

LSWA.INFO
Writing Awards
Sports Writer of the Year
2002 Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
2003 Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2004 Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
2005 Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
2006 Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
2007 Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
and Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
2008 Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2009 Dan McDonald, McD Media
2010 Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American-Press
2011 Dan McDonald, McD Media
2012 Roy Lang III, The Shreveport Time
2013 Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2014 Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
2015 Brent St. Germain, Houma Courier
and Rod Walker, The Advocate
2016 Raymond Partsch III, Ville Platte Gazette/The Advocate
2017 Rod Walker, The Advocate
2018 Rod Walker, The Advocate
and Teddy Allen, Shreveport
2019 Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Comet
2020 Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian & Kinder Courier News
2021 Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian & Kinder Courier News
2022 Les East, Crescent City Sports & Saturday Down South
2023 Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com
2024 Doug Ireland, Natchitoches Parish Journal & Shreveport-Bossier Journal
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Prep Writer of the Year
1978-1979 (Open Class) Bill Bumgarner, The Times-Picayune
1981-1982 (Open Class) Bobby Ardoin, Opelousas Daily World
1982-1983 (Open Class) Jerry Byrd, Shreveport Journal
1983-1984 Class I Ron Higgins, Shreveport Journal
Class II Barry Parrish, Alexandria Town Talk
1984-1985 Class I Nico Van Thyn, Shreveport Journal
Class II George Morris, Baton Rouge State Times
1985-1986 Class I Keith Woods, Times-Picayune
Class II James Stewart, Thibodaux Comet
1986-1987 Class I Jim Kleinpeter, Times-Picayune
Class II Philip Timothy, Lafayette Advertiser
1987-1988 Class I John James Marshall, Shreveport Journal
Class II Philip Timothy, Lafayete Advertiser
1988-1989 Class I Russell Hedges, Shreveport Times
Class II Mark Coomes, Monroe News-Star
1989-1990 Class I John James Marshall, Shreveport Journal
Class II Carl Dubois, Lake Charles American Press
1990-1991 Class I John James Marshall, Shreveport Journal
Class II William Weathers, Lafayete Advertiser
1991-1992 Class I Lori Lyons, Times-Picayune
Class II Mike Lough, Alexandria Town Talk
1992-1993 Class I Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times
Class II Jeffrey Nixon, Alexandria Town Talk
1993-1994 Class I Jill R. Dorson, Times-Picayune
Class II Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
1994-1995 Class I Dan DeLeo, Times-Picayune
Class II Jeffrey Nixon, Alexandria Town Talk
1995-1996 Class I Trey Iles, Times-Picayune
Class II Matt McCurdy, Monroe News-Star
1996-1997 Class I Russell Hedges, Shreveport Times
Class II Ron Brocato, Lake Charles American Press
1997-1998 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Pete McEntegart, Lafayette Advertiser
1998-1999 Class I Derrick Goold, Times-Picayune
Class II Paul Letlow, Monroe News Star
1999-2000 Class I Sheila Mulroney Eldred, Times-Picayune
Class II Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press
2000-2001 Class I Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune
Class II Eric Branch, Alexandria Town Talk
2001-2002 Class I John Reid, Times-Picayune
Class II Felicia Smith, Alexandria Town Talk
2002-2003 Class I William Kalec, Times-Picayune
Class II Eric Branch, Alexandria Town Talk
2003-2004 Class I Lori Lyons, Times-Picayune
Class II Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk
2004 Class I Billy Turner, Times-Picayune
Class II Brent St. Germain, Thibodaux Daily Comet
2005 Class I Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk
2006 Class I Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune
Class II Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser
2007 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Kevin Foote, Lafayette Advertiser
2008 Class I Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune
Class II Chris Singleton, Houma Daily Courier
2009 Class I Billy Turner, Times-Picayune
Class II Kevin Foote, Lafayette Advertiser
2010 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier
2011 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Kevin Foote, Lafayette Advertiser
2012 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Dail Town Talk
2013 Class I Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class I I Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
2014 Class I Rod Walker, The Advocate
Class II Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier
2015 Class I Jim Derry, The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com
Class II Raymond Parsch III, Ville Platte Gazette
2016 Class I Roy Lang, Shreveport Times
Class II Raymond Partsch, Ville Platte Gazette
2017 Class I Rod Walker, The Advocate
Class II Kelly McElroy, The Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet
2018 Class I Rod Walker, The Advocate
Class II William Weathers, Livingston Parish News
2019 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen
2020 Class I Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen
2021 Class I Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II Jim Derry, The St. Tammany Farmer
2022 Class I Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen
2023 Class I Les East, Crescent City Sports
Class II Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen
2024 Class I John James Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Class II Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen
Beat Writer of the Year
2021 --- Brody Miller, The Athletic
2022 --- Ron Higgins, Tiger Details
2023 --- Will Guillory, The Athletic
2024 --- Luke Johnson, The Times-Picayune
Columnist of the Year
1984
Class I John Adams, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II George Morris, Baton Rouge State-Times
1985
Class I Yale Youngblood, Shreveport Times
Class II Teddy Allen, Monroe News-Star
1986
Class I Keith Woods, Times-Picayune
Class II Bill Smith, Ouachita Citizen
1987
Class I Lee Feinswog, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Bobby Dower, Lake Charles American Press
1988
Class I Tim Ellerbee, Times-Picayune
Class II Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk
1989
Class I Dave Lagarde, Times-Picayune
Class II Ronnie Virgets, Gambit magazine
1990
Class I Peter Finney, Times-Picayune
Class II Bill Campbell, Monroe News-Star
1991
Class I Dave Lagarde, Times-Picayune
Class II Ronnie Virgets, Gambit Magazine
1992
Class I Joe Planas, Catholic Commentator
Class II Mike Lough, Alexandria Town Talk
1993
Class I Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
1994
Class I Sam King, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Allan Crow, The Tiger Rag
1995
Class I Lee Feinswog, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Sam Muffaletto, Denham Springs News
1996
Class I Peter Finney, Times-Picayune
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
1997
Class I Peter Finney, Times-Picayune
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
1998
Class I Darrell Williams, Times-Picayune
Class II Karl Thibodeaux, Thibodaux Daily Comet
1999
Class I Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2000
Class I Peter Finney, Times-Picayune
Class II Eric Branch, Alexandria Town Talk
2001
Class I Bob Marshall, Times-Picayune
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2002
Class I Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2003
Class I Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star
2004
Class I Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press
2005
Class I Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2006
Class I Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2007
Class I Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana
Class II Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
2008
Class I Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times
Class II Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Town Talk
2009
Class I Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2010
Class I Bob Marshall, The Times-Picayune
Class II John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
2011
Class I Teddy Allen, The Shreveport Times
Class II O.K. "Buddy" Davis, The Ruston Daily Leader
2012
Class I Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2013
Class I Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune/NOLA.com
Class II Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier
2014
Class I Ted Lewis, The Advocate
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2015
Class I Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune, NOLA.com
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2016
Class I Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune
Class II, Randy Rosetta, Livingston Parish News
2017
Class I Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Class II Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
2018
Class I Les East, CrescentCitySports.com
Class II Jim Engster, Tiger Rag
2019
Class I Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Class II Mike Gegenheimer,
The Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet
2020
Class I Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Class II Kevin Fambrough, Pointe Coupee Banner
2021
Class I Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Class II John James Marshall, Designated Writers
2022
Class I J.J. Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Class II Raymond Partsch III, Kinder Courier News
2023 Class I Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com
Class II Doug Ireland, Natchitoches Parish Journal
2024 Class I Glenn Guilbeau, Outkick.com
Class II Bob Tompkins, Rapides Parish Journal
​
Writing Contest Winners

Results of the 2024 writing contest
2024 LOUISIANA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONTEST
Awards presented June 29, 2025, Natchitoches, La.
SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS
DIVISION I – RELEASE/FEATURE (FOOTBALL)
1. MATTHEW BONNETTE, McNeese
Feature on Kerry Joseph entering the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame
JUDGES COMMENTS: “The winner left no stone unturned in chronicling the college and pro career of new Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee Kerry Joseph. There were hidden gems of Joseph’s McNeese’s career, like when he was forced into action as a punter, chased down a bad snap, and kicked a 78-yard punt. Additionally, some legwork was done in tracking down CFL voices attesting to Joseph’s outstanding professional career.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State
3. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana
DIVISION II - RELEASE/FEATURE (MEN’S BASKETBALL/BASEBALL)
1. JASON PUGH, Northwestern State
Feature on NSU baseball Leonard twins’ mother’s breast cancer fight
JUDGES COMMENTS: “Poignantly scribed story about NSU’s baseball-playing twins, Brooks and Bryce Leonard, rallying around their mother after she was diagnosed with a serious disease.”
2. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech
3. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese
DIVISION III - RELEASE/FEATURE (WOMEN’S BASKETBALL/SOFTBALL)
1. ED CASSIERE, Xavier
Xavier/William Carey women’s basketball game story
JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “A well-organized, succinct account of the Xavier women’s basketball team advancing past the NAIA tournament second round for the first time in 10 tries. The category winner packed a lot of facts and a couple of pertinent quotes in a 380-word story.”
2. Matt Hebert, Louisiana
3. Matt Hebert, Louisiana
DIVISION IV - RELEASE/FEATURE (OLYMPIC SPORTS)
1. KENT LOWE, LSU
Geaux Lowe Feature on LSU Women’s Golf
JUDGES COMMENTS: “It’s not often an athletic department trusts an employee enough to infuse their personality into their writing. The winner of this category, who has a folksy style befitting a Mayberry Gazette columnist, bids adieu to history-making members of LSU’s women’s golf team.
2. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State
3. Tom Perpetua, Louisiana
DIVISION V – GAME NOTES (ALL SPORTS)
1. KANE MCGUIRE, Louisiana Tech
LA Tech Men’s Basketball game notes versus UTEP
JUDGES COMMENTS: “The best game notes are those that are clean and clear, allowing a member of the media to quickly find what they need, especially when doing a broadcast. The front page has all of that, while maintaining a good font size late in the season. The Bulldog Storylines and Projected Starters are a nice touch, while immediately jumping into the roster on page 2. The Fun Facts of The Game for each game is a nice touch – just a quick bullet that could be referenced from that game if a media member needed something in a pinch. The Fresh Uniforms note is creative as well. Once you get deeper into the notes, there is plenty of great information that could be used for the media member who is either seeing the team for the first time or wanting to do a deeper dive.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State
3. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana
HM – Stephen Featherston, Louisiana Tech
DIVISION VI – COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. CHRIS BLAIR, LSU Sports Radio Network
LSU Baseball vs. Tennessee
JUDGES COMMENTS: “Chris, once again, handles the big moment and the big play like it's routine. His call in the moment is tremendous, but also his ability to go back and elaborate more while seamlessly calling the live action is incredibly well done. His pacing to allow the crowd to help elevate his call is the work of a true pro. Chris is, without question, one of the best voices in college athletics.”
2. Mike Hammett, Warhawk Radio Network
3. Kyle Roberts, Louisiana Tech Sports Properties
DIVISION VII – COLLEGE GRAPHICS
1. COURTNEY PUGH, Donnie Bell Design/LA Tech Sports
Cade Gibson MLB call up | April 20, 2025
JUDGES COMMENTS: “Another poster-quality graphic that all youngsters should hang in their room. Welcome to the big leagues!”
2. Heather Rogers, Louisiana
3. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State
DIVISION VIII – BEST COLLEGE PHOTO
1. MATTHEW BONNETTE, McNeeseSports.com
Christian Shumate dunk at the 2025 College Basketball Slam Dunk Contest
JUDGES COMMENTS: “This photo shows the arena playing Jock Jams, Ya’ll Ready for This, in the background.”
2. Josh McDaniel, Louisiana Tech
3. Ben Massey, Louisiana
BROADCASTING AWARDS
BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (SOLO & TEAM)
1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL & BEN MARSHALL (hosts), Travis Stewart (producer), Sports Talk with JJ & Bonzai Ben, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: They’re fun! Their chemistry is really strong, they seem to be having a great time, and they bring real takes that sound genuine and not manufactured for radio. Good sports talk with a sprinkle of silly stuff.
2) Matt Moscona (host), Matt Musso & Paul O’Neil (Producers), After Further Review, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge
3) Dawson Eiserloh (host), James Meche & Dawson Eiserloh (Producers), The LohDown with D-Loh, ESPN Southwest Louisiana
HM) Aaron Dietrich & Jake Martin (hosts), The Morning Drive with Aaron & Jake, 105.7 FM
BEST RADIO INTERVIEW
1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, ESPN Southwest Louisiana
Interview with McNeese men’s basketball coach Will Wade
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Hard to poke holes in this. Textbook interview with a coach. Asked good questions. Reset the guest. Clear knowledge of the subject with guests..
2) T-Bob Hebert & Jacob Hester, ESPN Baton Rouge
Interview with LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey
3) Dawson Eiserloh, ESPN ESPN Southwest Louisiana
Interview with College Football Playoff Director Rich Clark
BEST LIVE RADIO EVENT
1) RUSTON HIGH FOOTBALL, KYLE ROBERTS & NICK BROWN, Q94.1 FM
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This was outstanding quality with great color analyst commentary with the hometown feel (emotion/passion) and great background info especially for someone listening from a different state/market.
2) Captain Shreve Football, Tony Taglavore & Jimmy Martin, KLKL-FM
3) Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports, Rummel vs. St. Augustine football game
HM) 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: This is simply a fun podcast. They don't take themselves too seriously while at the same time knowing fully what they're talking about.
2) Jim Derry, “Dattitude with Jim Derry,” NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune
3) Dawson Eiserloh, “4 Tire Change Podcast,” ESPN 103.7 Lafayette
HM) Matthew Musso, “Musso at The Box,” ESPN Baton Rouge
BEST TV SPORTSCAST
1) AARON DIETRICH, KNOE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: His coverage of college and high school football is polished and concise. However, it’s his human interest stories that really grab your attention. In his suicide prevention piece, he highlights the story of Tyler Edwards. He’s able to get Tyler’s family to open up about their loved one. He uses video in a creative way, using non-traditional cameras and camera angles to bring the viewer into the story. Aaron’s story on cancer awareness is riveting as well. There’s a twist at the end that you don’t expect. It must be very difficult to tackle these stories. Well done.
2) Seth Lewis, WWL
3) Fletcher Mackel, WDSU
HM) Jared P. Joseph, WGNO
BEST LIVE TV EVENT
1) GARRETT WALVOORD & WAYDE KEISER, LHSAA Media Network
Live broadcast of Division III Select state championship game in football
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The broadcast team gives us a reason to watch this game. Off the top, Walvoord tells us these are two of the top QB talents in the state. Keiser obviously has a deep understanding of the game plan for both teams. Walvoord gets excited when big plays are made, but not overly excited for either team, very even keel. Keiser jumps in when he should, describing plays and giving credit where credit is due. Both Keiser and Walvoord have done their homework and have good facts and knowledge on both teams. They made it fun to watch.
2) Jeff Palermo & Wayde Keiser, LHSAA Media Network
Live broadcast of Division II Non-Select state championship game in football
3) Lynn Rollins & Victor Howell, ESPN+
Live broadcast of Grand Canyon at Louisiana Tech men’s basketball game
HM) Chris Mycoskie and Malcolm Butler, ESPN+
Live broadcast of Louisiana Tech baseball in Conference USA Championship semifinal
WRITING AWARDS
PRO EVENT -- CLASS I
1) WILL GUILLORY, The Athletic
Story on Zion Williamson’s dream performance ends with nightmare injury
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer does an excellent job of putting Williamson’s injury into perspective with a mix of good color and quotes. It’s a new-aged game story of sorts – with a mix of reporting using The Athletic while folding the game details into the main theme. The lede drew me in. It would be hard to separate from other outlets at an event like that, and the writer had a good account of the story.
2) Luke Johnson, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Story on New Orleans Saints losing fifth straight
3) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Story on Sha’Carri Richardson’s quest for Olympic gold proves unstoppable
HM) Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate
Story on the final round of Zurich Classic of New Orleans
COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS I
1) KEVIN FOOTE, Acadiana Advocate
Story on the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns upset of Wake Forest
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Storytelling to lead this story kept me there — and kept me wanting to read more. The writer provided a real-game perspective, a conversation, context and what’s next, all within the first 10 graphs. Quick-hitting writing got the judge’s attention (“All the frustration. All the disappointment. All the negativity.”) followed by this power quote: “In the last two years, it just seemed like nothing bounced our way. It just seemed like everything just flipped around the other way.” Excellent storytelling lower on the obstacles overcome by wide receiver Lance LeGendre. This gamer had multiple sources, easily more than any other entry. Nicely written.
2) Koki Riley, The Advocate
Game story from LSU’s win in SEC Tournament semifinal vs. South Carolina
3) Wilson Alexander, The Advocate
Story following LSU football’s collapse vs. Texas A&M
HM) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Story on LSU captures its first NCAA gymnastics championship
PREP EVENT -- CLASS I
1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on Haughton scores a special touchdown
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This may be a writing contest, but reporting is what sets our winning entry apart. The season finale between two losing football teams is not anyone's definition of a plum assignment, yet the writer here made it one by telling the story of Hunter "Puddin'" Cubley, a special needs student who scores a touchdown on a scrimmage play before kickoff. The reporter is with Cubley's parents for the play, which is key to this story's success. And it's not just a feature -- we do get the details of the game that followed. But the reporter correctly identified which of these events was the lede. It is the moment Haughton players will remember about an otherwise forgettable season. The best stories tell themselves, and through great reporting, this writer achieved that.
2) William Weathers, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on Parkway girls stun Walker with halfcourt shot in state semifinal
3) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on 69-68 football game
HM) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate
Story on lacrosse commit leaves student section to play QB for Parkway
PRO COLUMN -- CLASS I
1) JEFF DUNCAN, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Column on New Orleans Saints’ detail issues during 2024 season
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Sums up Saints’ failures by pinpointing a minute detail — they can’t even park their cars by the rules. Applying a mantra from their last winning coach — “How you do anything is how you do everything,” writer makes a lawyer’s case for this team’s failure. Well thought out, well written.
2) Glenn Guilbeau, OutKick.com/FOX News
Column on why the New Orleans Saints need to hire a new general manager
3) Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Column on Drew Brees deserves at least a mild scolding for skipping Hall of Fame weekend
HM) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Column on Saints wide receiver needing to protect himself
COLLEGE COLUMN -- CLASS I
1) SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press
Column on governor’s showboating not fair to LSU women
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer deftly used humor and history to highlight the absurdity of Gov. Landry’s national-anthem stance.
2) Raymond Partsch III, ESPN Southwest Louisiana
Column on Texas A&M baseball coach joining Liars Anonymous Club for college coaches
3) Scott Rabalais, The Advocate
Column on LSU women’s coach Kim Mulkey deserves apology from Gov. Jeff Landry
HM) Glenn Guilbeau, OutKick.com/FOX News
A column on one of the GOATs got outcoached by going against Caitlin Clark
PREP COLUMN -- CLASS I
1) LENNY VANGILDER, Crescent City Sports
Column on a senior day from a father’s perspective
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The best columns either resonate emotionally or show us a unique angle. This column does both. Bowling may seem like an unlikely palette to paint a masterpiece, but the author does so by giving us a unique lens: after covering many memorable Senior Days professionally, he is now experiencing the event in the more important role of proud dad. I think the perspective is very important to the success of this piece. Providing the context of significant senior days for Tulane basketball and LSU football allows the reader to understand how important this day is to the author. Closing with the anecdote about Bob and Pat Knight was a nice button -- maybe even The General would have had something nice to say about this piece of sports writing, which would be a rare feat indeed.
2) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Column on 13-man winless high school football team
3) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate
Column on don't judging local football coach by wins on Friday nights
HM) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate
Column on one night, one man contrasts right/wrong in prep football
PRO FEATURE -- CLASS I
1) LUKE JOHNSON, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Feature on Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This piece had a terrific pace, especially important for a longer feature. It’s no easy task to make the reader feel as if they’re in the room as the story is being told, but the writer brought me from New Orleans to New Jersey with a deft pen. Crisp writing kept me there the whole time and made me feel like I was sitting on the couch as the mom spoke. As another of the judges commented, “Really enjoyed the mother’s stories and the description that she could talk a hungry dog off a meat truck.” In these trying economic times, it’s nice to see an investment in travel to be able to tell a good story too.
2) Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Feature story on Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton
3) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Feature on Knicks center and Challmetee native Mitchell Robinson
HM) Will Guillory, The Athletic
Feature on Williamson, Pelicans working to improve trust with each other
COLLEGE FEATURE -- CLASS I
1) KOKI RILEY, The Advocate
Story on Ashton Larson and the people in his life who have inspired him
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Love the emotion of this story and some of the mystery regarding why the initials were being put in the ground. This goes beyond the competitive nature of sport and someone taking real time to reflect on life before carrying the hearts of those close to him. The narrative is explained well with a compelling lead and solid end.
2) Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Story on LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier never forgetting his “roots”
3) Rod Walker, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Story on 40-year anniversary of UNO baseball team to Omaha.
HM) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on 92-year-old state college basketball icon
PREP FEATURE -- CLASS I
1) WILLIAM WEATHERS, GeauxPreps.com
Feature on Cecil Collins gaining entry into school's hall of fame three decades after career
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This story is compelling, taking you back in time where Cecil Collins was a star, and how his starburst. The entire key to this story was getting Collins to open up about his past, while the writer also drew in his past teammates and coaches, to complement Collins. The interviewing was the star of the story because Collins’ openness was needed to make this story work.
2) John James Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Feature on Northwood’s Justin Thomas overcoming multiple adversities
3) Jeff Duncan, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
Feature story on high school football prodigy Jahkeem Stewart.
HM) Shannon Mia Belt, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Feature on Comeaux football moms coming together to support team
BREAKING NEWS -- OPEN CLASS
1) LES EAST, Crescent City Sports
Story on Saints firing head coach Dennis Allen and promoting Darren Rizzi
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The piece expertly lays out the lead-up to and aftermath from former New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen’s firing. The reporter’s expertise shines through as they combine insightful interviews, canned statements and extensive background for an article that, while somewhat lengthy for a breaking-news piece, doesn’t feel overly long. Instead, it shows that the reporter was prepared for the news to break.
2) Piper Hutchinson, Tiger Rag Magazine
Story on LSU’s VP for Communications wanting publication to reveal anonymous source
3) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
Story on Pearl River baseball coach stepping down after semifinal run
HM) Lenny Vangilder, Crescent City Sports
Story on death of former Rummel baseball coach Larry Schneider
AMATEUR SPORTS -- OPEN CLASS
1) TEDDY ALLEN, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on the Real Boys of Summer – Area Little League teams
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This was absolutely heart-warming. To able to reach that far back into the past and pull out such memories is a blessing and a testament to the writer's talent. As most of us have probably learned by now, youth sports teaches the adults just as much about life as it does the kids. Maybe even a little bit more. Thank you for capturing that feeling and helping us remember our own pivotal experiences. Truly a phenomenal piece.
2) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate
Story on amateur star hockey player who lauds parents for perseverance, support
3) John James Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on remembering the early days of the Firecracker 5K
HM) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on two-time medalist reflects on his Olympic experience
OUTDOORS WRITING -- OPEN CLASS
1) GLENN QUEBEDEAUX, Crowley Post-Signal
Story on Crowley retiree hauls in double-digit largemouth bass
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Man catches 10-pound bass on Toledo Bend. Writer captured the excitement of the moment.
2) Tony Taglavore, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
Story on Professional fisherman Nick LeBrun who overcame an ugly addiction
3) Don Shoopman, The Daily Iberian
Story on 83-year-old making up for late start in hunting
HM) Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press
Story on how fishing is fishing no matter where it is at
PHOTOGRAPHY -- OPEN CLASS
1) MICHAEL JOHNSON, The Advocate
Photo from LSU-Alabama men’s basketball game
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The winning entry gets the edge because I believe the photo does the best job of the three with composition (filling the frame). I also believe it is the most unique photo of the three as far as what it is trying to convey. All three tell a story, but this one is the one that I most want to know what happened in the milliseconds after this photo was taken.
2) Tom Morris, The Ouachita Citizen
Photo of John Pearson homering in state championship win
3) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
Photo of Northshore’s Ryleigh McCreary competing in the butterfly
HM) Reggie McLeroy, Lincoln Parish Journal
Photo of Dalen Powell hurdling a defender into the end zone.
PREP EVENT -- CLASS II
1) JAKE MARTIN, The Ouachita Citizen
A story on West Ouachita ends playoff drought in 42-41 overtime thriller
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I liked the imagery of the intro. Captured the passion and relief of the moment with the long playoff drought ending. Good quotes and narrative arc.
2) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
A story on Mandeville boys basketball snapping a 9-year drought against St. Paul’s
3) Raymond Partsch III, Crowley Post-Signal
A story on Notre Dame being upset at home in playoffs by LCA
HM) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette
A story on Sacred Heart bowing out in state semifinals
PREP COLUMN -- CLASS II
1) JAKE MARTIN, The Ouachita Citizen
A column on how Tannehill, Guerreiro names were tarnished for nothing
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A good, strong editorial opinion. These are the issues journalism is all about -- pressuring those in power for transparency. Good work calling out the school board for hiding out behind flimsy "personnel" excuses.
2) Bob Tompkins, Rapides Parish Journal
Column on Tinsley’s coaching career worth whistling about
3) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner
Column on parents being asked about the personal-family sacrifices coaches make
HM) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
A column about how redistricting split up the Class 5A schools in the parish
GENERAL SPORTS COLUMN -- CLASS II
1) GLENN QUEBEDEAUX, Crowley Post-Signal
A column on how proud Leonard Habetz would be of his daughter taking over Cajuns program
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: An incredibly moving piece that connects generations - both living and past - under the umbrella of sports and UL-Lafayette. Extremely well-written!
2) Doug Ireland, Natchitoches Parish Journal
Column on state of NSU football program coming back from abyss
3) Don Shoopman, The Daily Iberian
Column on remembering fellow outdoorsman, and brother, who died from cancer
HM) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner
Column on remembering first meeting and 40-year relationship with retiring coach
GENERAL SPORTS FEATURE -- CLASS II
1) KYLE ROBERTS, Lincoln Parish Journal
Feature on longtime Ruston High fan who went into cardiac arrest before title 2023 game
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I loved the lede. Quick, punchy and a pun that hinted at the story. It felt like you were along this scary ride with the family. The writer did a great job of letting the family tell the story of this untimely heart attack, and did so with a variety of viewpoints of how it went down. It's not always easy to describe details of a life-threatening event and I thought the writer did a great job of that from start to finish. The tone felt appropriate for the subject matter, too. The chronological cadence was necessary to paint the picture, and the writer executed on that. Overall, just a great read.
2) Doug Ireland, Natchitoches Parish Journal
Story behind revival of decades-long rivalry trophy tradition
3) Lori Lyons, BR Rougarou.com
Feature story on Baton Rouge Rougarou summer intern who was really a pitcher in disguise.
HM) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
A feature about Covington native Edgerrin Cooper’s journey to the NFL
MAJOR WRITING AWARDS
BEST SECTION -- OPEN CLASS
1) THE ADVOCATE
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Comprehensive preview and live coverage sections from the sister publications. Excellent digital/print presentation, especially the Dejounte Murray and Emery Jones Jr. covers, as well as attention-grabbing headlines throughout the entries. Thumbnails in previews were packed with tidbits; sections provided analysis (and solutions) from columnists; cover stories were “talkers,” and sections offered state, regional and national perspectives. The Varsity Zone (high schools) goes unmatched amongst all entries because of its depth of coverage and number of schools covered. Also of note was the preview of LSU vs. Wofford baseball at the Chapel Hill, N.C., regional. Again, comprehensive work overall. Readers were given those little extras and that element of surprise throughout the sections/coverage. The sports fanatics got a taste of everything: preps, colleges, professional.
2) St. Tammany Farmer
3) The Ouachita Citizen
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I
1) JOHN JAMES MARSHALL, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: An impressive collection of entries. Louisiana is fortunate to have good writers on the prep beat. That's not happening in many other places. For the winning entry, four quality and uplifting stories that showed great range. All were engaging and well-crafted. Also, good use of quotes to move the stories along. It also shows the high schools can provide fascinating stories...if you know where to find them. This writer did just that.
2) Roy Lang III, Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate
3) William Weathers, GeauxPreps.com
HM) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II
1) JAKE MARTIN, The Ouachita Citizen
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Solid compilation of entries in a really tough division to judge. This writer does a fantastic job of using descriptive words to create wonderful imagery. All four entries in this compilation are very well-written. The gamer/feature on the baseball player paying tribute to a fallen friend has one of the best lines I’ve ever read in journalism — “(wearing a) uniform that felt less like a number and more like a weighted vest.” That’s the kind of writing that grips you immediately and makes you fully invested in the story. This writer was able to capture the emotion of every subject he wrote about, and each feature/gamer/column showcased this writer’s style of keeping the story going without bogging it down with extra words. Really enjoyed reading this writer’s works. Well done!
2) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal
3) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette & Oakdale Journal
HM) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I
1) GLENN GUILBEAU, OutKick.com
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: All we ask of a columnist is to present his opinion, and provide some reasoning behind said opinion. This writer gives his readers that and then some — some history, some deft but not showy word skills, some scene-setting, some perspective, some humor where warranted. This is truly solid work.
2) Ron Higgins, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
3) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal
HM) Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS II
1) BOB TOMPKINS, Rapides Parish Journal
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Three well-told, human-centric pieces that tell us a story and then go just a little bit beyond that to find the deeper lesson. These pieces were very well-crafted and the writer should be proud of them.
2) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal
3) Kevin Fambrough, The Pointe Coupee Banner
HM) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette
BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR -- OPEN CLASS
1) LUKE JOHNSON, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The entries were consistently good, with stylistic similarities that reveal a writer who has cultivated a clear voice. The feature story about Taysom Hill's training exploits was best of the lot -- clear, crisp and teeming with illustrative details. But I found all the stories to be a bit windy. Without the old-fashioned space constraints of newsprint, it's not uncommon to read overlong pieces online. "Notebook dumps," as an old journalist friend likes to put it. All of this year's entrants could stand to write tighter and brighter.
2) Matthew Paras, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
3) Koki Riley, The Advocate
HM) Wilson Alexander, The Advocate
STORY OF THE YEAR
LUKE JOHNSON, The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com
JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A local story with roots in the road, this feature of an interim head coach returning home as an opponent is not only informative, but also a heartfelt story of a man achieving a career milestone in front of and alongside the community that helped him achieve success.
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.
DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Parish Journal & Shreveport-Bossier Journal