Contest Results


2019 Georgia Sports Writers Association Contest

Sports Sections

Best sports section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post
  3. Savannah Morning News

Best Sunday sports section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Savannah Morning News
  3. Gwinnett Daily Post

Best special section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post
  3. Savannah Morning News

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Chris Kirschner, The Athletic (Trae Young and Michael Porter, Jr.)
  2. Taylor Denman, Gwinnett Daily Post (Former UGA players enjoy Patriots Super Bowl win)
  3. Chris Kirschner, The Athletic (Hawks early struggles)

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Mourning Thomas Montroy leads Brookwood to title)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Holy Innocents’ beats defending champ Wesleyan)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Defense leads Jenkins past Islands)

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Seth Emerson, The Athletic (Future of Georgia-Florida game)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Georgia sprinter recovering)
  3. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (NFL’s Cam Newton brings summer camp)

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Dennie Knight, Savannah Morning News (GHSA denies Islands football appeal)
  2. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (State lawmakers evaluating GHSA)
  3. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Gibbs resigns, Granger players stunned)

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

            1.Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (UGA rolls our red carpet for Magill Society)

  1. Jason Butt, The Athletic (Falcons and head coach Dan Quinn’s impact)
  2. Seth Emerson, The Athletic (Death of the fullback)

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Patrick J. O’Shea, Daily Citizen News (High school officials)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Archer’s Carlsen makes miraculous comeback)
  3. Christian Knox, McClain Baxley, Prince Robinson, Henry Queen, John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Cobb in Division I)

Best Column

  1. Jeff Schultz, The Athletic (Scott Pioli)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Sugar Bowl and Fields’ transfer decision)
  3. Jeff Schultz, The Athletic (End of Braves season)

Best Columnist

  1. Jeff Schultz, The Athletic (Scott Pioli, Tom Glavine, End of Braves season)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  3. Ryne Dennis, Athens Banner-Herald (Fair pay to play, Time for Foley Field to catch up, players make day all about Dooley)

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Stan Awtrey, Golf Georgia (Adaptive golf)
  2. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Profile of swimmer Sharon Taylor)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Beloved summer swim league figure passes away)

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Jeff Schultz, The Athletic (Scott Pioli)

Judges:  Chris Low, espn.com; Dave Matter, St. Louis Post-Dispatch; Cecil Hurt, Tuscaloosa News

Sweepstakes Judges: Former GSWA Presidents Adam Van Brimmer, Steve Ellis and Jim O’Hara.

2018 Georgia Sports Writers Association Contest

Division I

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Travis Jaudon, Savannah Morning News (Ga. Southern wins Camellia Bowl)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine wins season opener over Burke Co.)
  2. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine wins state baseball title)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Travis Jaudon, Savannah Morning News (SCAD men’s soccer suspended remaining games)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Johnson basketball coach stepping down)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Travis Jaudon, Savannah Morning News (Armstrong State women’s tennis program)
  2. Stan Awtrey, The White and Gold.com (Former Ga.Tech pitcher run for Lt. Governor)
  3. Stan Awtrey, Golf Georgia (Former Masters champ Tommy Aaron reflects on career)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Steve Hummer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Disabled, adopted kicker at Jackson H.S.)
  2. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Savannah High basketball 500 wins)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Beach, Johnson put Savannah on map in 1960’s)

 

Best Column

  1. Travis Jaudon, Savannah Morning News (GSHA need for transfer rules reform)

 

Best Columnist

  1. Travis Jaudon, Savannah Morning News

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports – No entrees

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Steve Hummer, Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Disabled, adopted kicker from China at Jackson H.S.)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division I

Best Sports Section

  1. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Special Section

  1. Savannah Morning News, high school football

 

 

Division II 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (UGA championship visions fall in OT)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Georgia beats Kentucky, wins SEC East)
  3. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Kickoff win gives Auburn’s Gwinnett quartet happy homecoming)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Tony Maluso, Dalton Daily Citizen-News (Adison Baynes wins region long jump title)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Parkview girls soccer dynasty wins another title)
  3. Adam Carrington, Marietta Daily Journal (Spirit of late Harrison volleyball coach’s past, future teams match up)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Gladiators assistant rescues drowning man)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Gladiators bring back winningest coach)
  3. Marc Weiszer, Athens Baner Herald (Georgia hires Tom Crean)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Grayson football coach responds to allegations)
  2. John Bednarowski,  Marietta Daily Journal (Marietta football coach James Richards dies)
  3. Alex Resnak, Cherokee Tribune (Adam Carter hired at Creekview)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Former UGA players, families impacted by concussion/CTE)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Former UGA player Brandon Morris finds stability at Benedict)
  3. Taylor Denman, Gwinnett Daily Post (Future of Atlanta Havoc indoor football uncertain)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Amari Kelly overcomes domestic violence situation)
  2. Tony Maluso, Dalton Citizen-News (Taking down addiction)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Coaches with Brookwood Roots)

 

Best Column

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Kennesaw State deserves better fans)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Top 25: Georgia had its chance)
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Breast cancer patient Agnus Berenato))

 

Best Columnist

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Paralympian McClain Hermes to honor best friend)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Amy Hood’s niche leads her to pinnacle of CrossFit)
  3. Tony Maluso, Dalton Citizen-News (Murry County teacher runs marathon in 50th state)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories 

Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Amari Kelly overcomes domestic violence situation)

Best Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post

           

Best Special Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal (High School Football)
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post (High School Football)

 

Division III

Best Local Event Story

  1. Justin Hubbard, Lake Oconee News (Tigers thump Hancock on homecoming)
  2. Gabriel Stovall, The Covington News (Ashton Hagans performance in Newton win)
  3. Justin Hubbard, Lake Oconee News (Lady Titans catch fire as finale nears)

 

Best Local News Story

  1. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Mwikuta is prepared to roll)
  2. Justin Hubbard, Lake Oconee News (Milligan named new Greene football coach)

 

Best Local Feature Story

  1. Colin Hubbard, Rockdale Citizen (Layla Samuel fights on)
  2. Justin Hubbard, Lake Oconee News (Ferguson uses baseball to help overcome Tourette’s)
  3. Colin Hubbard, Rockdale Citizen (Soldier turned football coach)

 

Best Column

  1. Gabriel Stovall, The Covington News (Journalistic fallout on death of Annapolis sports editor John McNamara at hands of gunman)
  2. Gabriel Stovall, The Covington News (Should instant replay be considered for high school)
  3. Gabriel Stovall, The Covington News (Camiel Grant hired as Newton Rams coach)

 

Best Photo

  1. Sydney Chacon, The Covington News (Georgia Tech QB throws option pitch)
  2. Justin Hubbard, Lake Oconee News (UGA player Terry Godwin lunges for end zone)
  3. Anthony Banks, The Covington News (Eastside High bursts onto field in cloud of smoke)

 

Sweepstakes Award

Gabriel Stovall, The Covington News (Journalistic fallout on death of Annapolis sports editor John McNamara at hands of gunman)

 

 

Best Special Section

  1. The Covington News

 

JUDGES:

Adam Rittenberg, espn.com;  Ron Higgins, former president of the Football Writers Association of America and sports writer/columnist with the Memphis Commercial Appeal and New Orleans Advocate; Bob Gillespie, former sports writer, The State, Columbia, SC; Rod Walker, sports writer, New Orleans Advocate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 Results 

Division I

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Savannah State-Hampton game)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Savannah Christian baseball state title)
  2. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (John’s Ngumezi ejected in game)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (TD pass on final play wins for Jenkins)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Reaction to end of Pirate athletics)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

No entrees

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Ray Glier, USA Today (Former minor leaguer helps find missing kids)
  2. Ray Glier, New York Times (College player stipends)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine graduate Ken Harrelson)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Cadet golfer outlook after battling for his life)
  2. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Ken Cooper remembered at Benedictine)

 

Best Column

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Bad timing for Savannah State football)

 

Best Columnist

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Stan Awtrey, Golf Georgia (Charlie Harrison teams with Arnold Palmer)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Stan Awtrey, Golf Georgia (Charlie Harrison teams with Arnold Palmer)

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Special Section

  1. Savannah Morning News, high school football

 

Division II 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Auburn over Georgia football)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Georgia football over Florida)
  3. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (UGA over Notre Dame)

Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Patriots defeat Falcons in Super Bowl)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Archer football victory)
  1. Tony Maluso, Dalton Daily Citizen-News (Northwest girls beat rivals on penalty kicks)
  2. Tony Maluso, Dalton Daily Citizen-News (North Murray football overtime thriller)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Falcons fans rise up in Houston)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (SEC graduate transfer policy)
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Kennesaw State AD Williams leaving)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Victor Tun, Marietta Daily Journal (Girls lacrosse state title game postponed)
  2. Carlton D. White,  Marietta Daily Journal (Osborne’s Jones disqualified from state tournament)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Peachtree Ridge hires Stancil as head coach)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (College merger leaves Armstrong Atlantic athletes in limbo)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Georgia fans reach out to paralyzed former player)
  3. Nubyjas Wilborn, Marietta Daily Journal (Suntrust Park new launching pad)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Parkview wrestler James Song)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Wesleyan senior class)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Coaches with Brookwood Roots)

 

Best Column

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Blankenship’s dad)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (GHSA gets it right…and wrong)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Sadly, scoring errors nothing new in state basketball)

 

Best Columnist

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post
  3. Loran Smith, Athens Banner Hereald

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Former Brookwood swimmer living in Puerto Rico)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Norcross’ Rushin 40th straight Peachtree race)
  3. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Nechanicky earns fencing scholarship)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (College merger leaves Armstrong Atlantic athletes in limbo)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division II  

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Gwinnett Daily Post
  2. Marietta Daily Journal
  3. Daily Citizen News

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Gwinnett Daily Post
  2. Marietta Daily Journal
  3. Daily Citizen News

           

Best Special Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal (High School Football)
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post (High School Football)
  3. Daily Citizen News (High School Football)

 

Division III

Best Local Event Story

  1. Ian Frazer, Forsyth County News (West Forsyth gymnastics make history)
  2. Joe Parker, The Johns Creek Herald (Northview dedicates baseball park to former player with win)
  3. Joe Parker, The Johns Creek Herald (Johns Creek wins appeal to the GHSA)

 

Best Local News Story

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (W. Forsyth’s Jenna Staiti transferring to Georgia)
  2. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (S. Forsyth football forfeits win due to ineligible player)
  3. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Former Falcons WR Terance Mathis named coach)

 

Best Local Feature Story

  1. Ian Frazer, Forsyth County News (Lambert youth football team embraces teammate)
  2. Ian Frazer, Forsyth County News (Rise of Atlanta United into Forsyth County)
  3. Everett Catts, Northside Neighbor (Buckhead man recalls trip to Rose Bowl)

Best Column

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Pinecrest Academy lacrosse teams overcoming odds)
  2. Joe Parker, The Milton Herald (Still a Thrashers fan)
  3. Derrick Mahone, Douglas County Sentinel (Diversity of Douglas County high soccer)

 

Best Photo

  1. Duane H. Winn, The Toccoa Record (Extra oomph: female tennis player)
  2. Duane Winn, The Toccoa Record (“D” as in determination)
  3. Joe Parker, The Milton Herald (Action photo of running back)

 

Sweepstakes Award

.   Ian Frazer, Forsyth County News (West Forsyth gymnastics make history with state title)

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Forsyth County News

 

Best Special Section

  1. Forsyth County News (High School Football)
  2. Alpharetta-Roswell Herald (High School Football)
  3. Douglas County Sentinel (High School Football)

 

JUDGES:

Henry Freeman, former sports editor, USA Today; Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; Jim Halley, USA Today; Bob Holt, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

 

  

 

2016 Results

 Division I 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Jason Butt, The Telegraph (Georgia-Tennessee football game)
  2. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Eagles win on sack, blocked field goal)
  3. Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph (Mercer-Furman game)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (Mary Persons thrilling win)
  2. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Jenkins wins one for “Smitty”)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine beats Fitzgerald for title)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Former Georgia Southern star dies in car wreck)
  2. John Boyette, The Augusta Chronicle (Arnold Palmer obituary)
  3. Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph (Mercer’s Kyle Lewis first round pick)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (GHSA basketball issues)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. John Boyette, The Augusta Chronicle (Kevin Kisner makes Masters debut)
  2. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Erk Russell legacy lives on at Southern)

T3. Jason Butt, The Telegraph (Devon Gales’ update)

T3. Jason Butt, The Telegraph (Chauncey Rivers’ second chance)

T3.  Stan Awtrey, Golf Georgia (Former Augusta National pro Ed Dudley)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Jason Butt, The Telegraph, Houston County QB Jake Fromm)
  2. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (Goals issues of GHSA basketball finals)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Bell in the family)

 

Best Column

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (No sold on Smart)
  2. Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph (Georgia’s FOI changes)
  3. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Gold medal stolen, Olympian looks at positives)

 

Best Columnist

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News
  2. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News
  3.  Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Stan Awtrey, Atlanta-Journal Constitution (Albany teenager wins state amateur title)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

John Boyette, The Augusta Chronicle (Kevin Kisner makes Masters debut)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division I

Best Sports Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle
  2. Savannah Morning News
  3. The Telegraph

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle
  2. Savannah Morning News
  3. The Telegraph

 

Best Special Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle (Masters, 2016)
  2. Savannah Morning News (2016 Prep Guide)
  3. The Telegraph (High School Football 2016)

 

Division II 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Paul Thomas, Gwinnett Daily Post (Willett wins Masters)
  2. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (G-Braves break up no-hit bid)
  3. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (McIntyre makes 36 saves)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Mountain View earns signature win)
  1. Tony Maluso, Dalton Daily Citizen (Dalton swimming finished 4th in state)
  2. Tony Maluso, Dalton Daily Citizen (Murray County football wins thriller)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Paul Thomas, Gwinnett Daily Post (Jim Herman on his Masters dream)
  2. Michael Niziolek, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Javon Robinson)

Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Coughlin sounds off on Weir’s Olympic relay)

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Jonathan Ledbetter arrested for DUI)

Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Gladiators hire Nathan Oystric)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (GHSA taking hoops title on the road)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Jess Simpson resigns at Buford High)
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (GHSA: baskets in wrong position)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (KarlSmart, Kirby’s brother)
  2. Michael Niziolek, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Kamryn Pettway)
  3. Carlton D. White, Marietta Daily Journal (Dansby makes debut)

 

 

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. David Mitchell, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Carver baseball)
  2. Nicole Saavedra, Athens Banner Herald (Path for Cedar Shoals coach Dreco Thomas)
  3. Carton D. White, Marietta Daily Journal (Barnhill qualifies for Team USA)

Paul Thomas, Gwinnett Daily Post (Soccer is family tradition for Elexa Bahr)

 

Best Column

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald (Clarke Central football coach David Perno)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Morgan brings business-like approach)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Bringing Francoeur back to Braves)

 

Best Columnist

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Loran Smith, Athens Banner-Herald
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Mele makes meteoric rise in powerlifting)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Granger fights off cancer for swim fundraiser)
  3. Adam Carrington, Marietta Daily Journal (Playing with Uncle Luke)

Paul Thomas, Gwinnett Daily Post (North Gwinnett’s Aboneaaj in World Lacrosse)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (KarlSmart, Kirby’s brother)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division II  

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post
  3. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
  3. Gwinnett Daily Post

           

Best Special Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal (Kickoff 2016)
  2. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Kickoff)
  3. Gwinnett Daily Post (Gametime)

 

Division III

Best Local Event Story

  1. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Woodmen Life reels in blue sharks)
  2. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Lee delivers for state champion Cougars)
  3. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Lafayette claims region championship)

 

Best Local News Story

  1. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Yuletide greetings include 35 stripers)
  2. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Shepherd signs with Chattanooga)
  3. Derrick Mahone, Douglas County Sentinel (Kristi Castlin makes Olympic track team)

 

Best Local Feature Story

  1. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Prep football standout works his way up)
  2. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Pacelli twins making waves in swimming)
  3. Derrick Mahone, Douglas County Sentinel (D.J. Avery overcomes loss of mother)

Best Column

  1. Derrick Mahone, Douglas County Sentinel (Kristi Castlin wins Olympic bronze)

 

Best Photo

  1. Duane H. Winn, The Toccoa Record (Celebration at home)
  2. Duane H. Winn, The Toccoa Record (Little league parade)
  3. Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (LaGrange youth football)

 

Sweepstakes Award

Chris Fernsler, Troup County News (Woodmen Life reels in blue sharks)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division III

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Douglas County Sentinel

 

Best Special Section

  1. Douglas County Sentinel

 

JUDGES:

Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star;  Rick Cleveland, former sports editor, Jackson Clarion Ledger; Tom Murphy, Arkansas beat writer, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette; Lee Feinswog, former sports writer, Winston-Salem Journal and Baton Rouge Advocate.

2015 Results

Division I 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Stan Awtrey, The Telegraph (Georgia Tech beats Florida State)
  2. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Georgia wins over Ga. Southern)
  3. David Westin, The Augusta Chronicle (Jordan Spieth wins Masters)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Jenkins brings home state title)
  2. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (Veterans girls fall in state basketball playoffs)
  3. Wayne Staats, The Augusta Chronicle (Laney coach enjoys title)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. John Boyette, The Augusta Chronicle (Spurrier resigns from S.C.)
  2. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (Willie Fritz takes Tulane job)
  3. Jason Butt, The Telegraph (Georgia first Mark Richt)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Wayne Staats, The Augusta Chronicle (Burke County plays in wake of

fallen teammate)

  1. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (Roquan Smith announces UCLA but no letter

of intent  signed)

  1. David Mitchell, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Ette Ndem smiles through

tough times)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. David Westin, The Augusta Chronicle (Ben Crenshaw emotional in final

round)

  1. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (UAB transfer Byrd relishing

time at GSU)

(T)  Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News (GSU star Breida appreciates

adoptive parents)

  1. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Former Sand Gnats

p.layers reflect

(T) John Boyette, The Augusta Chronicle (Mount Vintage investors seek

answers)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Gabriel Stovall, Southern Crescent Buzz (Eagle’s Landing coach Joe

Teknipp fights cancer)

  1. Michael Lough, The Telegraph (Walker Juhan’s standout senior season

after injury)

  1. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine assistant Ken

Cooper still at it)

(T)  Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (SCD’s Amari Oliver

overcomes obstacles)

 

Best Column

  1. Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph (BCS lie has been exposed)
  2. Gabriel Stovall, Southern Crescent Buzz (Memories covering Coach Joe

Teknipp)

  1. Scott Michaux, The Augusta Chronicle (Richt wins final press

conference

(T) Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph (Roquan Smith did what was best)

(T)  Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Tiger, Sergio pair off at

Masters)

 

Best Columnist

  1. Scott Michaux, The Augusta Chronicle
  2. Daniel Shirley, The Telegraph
  3. Nathan Deen, Savannah Morning News

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Chris Gay, The Augusta Chronicle (Ironman participant’s road to

recovery)

  1. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Race car collector Dale

Critz)

  1. Michael Lough, The Telegraph (Little League coach Harry DeHart)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Stan Awtrey (Georgia Tech’s dramatic win over Florida State)

 

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division I

Best Sports Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle
  2. The Telegraph
  3. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. The Telegraph
  2. Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
  3. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Special Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle (Masters, 2015)
  2. The Telegraph (High School Football, 2015)
  3. The Telegraph (College Football 2015)

Division II 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Gators beat Georgia)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Alabama wins over Georgia)
  3. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Banuelos sizzles in shutout)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Cassandra Negley, Thomasville Times-Enterprise (Coach Ron Best wins

No. 300)

  1. Colin Ochs, Gainesville Times (Dawson County football loses in

quarterfinals)

  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Buford loses to Cartersville)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Former Bulldogs react to Mark Richt

departure)

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Gladiators land major piece to

puzzle)

  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Former Hawk Bob Kauffman

remembered)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Paul Thomas, Gwinnett Daily Post (Mill Creek’s Alli Shaw motivates

soccer team)

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Legendary football coach passes

away)

  1. Carlton White, Marietta Daily Journal (Ken Sprague retires)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (Ballad of Billy Bennett)
  2. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (Southern University and Athens

share exchange)

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Former UGA Athletic Director

Damon Evans)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. David Thackham, Gainesville Times Enterprise (Gainesville High

linebacker excels on field)

  1. David Thackham, Gainesville Times Enterprise (Johnny Smith, P.A.

Announcer for 40- years)

  1. David Thackham, Gainesville Times Enterprise (Gainesville’s A.J.

Smallwood recovery from cancer)

 

 

Best Column

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald (The John Huff story)
  2. David Thackham, Gainesville Times (West Hall’s Reachel Beaulieu never-

say-die attitude)

  1. Cassandra Negley, Thomasville Times Enterprise (Clifford Kerbo tears up

at Hall induction)

 

Best Columnist

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (Baseball opens the door for folks

with disabilities)

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Mom and daughter powerlifting

championship)

  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Providence connections help

Meier develop protective gear)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (Ballad of Billy Bennett)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division II

Best Sports Section

  1. Gwinnett Daily Post
  2. Marietta Daily Journal
  3. Athens Banner Herald

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post
  3. Athens Banner Herald

 

Best Special Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal (High School Kickoff 2015)
  2. Athens Banner Herald (Alabama vs. Georgia preview)
  3. Athens Banner Herald (High School Football, 2015)

 

 

 

Division III

Best Local Event Story

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Lambert girls soccer defeats Lassiter)
  2. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (South Forsyth volleyball outlasts

Harrison)

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (McEachern eliminates South Forsyth

girls)

 

Best Local News Story

  1. Michael Foster, Forsyth County News (Headband ruling issue of

enforcement)

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Pinecrest Academy’s Haynes revels in

Ohio State title)

  1. Derrick Mahone, Douglas County Sentinel (Brandon Robinson commits to

UNC)

 

Best Local Feature Story

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Colleges turn up pressure on

female athletes)

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (One win left for Pinecrest’s

Haynes and Ohio St)

  1. Michael Foster, Forsyth County News (South Forsyth’s Epeagba lifts

War Eagles)

(T)  Ben Munro, The Jackson Herald (Bolling DuBose enters 40

th season coaching)

 

Best Column

  1. Michael Foster, Forsyth County News (Green’s Top 3 finish erased by

GHSA ruling))

  1. Cameron Whitlock, The Banks County News/Commerce News (My

trek in Peru)

  1. Chris Bridges, Barrow Journal (Will recent super fight be enough to

save boxing?)

 

Best Photo

  1. Jessica Brown, Barrow Journal (Youth Football Camp)
  2. Jessica Brown, Barrow Journal (I’ve got it!)
  3. Duane Winn, The Toccoa Record (Karate kid strikes board

(T)  Duane Winn, The Toccoa Record (Soccer player avoids kick)

 

Sweepstakes Award

Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Lambert girls soccer defeats Lassiter)

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division III

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Forsyth County News
  2. Barrow Journal
  3. Banks County/Commerce News

 

Best Special Section

  1. Forsyth County News (Pigskin Preview, 2015)
  2. Douglas County Sentinel (Football Preview, 2015)
  3. Barrow Journal (Friday Night Lights, 2015)

 

JUDGES:

Josh Katzowitz, cbssports.com and former college and boxing beat writer at the

Cincinnati Post;  Chris Dufresne, former national columnist for the LA Times

and president of the Football Writers Association of America; Gene Duffey,

former sports writer at the Houston Post and Huntsville Times; Ivan Aronin,

Nashville Tennessean.

 

2014 Results

Division I

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Seth Emerson, The Telegraph (Georgia Tech beats Georgia)
  2. Chris Gay, The Augusta Chronicle (Ray Guy enshrined in Canton)
  3. David Westin, The Augusta Chronicle (Bubba Watson wins Masters)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Jonathan Heeter, The Telegraph (Houston County wins baseball title)
  2. Ryan Black, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Central-Carver basketball game)
  3. Dennis Knight, Savannah Morning News (Benedictine baseball sweeps Lovett)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Seth Emerson, The Telegraph (Todd Gurley suspension)
  2. Donald Heath, Savannah Morning News (Fritz takes over at Georgia Southern.

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. David Mitchell, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (former Hardaway wrestler drowns)
  2. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (GHSA bylaw change)
  3. Wayne Staats, The Augusta Chronicle (Larry Campbell retires)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Seth Emerson, The Telegraph (Richt focuses on off-field success of players)
  2. Chris Gay, The Augusta Chronicle (Ray Guy’s legend began in Thomson)
  3. Scott Michaux, The Augusta Chronicle (Adam Scott’s journey to Masters champion)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Ron Seibel, The Telegraph (Bibb County programs come together in GHSA)
  2. David Mitchell, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Jeremy Williams, ALS striken coach)
  3. David Mitchell, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer (Pacelli star Mikey Jacobs leaves legacy)

 

Best Column

  1. Donald Heath, Savannah Morning News (Eagles’ turn to clean up environment)
  2. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Runner John DuRant’s trip to Africa)
  3. Scott Michaux, The Augusta Chronicle (Richt is one of the best coaches in the nation)

 

Best Columnist

T-1.   Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News

T-1.   Scott Michaux, The Augusta Chronicle

  1. Donald Heath, Savannah Morning News

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Nathan Dominitz and Dash Coleman, Savannah Morning News (Lester Lee battles weight, River Bridge Run)
  2. Nathan Dominitz, Savannah Morning News (Surfer finds peace after family tragedy)
  3. Chris Gay, The Augusta Chronicle (Friends support triathlete)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Seth Emerson, The Telegraph (Mark Richt focuses on off-field success of players)

 

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division I

Best Sports Section

  1. The Telegraph
  2. The Augusta Chronicle
  3. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. The Telegraph
  2. The Augusta Chronicle
  3. Savannah Morning News

 

Best Special Section

  1. The Augusta Chronicle (Masters)
  2. Savannah Morning News (Prep Football Preview)
  3. The Telegraph (Football Preview)


Division II 

 

Best Event Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Florida beats Georgia)
  2. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Wheeling goalie arrives in time for shutout)
  3. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Bulldogs rally to top Rebels)

 

Best Event Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Shiloh falls to Wheeler in triple overtime)
  1. David Friedlander, Gwinnett Daily Post (Wait for win not so long for Meadowcreek)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Parkview tops Peachtree Ridge in playoffs)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Christine Troyke, Gwinnett Daily Post (Gladiators sign Greenville captain Berkstresser)
  2. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Four UGA football player arrested)

T-3. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (NCAA says Gurley must sit two more games)

T-3. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner-Herald (Swim coach JackBauerle suspended)

 

Best Sports News Story On Deadline — High School Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Longtime Collins Hill announcer passes away)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post Meadowcreek wrestling coach succumbs to cancer)
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Coach claims discrimination at South Cobb)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline – Pro/College Sports

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner Herald (Athens Boxer Tim Hall in fight of his life)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Cobb in College)
  1. Marc Weiszer, Athens Banner Herald (Mark Richt, former players create Paul Oliver Network)

 

Best Feature Or Series – Non-Deadline –High School Sports

  1. Nicole Saavedra, Athens Banner-Herald (North Oconee’s Banks follows father’s footsteps)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Archer football makes quick rise to championship game)
  3. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Rusty Curry reflects on state record field goal)

 

Best Column

  1. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald (Time to pay Bobo what he’s worth)
  2. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Wrestling coach made huge impact on transient school)
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Time to adjust Corky Kell schedule)

 

Best Columnist

  1. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald
  3. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal

 

Outdoors Writing/Amateur Non-Scholastic Sports

  1. Will Hammock, Gwinnett Daily Post (Swim Atlanta owner selected for Hall of Fame)
  2. John Bednarowski, Marietta Daily Journal (Schniederjans, Beck live on at U.S. Amateur)
  3. Carlton White, Marietta Daily Journal (East Cobb brothers masters of lacrosse equipment)

 

Sweepstakes Award — Best overall story from all categories

Fletcher Page, Athens Banner-Herald (Boxer Tim Hall in fight of his life)

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division II

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post

 

Best Sunday Sports Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post

           

Best Special Section

  1. Marietta Daily Journal (Football preview)
  2. Gwinnett Daily Post (Football preview)

 

 

 

 


Division III

 

Best Local Event Story

  1. Chris Fernsler, Camden County Press (Lemons squeezes out first in 5K)
  2. Chris Bridges, Barrow Journal (Moore focused on another state title)
  1. Chris Fernsler, Camden County Press (‘Cats put scare in No. 1 Colquitt)

 

Best Local News Story

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Frank Hepler resigns as W. Forsyth football coach)
  2. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Collin Strall path to signing with LSU baseball)
  3. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Eighth grade snapper offered college scholarship)

 

Best Local Feature Story

  1. Brian Paglia, Forsyth County News (Local communities remember Reece Elseroad)
  2. Ben Munro, The Jackson Herald (Chain gang member reminisces on the sidelines)
  3. Ben Munro, The Jackson Herald (Jefferson High School athletes’ sibling rivalry)

 

Best Column

  1. Gabriel Stovall, Henry Daily Herald (Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas)
  2. Cameron Whitlock, The Banks County News (Mystery of unknown sports anthem)
  3. Cameron Whitlock, The Banks County News (Science of Peyton Manning)

 

Best Photo

  1. Jessica Brown, Barrow Journal (Springing into track)
  2. Jessica Brown, Barrow Journal (Line of defense)
  3. Jessica Brown, Barrow Journal (Soaring)

 

Sweepstakes Award

Gabriel Stovall, Henry Daily Herald (Georgia Tech QB Justin Thomas)

 

 

Sports Sections Contest Results – Division III

 

Best Sports Section

  1. Forsyth County News
  2. Jackson Herald
  3. Barrow Journal

 

Best Special Section

  1. Jackson Herald and Commerce News (Football preview)
  2. Barrow Journal (Football preview)
  3. Forsyth County News (Football preview)

 

JUDGES:

Steve Wieberg, former USA Today sports writer and current member of College Football Playoff Selection Committee; Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer; Steve Berkowitz, USA Today sports; Oscar Combs, former owner and editor of The Cats’ Pause.

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