2022 LOUISIANA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONTEST

Awards presented July 30, 2023, Natchitoches, La.

WRITING

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PRO EVENT -- CLASS I

1) ROD WALKER, The Advocate 

Story on Pelicans being eliminated from the playoffs 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Story has a strong lede, and the writer puts it into perfect context. Strong phrasing here: "These weren’t ordinary tears, though. These were tears of sadness, tears of love and tears of pride, all mixed together for a coach who led this team far beyond where it looked like it was heading when the season began." I learned what "lagniappe" was. It's an obscure reference, but it kept me interested. This story reads like a column and a game story, and it doesn't get hung up on play by play. The second time reading through it, I enjoyed the story even more. That's the staying power. It's an excellent combination of color and impact. The writer does a good job of incorporating both.

2) Amie Just, The Advocate 

Story on Los Angeles Rams’ win over Bengals in Super Bowl

3) Will Guillory, The Athletic

Story on Zion Williamson scores a career-high 43 points in win 

HM) Terrin Waack, The Advocate 

Story on  Andy Dalton’s MNF struggles continue in loss to Cardinals 

 

COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS I

1) TEDDY ALLEN, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A story on Louisiana Tech's baseball season coming to an end

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Great lead. Really sets up the emotion of the story and the culmination of a year-long journey. I love the way the story works its way through the tournament’s ups and downs and the way the writer points out the cruelty of baseball not coming down to the final seconds and the hopefulness of that two-out rally to continue your season. The writer puts you at the tournament, in the players’ and parents’ minds. Just an overall great use of fun writing.

2) Jim Kleinpeter, The Advocate 

Story on Southern’s historic first football meeting with LSU 

3) Ron Higgins, Tiger Details

Story of LSU’s football dramatic win over Alabama

HM) Jeff Duncan, The Advocate 

Story on of Tulane’s football win over Memphis 

 

PRO-COLLEGE EVENT -- CLASS II

1) MATTHEW LOUVIERE, The Daily Iberian

Story on MMA fighter Carli Judice picks up win in first pro fight

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Imagine covering an event – a baseball game, a golf match, an auto race – that lasted just 17 seconds. Through outstanding reporting, the winning author created a compelling story despite the quick ending to a Mixed Martial Arts event.

2) Joey Martin, The Concordia Sentinel

Barlow shines in final game for collegiate wooden bat baseball team

3) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal

Story on La. Tech baseball’s attitude towards military opponent

HM) T. Scott Boatright, Lincoln Parish Journal

Story on Grambling-Southern football game

 

PREP EVENT -- CLASS I

1) LES EAST, Crescent City Sports

Story on Division III Non-Select football state championship game

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Excellent decision to make focus of the game story – the story of a legendary high school player in defeat. And strong execution.  

2) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A story on Benton and Haughton wild shootout football game.

3) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A story on Byrd’s win over Natchitoches Central

HM) J.J. Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A story on Loyola-North Caddo game

 

PREP EVENT -- CLASS II

1) CHRIS SINGLETON, HOUMA COURIER

Story on Vandebilt winning first baseball title in 51 years

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: I was hooked on the story from start to finish. The Vandebilt baseball team was playing for a lot more than just themselves, and I really felt that human-interest side of the story. Well done.

2) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

Story on OCS winning eighth state championship

3) Tony Marks, Oakdale Journal

A story about Fairview advancing to semifinals

HM) Kyle Roberts, Lincoln Parish Journal

A story on Ruston taking on West Monroe

 

PRO COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) DOUG IRELAND, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A column on Louisiana native Bill Russell’s legacy

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: An incredible job of taking a story about a national figure in Bill Russell and tying it back to his complicated roots in Louisiana. Great anecdote about not signing autographs. Though he might never be honored in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, his legend should certainly live on, as the writer notes at the end. Good, well-rounded, thoughtful piece.

2) John Marcase, The Town Talk

A column on the Saints’ true rivals being the 49ers, Rams

3) Adam Hunsucker, Tiger Rag

A column on how Joe Burrow’s status as a football coaching job creator 

HM) J.J. Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A column  on lessons remembered from Joe Delaney’s death

 

COLLEGE COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) ADAM HUNSUCKER, Tiger Rag 

A column on Kim Mulkey’s complicated relationship with former star pupil Brittney Griner

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A provocative and thoughtful piece that transcends sports, skewers the surface-level platitudes of the controversy and really gets down to business. The writer's distaste for the "perverse culture war" is evident - as it well should be - and rightfully calls out the "thoughts and prayers" cliche as empty-headed and performative. Strong takes, and correct ones. This is a model piece of writing. Well done.

2) Les East, Saturday Down South

A column on LSU firing men’s basketball coach Will Wade

3) Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times

A column on my contact with the late Eddie Robinson

HM) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A column on  LA Tech’s Bulldog Baseball Bromance with coach Lane Burroughs

 

PREP COLUMN -- CLASS I

1) JEFF DUNCAN, The Advocate
Column on Arch Manning picked college destination the right way – the Manning Way 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The writer offered insight and perspective into one of the biggest sports stories of the year in the state and in so doing held the reader’s attention from start to finish. It was easy to note the writer was well-connected with those who played key roles in the story.

2) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Column on LHSAA split between “select” and “non-select” schools

3) Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times

Column on how to fix the broken softball playoff system in Louisiana

HM) Ken Trahan, Crescent City Sports

Column on reunified LHSAA state football championships are success

 

GENERAL SPORTS COLUMN -- CLASS II

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Kinder Courier News 

A column on the where everything means more – the mighty and corrupt SEC

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A very pointed column and a strong commentary how money rules SEC sports (and all sports). Excellent research, backs up the opinion with a litany of important and often forgotten perpetrators. Things are different in the SEC? This column follows that thought to completion in a compelling, entertaining and informative manner. Easily the best in class in this category.

2) Joey Martin, The Concordia Sentinel

A column on how LHSAA blunders continue

3) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

A column on how OCS offers blueprint for success 

HM) Hunter Bower, Geaux Preps

A column on how LHSAA membership should shift focus 

 

PRO FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) AMIE JUST, The Advocate 

Feature on Saints players reflecting on Sean Payton’s career 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: It was a marvelous behind-the-scenes feature on Sean Payton, letting us know his inner-feelings and sentiments preparing for his farewell news conference. We are provided a colorful, detailed look into the man’s soul talking to those who he touched. The details were fascinating, from accidentally taking Ambien instead of his blood pressure medicine to the compassion he showed Demario Davis to his surreal football acumen. It was a fabulous comprehensive look at the man told through voices that made the piece so compelling.

2) Luke Johnson, The Advocate 

Feature on Saints VP of football administration Khai Harley 

3) Kevin Foote, The Acadiana Advocate 

Feature on how sports fan Greg Gautreaux built a lengthy career as an NFL official 

HM) Will Guillory, The Athletic

Feature on CJ McCollum’s meticulous thought process ahead of his trade to New Orleans

 

COLLEGE FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) WILSON ALEXANDER, The Advocate

Feature on LSU’s “other” Super Bowl quarterback – David Woodley 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This was a tricky story to tell, but the writer handled it with an amazing touch. Great lead and kicker, but everything in the middle of this well-sourced piece kept the story moving and kept me engaged. Tremendous piece.

2) Ron Higgins, Tiger Details

Feature story on the SEC Skywriters tour

3) Amie Just, The Advocate 

Feature on Loyola player offering free rides to coaches at Final Four 

HM) Leah Vann, The Advocate 

Feature on the 2023 football recruiting class is last of the ‘Katrina Kids’ 

 

PREP FEATURE -- CLASS I

1) JIMMY WATSON, Shreveport Times 

Feature on Minden football standout Makhi Reed overcoming mom’s addiction

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A strongly reported and well-written feature that doesn’t strain for the happy ending that may not exist.  

2) Les East, Crescent City Sports

Feature on the state of summer baseball in greater New Orleans area

3) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Feature on impregnated wife behind Prep Coach of the Year

HM) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate 

Feature on how McKinley coach Ron Allen balances personal tragedy, team triumph 

 

GENERAL SPORTS FEATURE -- CLASS II

1) LAMAR GAFFORD, The Town Talk

Feature on Hicks’ basketball teams navigating loss of gym with outdoor basketball court of dirt

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This story has the best combination of prose, a strong lead and great flow with the details to capture the reader. You get invested right away about the Hicks basketball teams and what their current state is. There is fine sourcing of the information and the quotes are used well, all the way through the end.

2) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

Feature on Claiborne Christian coach and family

3) Malcolm Butler, Lincoln Parish Journal

Feature on Cedar Creek Linebacker Quincy Lewis

HM) Joseph Halm, St. Tammany Farmer 

Feature on Stacy Hollowell's path to winning national title 

 

BREAKING NEWS -- OPEN CLASS

1) CHRISTIAN CLARK, The Advocate 

Story on Zion Williamson’s mega-deal has clauses tied to weight issues 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A tight and clearly-written piece that thoroughly explains a team’s decision to enter a nine-figure contract with a player that hasn’t lived up to expectations. The piece expertly uses previous reporting and background to tell a story that never gets farther into the weeds than necessary.

2) Tony Taglavore, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

Story on Louisiana Downs to Cancel Super Derby

3)Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate
Story on Murray State’s Matt McMahon accepting LSU head coaching job 

HM) Leah Vann, The Advocate 

Story on Paul Mainieri says he won't return to coach at Notre Dame 

 

AMATEUR SPORTS -- OPEN CLASS

1) JEFF DUNCAN, The Advocate  

New Orleans’ City Park hosted world’s greatest athletes in 1992 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: In a category with a number of good stories, the writer stands out by actually putting in the work. These days, the retelling of a 30-year old tale is invariably slapped together as an oral history. Often effective, but almost always lazy. That's not the case here as the author actually tells the story while weaving in the recollections of those involved in New Orleans' improbable bid to host the 1992 U.S. Olympic track and field trials.  The whole premise is absurd. Asking anyone to run at full speed in New Orleans in June? Without a real track and field facility? How the heck did that happen? This story understands why it was so unlikely, and explains how it all came together.

2) Rod Walker, The Advocate 

A story on Crescent City Classic runner with Down syndrome is first to wear No. 321 

3) Doug Ireland, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A feature/column on local ties to Boston Marathon

HM) Teddy Allen, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

A story on cousin Kevin being USA’s secret weapon in Presidents Cup win

 

OUTDOORS WRITING -- OPEN CLASS

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Kinder Courier News

A feature on Oberlin hunter Heidi Manuel who honors her late father

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: A touching and economically told story with a fine balance of trenchant facts and lively quotes. 

2) Glenn Quebedeaux, Crowley Post Signal

Story on Rondell Joseph realizing dream with tournament victory

3) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

A story about Roberie turns childhood hobby into career

HM) Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press

A column on a tree climbing dog that tracks squirrels

 

PREP-AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY -- OPEN CLASS

1) MICHAEL ODENDAHL, Geaux Preps

Photo of G.W. Carver basketball player & team celebrating long-waited state title win

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This photo placed first because of the moment of joy captured here juxtaposed with the sadness seen in the other team on the left side of the screen. It’s a really nice image that communicates what is happening without needing to read the caption.

2) Sophia Germer, The Advocate

Photo of Sarah T. Reed HS plays its first game since Hurricane Katrina 

3) Michael Johnson, The Advocate

Photo from American Legion championship game

HM) Josh McDaniel, Lincoln Parish Journal

Photo of Cedar Creek blocks FG in jamboree

 

COLLEGE-PRO PHOTOGRAPHY -- OPEN CLASS

1) SCOTT THRELKELD, The Advocate

Photo of Pelicans' C.J. McCollum throws down a dunk as Zion Williamson celebrates

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This image placed first because of great motion and composition. Love the feeling of a team's shared enthusiasm. It really communicates the root of what it means to be a team: celebrating your teammates' victories just as you would yours.

2) Sophia Germer, The Advocate

Photo of Pelicans' Zion Williamson goes in for a dunk in game with Golden State 

3) Jonathan Mailhes, Tiger Rag 

Photo of LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels scores a TD in overtime to beat Alabama

HM) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

Photo of LSU playing Southern Miss in Hattiesburg Regional

 

MAJOR AWARDS

 

BEST SECTION -- OPEN CLASS

1) THE ADVOCATE

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Bold, artistic graphics and illustrations immediately catch the eye. It's not hard to imagine an LSU football fan, for instance, holding onto issues as keepsakes (the Sep. 24 LSU Gameday cover illustration of kicker Cole Tracey is particularly impressive). The time and attention devoted to layout and design is obvious, but all the other nuts and bolts of a great section are present - a wealth of info boxes, solid headlines and great photo choices. Of course, and most importantly, there is a wealth of locally written and developed content. Given the state of print journalism in the year 2023, Advocate readers should consider themselves lucky; this is likely one of the better sports sections in the country.

2) Lake Charles American Press

 

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) JIMMY WATSON, SHREVEPORT TIMES

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Every writer in this category had at least one standout piece, so first place was not earned cheaply. And the gap between first two places was incredibly narrow. Both authors had must-read stories touching on the death of Huntington High basketball player Devin Myers -- one a column, the other a game story. It was a tough task that both handled with tact and respect. I hope readers read both in the wake of the tragedy.

It was the story of Minden football player Makhi Reed that helped make the difference. The honesty the reporter elicits from Reed, his grandparents, and his mother who has battled drug addiction is eye-opening, heart-rending and also heartwarming. A story well-told, and mostly told by its subjects. It's also tough to judge a category with a story as personal as the column about the passing of the author's father. Not every writer has such an emotionally affecting story to share. But the writer's ability to turn this eulogy into a sports story that made us care about a man the reader had likely never met was impressive. All in all, a well-rounded collection of sports writing. 

2) J.J. Marshall, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

3) Les East, Crescent City Sports

HM) Robin Fambrough, The Advocate 

 

PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR - CLASS II

1) JAKE MARTIN, THE OUACHITA CITIZEN

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Fishing partnerships, state championship-winning performances, near-death experiences and scheduling controversy. The writer gave us a little bit of everything, and presented it to us in a detailed and informative fashion. Solid work all around.

2) Raymond Partsch III, Kinder Courier News 

3) Hunter Bower, Geaux Preps

HM) Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel

 

BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR -- OPEN CLASS

1) RON HIGGINS, Tiger Details

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This is a true storyteller in a quite competitive writing competition. Like most in this division, the writer knows the beat and credibility is above reproach. But this writer also has a good understanding of the beat’s history and punctuates details with bits of stories from the past that lend creativity and knowledge that sets these stories apart. 

2) Christian Clark, The Advocate 

3) Terrin Waack, The Advocate 

HM) Kevin Foote, The Acadiana Advocate 

 

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS I

1) J.J. MARSHALL, Shreveport-Bossier Journal

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The column about the lives and deaths of Devin Myers and Jimmy Orton was powerful and did a great job juxtaposing a young life being lost to senseless violence and an older life lost after having what can be considered a full life of accomplishments. One had so much to look forward to, the other had so much to look back on, and the column did an excellent job of expressing that. The column about goodbye letters from college athletes entering the transfer portal is interesting and I like how it was written by "translating" what it means. I don't necessarily agree with every point made, but I did enjoy reading how it was written and the overarching point. The final column had a good anecdote about a player who was not voted all-state and who that player turned out to be (Marshall Faulk). I happen to agree with this stance about too many players being on all-district teams and why that may be the case. But connecting it to the anecdote was also very good.

2) Jeff Duncan, The Advocate
3) Rod Walker, The Advocate 

HM) Adam Hunsucker, Tiger Rag

COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR -- CLASS II

1) RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Kinder Courier News 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: The winning entry expertly offered the best traits of column-writing with this trifecta – the biting critique, a reasoned analysis and glowing praise.

2) Jake Martin, The Ouachita Citizen

3) Joey Martin, The Concordia Sentinel

HM) Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette

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STORY OF THE YEAR

WILSON ALEXANDER, The Advocate 

Feature on LSU’s “other” Super Bowl quarterback – David Woodley 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: "This is outstanding story telling of a complicated figure in LSU sports history. What stands out in the feature is its background depth and multiple voices. Perhaps the most telling nugget in the piece is the revelation by some of his Miami Dolphin teammates that they had seen Woodley selling jewelry in the team parking lot before games after his NFL career ended. Also, Woodley's ex-wife is the voice that shapes the story, by what she says and what she refuses to expound upon. Finally, the use of short quotes is impactful in its brevity, emphatically supporting the feature's tragic storyline."

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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.

LES EAST, Crescent City Sports & Saturday Down South 

9 points (one first, three seconds)

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

The Advocate (7), 36 points

Shreveport-Bossier Journal (2), 13 points

Crescent City Sports, (1) 7

Shreveport Times (1) 5

Tiger Rag (1) 5

Tiger Details, 3 

Saturday Down South, 2

The Athletic, 1

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CLASS II

Kinder Courier News (2) 6

The Town Talk, (1) 5

The Ouachita Citizen, 5

The Concordia Sentinel, 4

The Daily Iberian, (1) 3

Houma Courier, (1) 3

Geaux Preps, (1) 3

Crowley Post Signal, 2

Oakdale Journal, 2

Lincoln Parish Journal, 2

BROADCASTING

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BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (SOLO & TEAM)

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

Hosts: John James Marshall, Ben Marshall

Producer: Travis Stewart

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Loved the energy here and they did a nice job of having a good back-and-forth conversation. 

2) Matt Miguez (host), James Meche (co-host-producer), Crunchtime with Miguez & Meche, 103.7 The Game 

3) Raymond Partsch III (host), Hannah Adams (producer), RP3 & Company, 103.7 The Game

HM) Matt Moscona (host), Matt Musso & Paul O’Neil (producers), After Further Review, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge

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BEST RADIO INTERVIEW

1) AARON DIETRICH & JAKE MARTIN, 105.7 FM 

Interview with LSU legend and Super Bowl champion Andrew Whitworth

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Good mix of questions unique to the guest. Kept the local flavor of the interview despite Whitworth being a nationally-known person.

2) Jordy Hultberg, 103.7 The Game

Interview with LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson

3) Raymond Partsch III, 103.7 The Game

Interview with LSU baseball legend Skip Bertman

HM) Matt Moscona, 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge

Interview with Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning

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BEST LIVE RADIO EVENT

1) RUSTON HIGH FOOTBALL, KYLE ROBERTS,  Z107.5 FM

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: N/A

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

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

HM) Minden High Football, Mark Chreene, Jake Chapman, KBEF-FM

BEST PODCAST

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

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Ultimately, I graded the podcasts on overall entertainment value. Which clips left me wanting to listen more and kept my short attention span focused? The winning clip did that by showcasing both the sense of humor among the group and the overall hosts' chemistry. The segment had a good flow with the conversation among the hosts and the phone hotline calls that were included, too. Despite not necessarily being the target listener for this pod, it kept my attention the whole way through and I was interested to hear what other portions of the pod that were not included would sound like as well. The format, camaraderie among the hosts, and knowledge of subject matter made this the winner for me.

2) Matt Moscona and T-Bob Hebert, “Scone and T”

3) Chris Blair & Kent Lowe, “Hey Fightin’ Podcast”

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

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BEST TV SPORTSCAST

1) AARON DIETRICH, KNOE-TV

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: This entry had a good mix of human interest stories and high school football coverage. It’s easy to see the passion and hard work it took to produce the story about the softball team’s support for their coach’s daughter and the story of the female football player. The football coverage had good use of graphics. The delivery by the anchor was solid. Video highlights were excellent as well.

2) Seth Lewis,  KATC-TV

3) Fletcher Mackel, WDSU

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BEST LIVE TV EVENT

1) LENNY VANGILDER & WAYDE KEISER, Crescent City Sports

Playoff football game between Brother Martin and St. Augustine. 

JUDGE’S COMMENTS: Exciting first quarter action called by two people that obviously know a lot about each team. They do a great job of playing off each other and taking cues. The play by play announcer has excellent knowledge of each player.  He also communicates what is happening on the field to the audience in a calm manner. The analyst obviously knows these players as well. On the big touchdown, he clearly explains how the offense fooled the defense. There is also some great comic relief in this clip. Great Job.

2) Lyn Rollins, Chris Mycoskie, and Madison Kaufman, ESPN+
Football game between Louisiana Tech and UTEP

3) Jim Derry, Jim Rapier and Clyde Verdin, Varsity Sports Now

Basketball game between St. Paul’s Zachary

HM) Dan McDonald/Eric Mouton, ESPN+

Commentary from UL vs. Louisiana Tech men's basketball game

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SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS

 

DIVISION I – RELEASE/FEATURE (FOOTBALL)

1. Evan Roberts, Louisiana Athletics Communications, feature on Michael Jefferson and the bond with his father, who defeated cancer twice:

Judges’ comments: “The writer made you feel you were there every step of the way on a

poignant story of a kid who felt the responsibility to become a man taking care of his sick

father.“

2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State University

3. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana Athletics Communications.

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

1. Harrison Valentine, LSU Athletics Communications, Feature on LSU ace Paul Skenes, the best

pitcher in college baseball

Judges’ comments: “A deep, but fast-paced dive from Skenes’ days at Air Force on and off to

field to his emergence at LSU. Tightly written, judicious use of quotes. Extremely well-done.”

2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State University

3. Tom Perpetua, Louisiana Athletics Communications

 

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

1. Harrison Valentine, LSU Athletics Communications, Feature on Seimone Augustus’ statue

unveiling ceremony

Judges’ comments: “This writer just knows how to write. This writer weaves facts, observations

and quotes. He understands story flow and how to tell a story without getting in the way. One

writing tip: Know when to end your story. You don’t need to drive home the ending with a

series of overdramatized conclusions because the story already said it all.”

2. Harrison Valentine, LSU Athletics Communications

3. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State

 

DIVISION IV – RELEASE/FEATURE (OLYMPIC SPORTS)

1. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Strategic Communications, feature on Louisiana Tech Hall of

Fame track star Bryant Wesco

Judges’ comments: “Every athlete has a story and the writer winning this category did a

marvelous job of telling the story of an all-American long and triple jump who arrived at

Louisiana Tech hoping to play basketball as he did in high school.”

2. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana Athletics Communications

3. Brad Welborn, Northwestern State

 

DIVISION V – GAME NOTES (all sports)

1. Matt Sullivan, Louisiana Athletics Communications – Basketball Game Notes vs. Marshall

Judges’ comments: “Clean front page with good font size. All basics included – schedule/results,

roster with quick note, overall notes and match-up information.”

2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State - Baseball game notes for series vs. Nicholls

3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech – Men’s Basketball game notes vs. Florida Atlantic

 

DIVISION VI – COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY

1. Chris Blair, LSU Sports Properties – Call of Overtime Win for LSU Football vs. Alabama

Judges’ comments: “Chris is super consistent at using a great economy of words to paint a

very descriptive picture...and allows listeners to fully comprehend what he says by

understanding “less is more” when spoken via radio. He always brings enthusiasm and has ALL

the chops to perform at the highest level with a voice/delivery that can play to any audience

across the country. What separates Chris from the rest...he doesn’t auctioneer-style throw out

ALL of the info-prep and stats he knows in one breath. He doesn’t have to PROVE that he knows what he’s talking about....meaning the game flows very smooth and UNDERSTANDABLE the entire time!”

2. Mike Hammett, ULM Warhawk Sports Properties – ULM Football vs. Texas State

3. Jack Benjamin, Colonel Sports Network – Nicholls Baseball vs. New Orleans

 

DIVISION VII – COLLEGE GRAPHICS

1. Courtney Pugh, Donnie Bell Design

Three Louisiana Tech Bulldogs get set to play in Super Bowl LVII

Judges’ comments: “This graphic gives the all the feels of Call of Duty. Brother versus brother

on the battlefield of the gridiron.”

2. Courtney Pugh, Donnie Bell Design

3. Heather Williams, Louisiana Athletics Communications

 

DIVISION VIII – BEST COLLEGE PHOTO

1. Kelsey Chanler, LA Tech Strategic Communications

LA Tech third baseman Bailey Wright gets unassisted double play versus LSU

Judges’ comments: “This photo screams ‘And you’re out!’ Perfect vantage point of a great tag

when the runner is short of the bag.”

2. Chris Reich, Northwestern State University

3. Ben Massey, Louisiana Athletics Communications