2020 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Annual Contest
Awards presented June 27, 2021, Natchitoches, La.
WRITING
PRO EVENT — CLASS I
1. LUKE JOHNSON, The Advocate. A story on the Saints playoff loss to the Vikings.
Judge’s comments: What sets this story apart is its effectiveness in capturing the context and emotion of another heartbreaking finish to a Saints season. It’s not just that the Saints lost a game in overtime by merit of losing a coin flip — it’s the third straight year that victory has improbably slipped from their grasp in the postseason. And as this story correctly assesses, the window for opportunities to come this close is likely drawing to a close, making it that much harder to swallow. In a year where reporters would eventually lose access to locker rooms, this pre-pandemic piece also shines as an ode to access. The reporter knows the typically raucous atmosphere after Saints wins, and is able to use it as an effective contrast to the silent atmosphere following the playoff defeat. This is the total package for a season-ending game story — past, present and future are all addressed without any element feeling forced.
2. Les East, Crescent City Sports. A story on the New Orleans Saints season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
3. Will Guillory, The Athletic. A story about Brandon Ingram’s struggles against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers
HM. Katherine Terrell, The Athletic. Saints at Bucs gamer recapping one of Drew Brees final primetime games.
COLLEGE EVENT — CLASS I
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. A story on how Tulane basketball coach Ron Hunter coaches a game with no shoes.
Judge’s comments: The writer leaned into a unique angle — Ron Hunter’s passion outside of basketball — and told a well-reported “game” story that will be remembered for far longer than the final score. Of course, this wasn’t really a game story. I didn’t care. It grabbed me from the beginning and never let go.
2. Brody Miller, The Athletic. A game story from the night LSU beat Clemson to win the national championship.
3. Wilson Alexander, The Advocate. Coverage of LSU-Clemson CFP championship game.
HM. Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Network. LSU and Joe Burrow “smoke” Clemson in the national championship game for first perfect season since 1958.
PRO-COLLEGE EVENT — CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian. A story on ULL football’s road victory at Georgia State.
Judge’s comments: A professional, well-reported game story that finishes where it started: With the star of the game, running back Elijah Mitchell.
2. LaMar Gafford, The Town Talk. A story on another disappointing season-ending loss for the New Orleans Saints.
3. Tony Marks, Oakdale Journal. A story on the LSU Tigers defeating Clemson in the national championship game.
PREP EVENT — CLASS I
1. WILLIAM WEATHERS, Livingston Parish News. A story on Doyle’s Elise Jones delivering MVP performance in time of need.
Judge’s comments: This story brought the star player of the victories Lady Tigers to life and personalized her, bringing me into the story. It did not feel like a bunch of quotes just strung together to fill space. It was adept and quickly told the story of how the game was won and how the star player helped lead her team, and made me care about her. No small feat!
2. Kevin Foote, The Advocate. Story on Acadiana’s win in Class 5A state championship football game.
3. Christopher Dabe, The Advocate. Story of Newman quarterback Arch Manning’s season opener vs. East Jefferson
HM. Raymond Partsch III, Lake Charles American Press. Story on St. Louis Catholic season-opening win.
PREP-AMATEUR EVENT — CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Kinder Courier News. A story on Kinder’s defense making one last stop in a playoff road win.
Judge’s comments: By setting up the do-or-die situation late in the game, the writer brought me right onto the field and into the action. The scene was set, the suspense built and I was anxious to see how the game would turn out. The obligatory quotes came later but were used wisely and helped validate the lead and continue the theme of the game, which was defense. Well organized, a lead that grabbed me.
2. Lamar Gafford, The Town Talk. A story on LHSAA boys basketball tournament not having fans.
3. Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen. A story on how delay doesn’t prevent another West Monroe district win.
HM. Tony Marks, Oakdale Journal. A story about Fairview Lady Panthers winning their 10th state championship under head coach Kyle Jinks.
PRO COLUMN — CLASS I
1. LUKE JOHNSON, The Advocate. A column on Drew Brees’ stance on national anthem.
Judge’s comments: The best columns are personal, and this is as personal as it gets — a veteran who is reticent to speak about his service to our country, but feels compelled to do so in the wake of the firestorm surrounding Drew Brees’ comments about kneeling during the National Anthem. As expected, many submissions in this category touched on this subject. Most of them were very well-crafted regardless of the side they were taking. But there’s something extraordinarily unique about a writer who has a foot in two worlds of this subject matter. It’s a perfect storm, and the writer manages it adroitly. Other columnists in the category should not feel discouraged by finishing behind this piece. It takes a very special set of life circumstances to set up this column, and that is beyond their control. But it also takes a special writer to pull off the actual execution, and this one does.
2. Jeff Duncan, The Athletic. A column on the Drew Brees anthem controversy.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. A column on how marriage of sports and social injustice will never go away.
HM. Raymond Partsch III, 1037TheGame.com. A column on Astros and the undisclosed goldmine of trash cans.
COLLEGE COLUMN — CLASS I
1. ADAM HUNSUCKER, The News-Star. A column on retiring ULM President Nick Bruno’s mismanagement of the athletic department.
Judge’s comments: When power runs amok, the truth must be told. This column did that wonderfully.
2. Ron Higgins, Tiger Rag Magazine. A column on LSU receiver JaMarr Chase’s decision to opt out of 2020 football season
3. Teddy Allen, The Shreveport Times. A column on how a trainer and church turn back cancer.
HM. Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Network. A column on pattern of misinformation by LSU.
PREP COLUMN — CLASS I
1. ADAM HUNSUCKER, The News-Star. A column explaining how the Louisiana legislature henpecked the LHSAA’s ability to start football season
Judge’s comments: The writer is both entertaining and informational while calling out state politicians for their rush for the return of prep football during the pandemic, acting as a voice of reason at a time when one was probably much-needed.
2. Raymond Partsch III, 1037TheGame.com. A column on how Bonine, LHSAA deserve thanks for leadership
3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. A column on the return of high school football.
HM. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times. A column on long-time local sports anchor passing away.
GENERAL SPORTS COLUMN — CLASS II
1. JIM DERRY, St. Tammany Farmer. A column on Ed Orgeron remaining genuine while watching football-playing sons.
Judge’s comments: This story gave me a behind-the-scenes look at a relationship with Ed Orgeron during one of the biggest moments of his life. He’s such a complicated and genuine character, and this story adds to that.
2. Raymond Partsch III, Kinder Courier News. A column on Kinder football team’s season-ending with a title-game loss
3. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet. A column on Saints homecoming game after Hurricane Katrina.
HM. Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette. A column about a new return to normalcy.
PRO FEATURE — CLASS I
1 LARRY HOLDER, The Athletic. A feature on Saints head coach Sean Payton as a QB vs. the Saints in 1987.
Judge’s comments: The game recounted in this story has become a such big part of the Sean Payton “lore” but has rarely (if ever) been described in any real detail, and usually without the insight that Jim Mora being present meant there were three present and future Saints head coaches on the field that day. Colorful quotes and side stories woven throughout really make the reader feel like they are being immersed in a football game that happened recently instead of 30-something years ago, particularly in the accounts of how Ditka treated Payton. The Tom Benson account of the first time he met Ditka was priceless. Great story.
2. Luke Johnson, The Advocate. A feature on how Taysom Hill’s hometown defined him.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. A story on Alvin Kamara’s six-TD day and connection to Dub Jones.
HM. David Grubb, The Bird Writes. A feature on the New Orleans Pelicans prior to heading to the bubble.
COLLEGE FEATURE — CLASS I
1. BRODY MILLER, The Athletic. A feature on the year of grief of two LSU families after Carley McCord’s tragic death
Judge’s comments: It takes a skilled, empathetic and emotionally intelligent writer and reporter to create this story. A story heartbreaking beyond description somehow becomes more devastating, in ways that most would find impossible to describe, but not this writer. Sports writing in Louisiana is stronger than almost anywhere else in the nation: in a market with well-reported features, beautiful writing and powerful appeals to readers, this story is a master class in all three.
2. Ron Higgins, Tiger Rag Magazine. A feature on the late Mike Mikey, possibly LSU’s greatest two-sport athlete ever.
3. Brooks Kubena, The Advocate. A feature on LSU’s BJ Ojulari, the pass-rushing grandson of a Nigerian prince.
HM. Cory Diaz, The News-Star. Student-Athletes at PWIs, LA Tech and ULM, discuss Black Lives Matters, why others should listen
PREP FEATURE — CLASS I
1. ROBIN FAMBROUGH, The Advocate. Story on life-saving situation bonds schools once separated by racial divide.
Judge’s comments: Wow! What a fantastic read. The writer did a great job of putting you in the moment. The story is an emotional roller-coaster, from the moment the player collapses to the seconds ticking by as people rushed in to help. The emotions are pulled out even further, when you start to learn the history of the schools. This one line really stuck out to me: “He wears a defibrillator vest and will have a defibrillator implanted in his chest within a few weeks. Meanwhile, feelings from the hearts of others continue to flow.” To me, that sums up the entire story, these adults, many of whom would not regularly cross paths in everyday life, poured their hearts out for this young man and became that heartbeat which kept him going. No pun intended, but this story tugged at my emotional heartstrings. Wonderful job by the writer capturing the moment and knowing the right way to frame it.
2. William Weathers, Livingston Parish News. Story on Walker’s Delaney Anderson facing her Senior Night without her slain father who was killed in line of duty
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Story on Brother Martin’s Tre Morgan not letting tough senior year slow him down
HM. Raymond Partsch III, 1037TheGame.com. A story on St. Thomas More basketball’s options program
GENERAL SPORTS FEATURE — CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian. A feature on Storyville Jazz Band leader and Saints game-day staple Bruce Hirstius.
Judge’s comments: The lead was attention-getting, which is what leads are supposed to do. Natalie Wood? Tell me more. What followed was the life and times of a 90-plus-year-old who enjoyed a life well-lived, as painted by a number of others interviewed by the writer. It was not, as so often happens, a one-interview one-source story. Bruce came to life even for those who might not have seen him perform at the games.
2. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet. NFL prospect Amik Robertson developed a warrior mentality from family.
3. Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen. A story on Sterlington fullback Crain overcomes losing house in fire.
HM. Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer. A story on Iverson Celestine, Fontainebleau’s “Magic Man.”
BREAKING NEWS — OPEN CLASS
1. RON HIGGINS, Tiger Rag Magazine. A story on the LSU baseball team being told that the road trip is cancelled because of the start of COVID-19 pandemic.
Judge’s Comments: “It was a great way to bring everyone into the suddenness, heartbreak and helpless feeling tied to the coronavirus’ impact on collegiate sports. The prose in the lead was fantastic.”
2. Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate. A story on the SEC basketball tournament canceled by COVID.
3. Amie Just, The Advocate. A story on the fallout from Drew Brees saying he’ll never agree with anthem protests
HM. Jimmy Watson, The Shreveport Times. A story on the shooting death of Green Oaks’ Minnion Jackson.
GENERAL SPORTS — OPEN CLASS
1. SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press. A story on how a kangaroo that stole our hearts
Judge’s comments: You had me at the lede. The writing talent displayed in this story holds the reader from start to finish. You want to know what Matilda’s future might be, only to get the twist at the end that she finds a permanent home after years on the road. The writer took a subject that could have been ignored offhandedly by readers or if written with less talent, viewed as self-serving in a way. Instead the writer made it interesting and entertaining and a joy to read. Matilda would be proud.
2. Adam Hunsucker, The News Star. A story on a doctor saving the life of the Oak Grove football coach’s daughter at a ULM baseball game.
3. Katherine Terrell, The Athletic. A story on Saints and LSU fan Jonathan Serigne, who died of cancer in 2019.
HM. Dan McDonald, The Advocate. A story on how golf thrives in the pandemic era.
OUTDOORS WRITING — OPEN CLASS
1. DON SHOOPMAN, The Daily Iberian. A feature on outdoorsman celebrating shooting big buck sporting 165-inch wide, 15-point rack.
Judge’s comments: The language and depth of this story sets it apart. The subject captured the buck of a lifetime, and the writer did it justice with descriptive word choice and an inquisitive angle.
2. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet. Story on charter boat companies waiting for business to pick up from COVID-19.
3. Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette. A story about Leger turning love of bass fishing into a family affair and competing toward professional status.
HM. Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press. A story on early fishing trips with father.
SPECIAL SECTION — OPEN CLASS
1.THE ADVOCATE, National Championship Preview
Judge’s comments: Great section. The Orgeron profile that led it off, and then the story exploring the 2019 team’s place in LSU football history that followed, really got to the heart of what that season meant to so many Tigers fans. Solid nuts-and-bolts pieces on the LSU offensive line and Chiasson. Appreciated the headline play over the Chiasson story riffing on the “right angle” phrase and bending down to box in the story. Also enjoyed the retrospectives on past champions crowned in NOLA and the 1959 Sugar Bowl. The angle on Clemson fans in Louisiana was a novel idea and well done. Solid breakouts with lists and tidbits of info were well thought-out and distributed throughout the section.
2. The Advocate, Saints Season Preview
3. USA Today Network, National Championship Preview
COLLEGE-PRO PHOTOGRAPHY — OPEN CLASS
1. HILARY SCHEINUK, The Advocate. Photo of LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase scoring a TD in CFP National Championship Game.
Judge’s comments: The photographer did a great job of capturing a touchdown catch that tells a part of the game story. The shallow depth of field allows for a crisp capture of the peak action while also allowing the viewer to see how many people were in the crowd during the game without it being too distracting. It worked well with the print headline and story package as well.
2. David Grunfeld, The Advocate. Photo of LSU offensive lineman Damien Lewis bowing to quarterback Joe Burrow from CFP National Championship Game.
3. Bill Feig, The Advocate. Photo of LSU’s Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow celebrating after winning the CFP National Championship Game.
HM. Raymond Partsch III, 1037thegame.com. Photo of Ragin’ Cajuns forward Tirus Smith being stunned by foul call
PREP-AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY — OPEN CLASS
1. DAVID GRUNFELD, The Advocate. Photo from Acadiana High-John Curtis football game.
Judge’s comments: The photo does a great job of capturing peak action with the running back getting his helmet knocked off mid-tackle. It’s crisp, clean and easy to read as a viewer.
2. Bill Feig, The Advocate. Photo of two kids playing pickup basketball with a tennis ball.
3. Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate. Photo from East Ascension-Catholic High wrestling match.
HM. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Photo from “Onesie Golf Game” at BREC’s Webb Memorial Golf Course.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION — CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE
Judge’s comments: This category is proof that Louisiana sports sections are among the best in the South, all industry concerns taken into account. No one in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee or Arkansas, at least, is doing better than these three proud sections. Obviously, The Advocate has a more thorough product and is clearly working with more resources. It is clean, informative, and meticulously designed. But the same could be said for the American Press, with its thorough LSU and McNeese coverage, witty and insightful columns. And The Daily Advertiser has clearly taken the path that is going to do deep dives and truly tell stories — even if it can’t tell EVERY story. I tip my ball cap to all three of these teams of journalism excellence and commitment.
2. Lake Charles American Press
3. The Daily Advertiser
BEST SECTION — CLASS II
1. ST. TAMMANY FARMER
Judge’s comments: This is a solid sports section. Not only is the layout attractive and easy to navigate, but the variety of stories and sports covered make it a section where every reader is likely to find something of interest. Good information is provided as well as good writing. Good use is also made of photography with no fear of running photos larger to attract attention to the story it accompanies. The staff can be proud of the work it produces.
2. Ouachita Citizen
3. The Daily Iberian
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR — CLASS I
1. ROBIN FAMBROUGH, The Advocate
Judge’s comments: A really strong prep feature, a very fun gamer and a thought-provoking column gives this writer a slight edge in a really stacked field of solid entries. The prep feature is simply one of the best features I’ve read in a long time. Honestly, I’ve read it a half-dozen times and each time it gets better than the last. Loved that the gamer had a little personality to it and didn’t come off as a chronological account of the game. The column on the cancellation of the remainder of the 2020 sports season hit all the right notes, even having a little bit of light-hearted humor to add levity to a very difficult decision the LHSAA had to make. (P.S. I think we all hate that person who invented single-ply toilet paper) I feel like I could read this writer’s work every day and never get tired of it. Kudos.
2. John Marcase, The Town Talk
3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
HM. Adam Hunsucker, The News-Star
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR – CLASS II
1. JAKE MARTIN, Ouachita Citizen.
Judge’s comments: The writer finds the human element – compassion, changes in attitude, resilience – that made his/her stories about much more than just a semifinal winner, a program turn-around or a star player who lost most of her season to the pandemic.
2. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet
3. Raymond Partsch III, Kinder Courier News
HM. Lamar Gafford, Town Talk.
BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR — CLASS I
1. GLENN GUILBEAU, USA TODAY Network
Judge’s comments: Being critical of LSU in Louisiana is a tough job. Pieces about Will Wade and the alleged culture of misconduct around the LSU football team are unflinching and pull no punches. Yet the other features are written with a flair for folksy storytelling and insight. Kudos to the writer for being able to walk both sides of an eventful beat, telling the feel-good stories fans want to hear in addition to the other stories they probably don’t want to hear.
2. Luke Johnson, The Advocate
3. Brody Miller, The Athletic
HM. Larry Holder, The Athletic
BEAT WRITER OF THE YEAR — CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian
Judge’s comments: Solid entries with exceptional work on the dual-sport athlete feature. Also, beat writers should be able to stretch their legs and write columns and CFP piece about sticking it to Group of Five teams like the Ragin’ Cajuns, I suspect was the most-read story in the paper that day.
2. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet
3. Lamar Gafford, The Town Talk
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR — CLASS I
1. SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press
Judge’s comments: The writer’s way of engaging the reader about a story regarding the asterisk by Roger Maris’ name — and conflating it to a sports world potentially filled with asterisks for one reason or another — is brilliant and entertaining. Same is true for all three entries, and the line about “your team’s defense practicing social distancing” is priceless.
2. Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY Louisiana.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate.
HM. John James Marshall, Designated Writers
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR — CLASS II
1. KEVIN FAMBROUGH, Pointe Coupee Banner.
Judge’s comments: In a tight battle between the top two entries, this submission shined through with local columns that were absolutely packed with meaning. The writer hits an authentic tone with each story.
2. Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian
3. Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer
HM. Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette
STORY OF THE YEAR
BRODY MILLER, The Athletic. Feature on the year of grief of two LSU families after Carley McCord’s tragic death
Judge’s Comments: My first thought upon finishing this story was “If there’s something better than this, I’m not going to make it through this judging.” And that’s not a slight to the other entries, which were all very good. It’s praise for a powerful, well-written story. This story is very difficult to get through, and that’s a compliment to the writer. The writer does a fantastic job of weaving through some emotional landmines, all the while keeping the reader wanting more. As I read through the story, the tears in my eyes started to well up, making the words blurry. But the story was still crystal clear. It’s a story about grief. It’s a story about love. It’s a story about fear. It’s a story about a family. It’s a story about nightmares. It’s a story about dreams. It’s a story about moving on, but keeping a firm grip on the past. It’s a story about celebrating moments. It’s a story about cherishing those moments and using them to keep you going. The writer did a wonderful job of telling the story from different angles: from the grieving husband; to the family who lost a daughter, a sister, a best friend; to the father-in-law who had his own way of dealing with the pain. Congratulations to the writer, for not only being able to make it through their own emotional battles in writing this story, but for sharing this gift with the rest of us.
SPORTS WRITER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in regular writing categories. Points are NOT awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Beat Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian & Kinder Courier News
13 points (three 1st, two 2nd)
NEWSPAPER SWEEPSTAKES
(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis except for Story of the Year; first-place awards in parentheses)
CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE (9), 53 points
2. The Athletic (2), 13 points
T3.The News Star (2), 8 points
T3. Lake Charles American Press (2), 8 points
5. Tiger Rag Magazine, (1), 7 points
6. USA TODAY Network (1), 6 points
7. Livingston Parish News (1), 5 points
8. Shreveport Times, 3 points
T9. Crescent City Sports, 2 points
T9. 1037thegame.com, 2 points
11. The Daily Advertiser, 1 point
CLASS II
1. THE DAILY IBERIAN (4), 15 points
2. Houma Courier/Thibodaux Daily Comet, 9 points
T3. Ouachita Citizen (1), 7 points
T3. St. Tammany Farmer (2), 7 points
T3. The Town Talk, 7 points
6. Kinder Courier News (1), 6 points
7. Pointe Coupee Banner (1), 3 points
T8. The Ville Platte Gazette, 1 point
T8. Oakdale Journal, 1 point
BROADCASTING
BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (SOLO)
1. MATT MOSCONA (host), Brian Haldane (producer), After Further Review, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge
Judge’s comments: I thought this one did a nice job of emphasizing the passion that drives a good sports radio show. You can tell this host cares a lot about what his topic is, or at least does a good job of convincing the listener that he does. The pacing was good, so was the energy and that didn’t waver despite struggling to find things to talk about with no sports on during the pandemic.
2. Raymond Partsch III (host), Louis Prejean (producer), RP3 & Company, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette
3. Kevin Foote (host), Louis Prejean (producer), Footnotes, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette
HM. Patrick Netherton (host), Rogers Hampton (producer), Patrick Netherton Show, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport
BEST RADIO SHOW HOST (DUO-TEAM)
1. AARON DIETRICH & JAKE MARTIN (hosts), John Tabor (producer), Morning Drive, Sports Talk 97.7 FM, Monroe
Judge’s comments: Very informative, good “back and forth” between the two hosts and the show also used guests well.
2. John James Marshall & Ben Marshall (hosts), Travis Stewart (producer), Sports Talk with JJ & Bonzai Ben, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport
3. Don Allen, Glenn Quebedeaux, Bruce Brown, Tom Brown and Bobby Ardoin (hosts), Clint Domingue (producer), Five Guys, Stories & Lies, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette.
BEST RADIO INTERVIEW
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III (host), Louis Prejean (producer), RP3 & Company, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette. Interview with Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Will “The Thrill” Clark.
Judge’s comments: Good interview with Will Clark. Loved the journey through his career from college to the Olympics to his time with the Giants and the 1989 World Series. Ending it with a request for a positive note for players impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was a nice touch. Strong interview and a fun listen.
2. Ben Love (host), Clint Domingue (producer), Bumper to Bumper Sports, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette. Interview with LSU football legend and former NFL MVP Bert Jones.
3. Patrick Netherton (host), Rogers Hampton (producer), Patrick Netherton Show, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport. Interview with ESPN announcer Anish Shroff.
HM. Aaron Dietrich & Jake Martin (hosts), John Tabor (producer), Morning Drive, Sports Talk 97.7 FM, Monroe. Interviews with West Ouachita’s Matt Middleton and La. Tech’s Skip Holtz.
BEST LIVE RADIO BROADCAST TEAM
1. CAPTAIN SHREVE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL, Tony Taglavore and Jimmy Martin, The River 95.7 FM
Judge’s comments: The play-by-play announcer is very good. I always like to hear right away
where the game “is”, and he did that immediately. You didn’t have to wait for score , time, opponent, etc., Used the color announcer very well.
2. Catholic High School Football, Dixon Wallace McMakin, 104.5 ESPN
3. Carencro High School Football, Ben Love and Blaine Viator, Z105.9 FM
HM St. Thomas More Football, Danny Jones and Sam Heinen, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette.
BEST PODCAST
1. DAVID GRUBB, “Hard in the Paint with David Grubb”
Judge’s comments: The diversity of topics really stood out and made for a great listen. Going outside of just the X’s and O’s of a game elevates the conversation. As a listener, I appreciated the conversation surrounding the past year, as everyone can relate to how challenging it has been, even if they aren’t in the sports industry. The chemistry on the show brings the conversations to life and leaves you wanting more.
2. “Designated Podcast,” Designated Writers
3. “The Louis Prejean Podcast,” Louis Prejean
HM. “The RAP Game Podcast,” Raymond Partsch III
BEST TV SPORTSCAST
1. AARON DIETRICH, KNOE, Monroe.
Judge’s comments: The stories they submitted were inspiring and emotional. The delivery by the anchor was clear and easy to understand. Good job with the archive video leading into current video of the players and coaches. Very well done.
2. Fletcher Mackel, Sharief Ishaq and Caroline Gonzalez, WDSU, New Orleans
3. Brady Renard, KPLC-TV, Lake Charles
BEST LIVE TV BROADCAST TEAM
1. DAN MCDONALD & ERIC MOUTON (Announcers), JOEL BILLEAUD (Producer). Game commentary from ULL-McNeese Men’s Basketball Game, ESPN+
Judge’s comments: This team of commentators were easy to understand. They both played well off each other. They gave clear and concise explanations about what was going on in the game. They also gave good insight into what each team’s strategy might be.
2. Lyn Rollins & Chris Mycoskie, Louisiana Tech Football Game, ESPN3
3. Lenny Vangilder & Wayde Keiser, Teurlings Catholic-De La Salle football playoff game, Crescent City Sports
HM. Jim Derry and Jim Rapier, New Orleans area high school football, Varsity Sports Network
SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS
DIVISION I RELEASE/FEATURE (Football)
1. HARRISON VALENTINE, LSU. Feature on the work that goes into making an LSU football gameday happen in a pandemic
Judge’s comments: “Unique story idea – that it takes a village to stage a major college football game in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions – was well-executed. Focused on three key people that made it happen on a weekly basis, including great detail on the meticulous COVID-19 testing and contact tracing of athletes.”
2. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese State. Feature on team physician Dr. Errol Wilder
3. Ashley Springer, Louisiana Tech. Feature on Louisiana Tech offensive lineman Joshua Mote walking at graduation with his mom
DIVISION II RELEASE/FEATURE (Men’s Basketball, Baseball)
1. HARRISON VALENTINE, LSU. Feature on LSU star freshman Cameron Thomas
Judge’s comments: “A feature peeling back the layers to reveal what makes Tigers’ All-SEC basketball guard Cam Thomas the league’s leading scorer. Writer did a great job of delving deep into freshman phenom Thomas’ basketball resume, talking to his AAU and prep school coaches. Writer didn’t mention Thomas’ mother made him sit out a year in high school because she didn’t see eye-to-eye with the head coach. Maybe it was too negative to put in a school-website feature. Nevertheless, this story was easily the best in this category.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Feature on NSU baseball staff handling the sudden absence of head coach Bobby Barbier
3. Kent Lowe, LSU. Column while traveling with LSU basketball
DIVISION III RELEASE/FEATURE (Women’s Basketball, Softball)
1. HARRISON VALENTINE, LSU. Story from Kim Mulkey’s introductory press conference
Judge’s comments: “The winner in this category captured the excitement and happiness of Kim Mulkey’s introductory press conference as LSU’s new women’s head basketball coach. Mulkey is a quote machine and this writer stayed out of her way. He was just a tour guide for the readers, letting Mulkey’s constant stream of thoughts carry the story and the day.”
2. Kent Lowe, LSU. Feature on Yvette Girouard
3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Recap of Louisiana Tech Softball using 11th-hour rally to claim UTSA series
DIVISION IV RELEASE/FEATURE (All Other Sports)
1. KANE McGUIRE, LOUISIANA TECH. Release on Louisiana Tech Soccer team having to navigate through another unusual fall
Judge’s comments: “At 535 words, this may have been the shortest of the entries, but it was the most smartly written. In writing on Tech’s soccer team dealing with a second straight unusual fall – COVID-19 in 2020 and having a tornado destroy its home pitch, this writer’s jaunty but succinct style shined.”
2. Matt Vines, Northwestern State. Soccer feature on NSU co-head coaches with newborn during pandemic
3. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese State. Feature on distance runner Matt Harding
DIVISION V (Radio Play-by-Play)
1. DAVE NITZ, LOUISIANA TECH. Audio of Manny Garcia’s three-run home to spark comeback win over UAB.
Judge’s comments: “Voices/Talent who have not been “at the plate” when a watershed moment happens (a game-winner, big play to decide a championship, player or coach who sets a record) …. will often NOT give you a great soundtrack to underscore the video, for posterity sake. That’s what maturity behind the mic brings!”
2. Jack Benjamin, Nicholls. Audio of Nicholls Football vs. Incarnate Word
3. Nick White, ULM. Audio of ULM Football vs. Georgia Southern
DIVISION VI (Graphics)
1. LOUISIANA TECH. Graphic of Louisiana Tech’s Amorie Archibald reaching the 1,000-point career scoring mark
Judge’s comments: “The Louisiana Tech 1,000-point graphic stuck out every time I opened the email, which I looked at these probably four different times at various times of the day on different devices. The understanding of the body and the numbers to make it look 3D on a 2D page was well done. Clear photo, good use of school colors and I liked the touch of photos in the numbers. A lot of information on the page that didn’t make it feel like overkill. A nice tribute to the student-athlete achieving a big number.”
2. ULL. Graphic of Ragin’ Cajuns guard Cedric Russell eclipsing the 1,000-point career scoring mark
3. Northwestern State. Mock college football video game cover.
DIVISION VII (Photography)
1. TOM MORRIS, LOUISIANA TECH. Photo of Southern Miss pitcher in disbelief as Manny Garcia crosses the plate in the background after walk-off homer
Judge’s comments: “This photo epitomizes all that lies within every sport – the winners and losers – and emphasizes the quote from ABC broadcaster Jim McKay, ‘the thrill of victory… and the agony of defeat.’”
2. Chris Reich, Northwestern State. Daunte Stewart rounds the bases after a walk-off hit to beat Nicholls.
3. Brad Kemp, ULL. Locker Room celebration of game-winning field goal by Nate Snyder at the buzzer against Georgia Southern.
