louisiana 

Xavier/Loyola women’s basketball game story

3. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State University 

Feature on women’s basketball player that battled season-ending injuries before stellar senior season.

 

DIVISION IV – RELEASE/FEATURE (OLYMPIC SPORTS)

1. Kent Lowe, LSU

Feature on Ingrid Lindblad's last trip to the Augusta National Women's Amateur

JUDGE’S COMMENTS:“This writer not only takes you inside Lindblad's past success and thought process in the tourney but also includes some great observations about the lure of the home of The Masters.” 

2. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese 

Feature on McNeese Cowboys and Cowgirls javelin throwers who are ranked high in the NCAA South Central Region

3. Jonathon Zenk, Northwestern State

Feature on Northwestern State sprinter Lynell Washington carrying on father’s legacy following his death

 

DIVISION V – GAME NOTES (all sports)

1. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana

Ragin’ Cajuns Baseball Notes vs. Southern Miss

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “When it comes to game notes, clean and clear - being able to find things quickly, especially when doing a broadcast - is key. The front page has all the key elements that should be on a front page including a schedule, key stats and key notes. Nothing is cramped together, but evenly spread throughout - easily readable. The second page has a lot of key historic notes but isn't overkill. Pages 3 and 4 give a lot of great key notes that would be great for a broadcaster to use, before going into more detailed information the rest of the notes for someone who wants to do a dead dive.”

2. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech 

Men’s Basketball Notes vs. Western Kentucky

3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State 

Baseball notes vs. Houston Christian

 

DIVISION VI – COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY

1. Chris Blair, LSU

Men’s Basketball wins at buzzer against nationally-ranked Kentucky

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: “Chris Blair is the consummate professional. When you think of the voice of a program, you want someone who makes you feel like you're at the game. Chris does a tremendous job of painting the picture of the game through radio, matching the appropriate energy for the big moments, allowing the broadcast to breathe with the help of the crowd, and capturing the importance of each play leading down the stretch. His use of stats isn’t just filler, but important preparation for what is to come. Matched with Coach Brady, Chris delivers a great call in a big moment, something only achieved by years of tireless work on his craft.”

2. Mike Hammett, ULM 

Football vs. Army West Point

3. (tie) Dave Nitz, Louisiana Tech 

Walk-off win by the Diamond Dogs over Sam Houston

3. (tie)  Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech 

Late game sequence as Bulldogs’ Men’s Basketball wins at WKU

 

DIVISION VII – COLLEGE GRAPHICS

1. Courtney Pugh, Donnie Bell Design

Graphic depicting L’Jarius Sneed who will participate in Super Bowl LVIII

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “This deserves to be a poster! It’s eye-catching, depicting a great tribute and highlights all that Vegas has to offer on Super Bowl Sunday.”

2. Courtney Pugh, Donnie Bell Design

Graphic depicting Isaiah Crawford earning an invite to Reese’s DI All-Star Game

3. Heather Williams, Louisiana Athletics Communications

Soccer Graphic for National Girls and Women in Sports Day

 

DIVISION VIII – BEST COLLEGE PHOTO

1. Ben Massey, Louisiana Athletics Communications

Robert Williams goes up to grab a touchdown pass at Big 10 opponent Minnesota

JUDGES COMMENTS: “Perfectly thrown pass = perfectly caught pass for a touchdown. Exquisite display of athleticism with an incredible vertical jump.”

2. Chris Reich, Northwestern State University

Daniel Young is welcomed home after his first collegiate home seals the win against HCU.

3. Yamlak Tsega, Xavier University of Louisiana

Men’s tennis photo – Xavier celebrates VanDer Woody’s clinching victory that sent Xavier to NAIA nationals