2019 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday, August 16, 2020 -- Lafayette, LA
Below please find the complete results of the 2019 LSWA contest. Congratulations to all of the winners!
WRITING
PRO EVENT - CLASS I
1. TEDDY ALLEN, DesignatedWriters.com. Story on Tiger Woods’ historic victory at The Masters.
Judge’s comments: A dramatic, detailed story about Tiger Woods’ historic march to his fifth Masters championship. The well-written lead describes the golfer playing with Woods as wearing “the sorrowful, caged look of a guy caught at an opera he didn’t want to attend, much less be in.” The writer also sprinkles the story with historical perspective.
2. Larry Holder, The Athletic New Orleans. Story on Saints vs. Rams regular season game in which Drew Brees suffers injury.
3. Brooks Kubena, The Advocate. Story on Saints controversial loss to Rams in NFC Championship Game.
HM. Amie Just, The Advocate. Story on Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater leading the team to a fifth-straight win.
COLLEGE EVENT - CLASS I
1. AMIE JUST, NOLA.com / The Times-Picayune. Story on LSU’s senior gymnasts at the NCAA Championships.
Judge’s comments: Vivid story-telling that captures a big moment. It's one thing to paint a picture but this story went beyond that with depth. It read quickly, always the mark of a well-written story.
2. Jerit Roser, TigerDetails.com. Story on LSU’s first basketball title since 2009 amid a protest atmosphere.
3. J.J. Marshall, DesignatedWriters.com. Story on the Louisiana Tech vs. Southern Miss football game.
HM. Brooks Kubena, The Advocate. Story on LSU taking down Alabama for first time since 2011.
PRO/COLLEGE EVENT - CLASS II
1. CHRIS SINGLETON, The Courier/Daily Comet. Story on New Orleans Saints win over the Houston Texans.
Judge’s comments: The writer had a game-winning 58-yard field goal with which to work, but he/she nailed it with this story about the lack of “panic” the Saints felt in the final seconds. Good quotes. Good description of the kick.
2. Mike Gegenheimer, The Courier/Daily Comet. Story on Nicholls football wild win in River Bell Classic
3. Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian. Story on Texas’ victory over Georgia in the Sugar Bowl.
PREP EVENT - CLASS I
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Story on Newman quarterback Arch Manning’s first high school football game.
Judge’s comments: By far the best in this category. The writer captured the debut of the heir to the throne of Manning football royalty with a tale so engaging I temporarily forgot I was judging a contest. It had all the details that put me in the moment, but also captured the grandness of the spectacle. Perhaps most important, the writer managed to craft it clearly without trying to compete with the story itself. And he didn’t bore me with inane statistics. Hallelujah!
2. Adam Hunsucker, Monroe News-Star. Oak Grove blows out White Castle in Class 1A championship game.
3. Bruce Brown, The Daily Advertiser. Acadiana Rams get sloppy for one quarter but hold on for artistic victory.
HM. Lenny Vangilder, Crescent City Sports. Story on the high school bowling championships.
PREP/AMATEUR EVENT - CLASS II
1. CHRIS SINGLETON, The Courier/Daily Comet. Story on St. James winning first football state championship in 40 years.
Judge’s comments: It’s a long read, but the writer managed to capture the enormity of the moment up high before breaking off into deadline play by play.
2. Bobby Ardoin, The Daily World. Story on football game between Eunice and Northwest.
3. Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian. Story on stoppage time goal sparks ESA to playoff victory.
PRO COLUMN - CLASS I
1. JEFF DUNCAN, The Athletic New Orleans. Column on fallout/reaction from the 2019 NFC Championship Game.
Judge’s comments: The writer did an excellent job of explaining why the Saints’ crushing loss was so devastating to New Orleans, a unique and passionate place that’s unlike any other NFL city.
2. Jim Derry, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune. Column on the 25 other things to do than watch the Super Bowl.
3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column on NFC no-call robs Saints of spot in the Super Bowl.
HM. Luke Johnson, The Advocate. Column on how Saints season appeared over after Drew Brees injury.
COLLEGE COLUMN - CLASS I
1. LES EAST, SaturdayDownSouth.com. Column on LSU athletic director Scott Woodward and the Tiger Athletic Foundation.
Judge’s comments: This column takes a strong stance on an important topic and is written by someone who knows the subject extremely well. It is informed by research that produced salient facts used skillfully to support the author's point. I appreciated that (the) author made an effort not to demean the value of football in comparison to education -- which would have been a too-easy choice -- and instead emphasized how they had, previously, been symbiotic at LSU.
2. John Marcase, The Town Talk. Column on LSU football loud on and off the field.
3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column on LSU enters new world with clutch win over Texas
HM. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on LSU basketball team losing without suspended coach Will Wade.
PREP COLUMN - CLASS I
1. JOHN MARCASE, The Town Talk. Column on LHSAA forcing Vidalia football coach Dee Faircloth to retire.
Judge’s comments: The first-place story is a fantastic demonstration of how to call out a clearly flawed rule, and the writer just so happened to have a fantastic example to lead with.
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column on the best prep star that never existed.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Column on Edna Karr winning fourth straight title.
HM. J.J. Marshall, DesignatedWriters.com. Column on preseason high school football workouts.
GENERAL COLUMN - CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Daily Iberian. Column on how childish behavior widens LHSAA split.
Judge’s comments: The winner got down to the nitty gritty on a controversial topic.
2. Mike Gegenheimer, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on what the redemption of Ed Orgeron says about life.
3. Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on Louisiana Tech football star Amik Robertson.
HM. Kelly McElroy, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
PRO FEATURE - CLASS I
1. TEDDY ALLEN, The Shreveport Times. Story on Anthony “Booger” McFarland.
Judge’s comments: Who doesn't like a good "Booger'' story? And certainly, this is one. The writer does a good job of introducing us to Booger and explaining the nickname, while also providing insight into what makes him, well, "Booger.'' Nice work.
2. Les East, Crescent City Sports. Story on professional baseball’s departure from New Orleans area.
3. Amie Just, The Advocate. Story on Demario Davis and how his faith led him from jail to New Orleans.
HM. Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY-Louisiana. Story on Saints JV team playing well without Drew Brees.
COLLEGE FEATURE - CLASS I
1. LUKE JOHNSON, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune. Story on legacy of Delgado baseball coach Joe Scheuermann.
Judge’s comments: This profile brings a family’s generations-long devotion to light. The lede drew the reader in, the stories painted a picture and the tempo of this story was perfect from start to finish. It made you care about the Scheuermann family – and about Delgado baseball.
2. Brooks Kubena, The Advocate. Story on why and how Joe Burrow can lead LSU.
3. Jeffrey Marx, The Advocate. Story on LSU gymnast Lexie Priessmann.
HM. Teddy Allen, The Shreveport Times. Story on Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame broadcaster Dave Nitz.
PREP FEATURE - CLASS I
1. ROBIN FAMBROUGH, The Advocate. Story on Catholic-Pointe Coupee David Simoneaux juggling triumph, tragedy.
Judge’s comments: This piece perfectly sets the scene with details includings sights and sounds that connect you to the setting. Quotes are perfectly woven in, offering insight that couldn’t be found elsewhere and helps the reader develop an emotional connection to what they’re reading.
2. Larry Holder, The Athletic New Orleans. Story on kicker Manuel Pastor, foreign exchange student to eliminate Peyton Manning, Newman.
3. Lamar Gafford, The Town Talk. Story on Peabody basketball coach Charles Smith before induction into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.
HM. Jeff Duncan, The Athletic New Orleans. Story on Newman School quarterback Arch Manning.
GENERAL FEATURE - CLASS II
1. TONY TAGLAVORE, 318 Forum Magazine. Feature on sports talk host Tim Fletcher
Judge’s comments: This is the kind of story people naturally gravitate to, one that finds the subject, who has enjoyed great success, take a step out of his comfort zone for personal reasons and finds success again. Here's a tip of the cap to Fletch, and to the writer who told his story in fine fashion.
2. Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet. Feature on death of Assumption High athlete . Armond "Ziggy" Landry
3. Mike Gegenheimer, The Courier/Daily Comet. Feature on Nicholls wide receiver Mason Roberts set to join Secret Service.
HM. Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen. Feature on Graves duo shares bond over playing days.
BREAKING NEWS - OPEN CLASS
1. TIM BUCKLEY, The Daily Advertiser. Coverage of the death of Ragin’ Cajuns baseball coach Tony Robichaux.
Judge’s comments: The obituary, through an industrious use of clips and current interviews, took a full account of a man who might have been well known as a successful baseball coach but told readers much more -- about his folksy manner, the conflict about missing his boys youth baseball career, and how the sport was a vehicle for him to connect with his players.
2. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate. Story on select schools forming LSA to execute logistics of stand-alone playoffs.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Story on prep coaching legend Otis Washington passing away at age 80.
HM. Glenn Guilbeau, USA TODAY-Louisiana. Story on firing of LSU athletic director Joe Alleva.
GENERAL SPORTS - OPEN CLASS
1. JEFF DUNCAN, The Athletic New Orleans. Investigative story on the Carver High School football stadium.
Judge’s comments: Superb job of covering this story from every angle. The writer interviewed everyone connected with the story. Author did an excellent job of trying to explain something that is unexplainable. Or, more accurately, inexcusable.
2. J.J. Marshall, DesignatedWriters.com. Story on remembering sports writer Buddy Davis.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Story on death of famed PGA Tour caddie Alfred Dyer.
HM. John Simerman, The Advocate. Story on how failure at track can end in heartbreak for Louisiana race horses.
OUTDOORS WRITING - OPEN CLASS
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, 1037TheGame.com. Feature on impact state’s first Bassmaster Classic champion has had on state championship winning fisherman.
Judge’s comments: Good story about the relationship between a man and his grandson, and not just the typical guy bragging about his grandkid. Good job providing background on both individuals and plenty of excellent quotes.
2. Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette. Feature on Lafayette teenager killing an alligator at Miller’s Lake.
3. Joe Macaluso, The Advocate. Falling from a tree stand can put you in the ER - or worse.
HM. Don Shoopman, The Daily Iberian. Story on Loreauville outdoorsman, son, friends enjoying bountiful dove hunt.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
CLASS I
1.THE DAILY ADVERTISER. 10th Anniversary of Saints Super Bowl season.
Judge’s comments: Getting the fronts from the other Louisiana newspapers from that day was a wonderful touch. Alternating those pages with the original content kept things fresh and interesting. The mix of stories did a nice job of connecting that 2009 team to the current team. A great concept executed extremely well.
2. The Advocate. LSU-Alabama football preview.
3. The Advocate. LSU-Oklahoma Peach Bowl preview.
CLASS II
1. MINDEN PRESS-HERALD, John James Marshall Jr., 2019 Football Preview Section.
Judge’s comments: Very slick design! This looks like one of those glossy preview magazines you see on a store shelf. Great use of colors throughout and nice little touches, like the little football shape cutout for the page number. The writing is concise and ‘big picture.’ This is something to be proud of.
2.The Daily Iberian. 2019 High School Preview Section.
3. The Courier/Daily Comet. 2019 Football Preview Section.
COLLEGE/PRO PHOTOGRAPHY - OPEN CLASS
1. DAVID GRUNFELD, NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune. Photo from NFC Championship Game between the New Orleans Saints and L.A. Rams.
Judge’s comments: No brainer here… a great action photo that tells the story, and elicits a blood pressure raising reaction from every Saints fan ever. While there are earlier images of the Ram taking the Saints’ receiver out of the play before the ball arrives, clearly making it pass interference, this image still gets the story told.
2. Bill Feig, The Advocate. Photo of LSU quarterback Joe Burrow being carried off the field after another victory.
3. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Photo of LSU quarterback gesturing to the North end zone Student section.
HM. Clint Domingue, 1037TheGame.com. Photo of UL’s Trajan Wesley driving to the basket against Southeastern Louisiana.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY - OPEN CLASS
1. BILL FEIG, The Advocate. Photo of LSU signee Rammie Noel leaping over a goalie en route to scoring a goal during a soccer club match.
Judge’s comments: Clearly the best of the bunch. Action, overachieving, scared, determination, and rejection all in one photo. Best sports image that I judged in any category.
2. Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate. Photo of University High quarterback Tanner Lawson losing the ball on a sack by a Madison Prep player.
3. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Photo of couple from Plaquemine crossing the finish line of a 10K.
HM. Tony Marks, Oakdale Journal. Photo of the Oberlin baseball team winning state title.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION
CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE
Judge’s comments: The Advocate is considered one of the best papers in the country, and the examples in this entry shows why.
2. Lake Charles American-Press
3. The Daily Advertiser
CLASS II
1. THE COURIER / DAILY COMET
Judge’s comments: In a very tight
race, The Courier/Daily Comet wins out by having the best mix of immediate content packaged with coverage from previous days.
2. The Daily Iberian
3. Ouachita Citizen
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. ROBIN FAMBROUGH, The Advocate.
Judge’s comments: Impressive diversity in this group of stories. From a moving story on the death of a coach's mom due to Alzheimer's disease to a very vivid retrospective on Augustus' legend to pointed criticism of the LHSAA split championship format, the writer shows depth, versatility and the ability to recognize a good story.
2. Les East, Crescent City Sports/Varsity Sports Louisiana.
3. Eric Narcisse, The Daily Advertiser.
HM. Jim Derry, St. Tammany Farmer/The Times-Picayune/New Orleans Advocate.
CLASS II
1. JAKE MARTIN, Ouachita Citizen
Judge’s comments: I liked this selection of stories and the themes of dealing with failure and falling just short of winning titles in the baseball and softball stories.
2. Bobby Ardoin, The Daily World.
3. Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet.
HM. J.J. Marshall, Minden Press-Herald.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. SCOTT RABALAIS, The Advocate.
Judge’s comments: This columnist captured three events with great perspective and stylish writing. He hit the key points in the events and molded them into a mosaic of words that provided opinion and insight to his readers. Lots of historical perspective in the columns and a rhythm in the writing.
2. Larry Holder, The Athletic New Orleans.
3. Lenny Vangilder, Crescent City Sports.
HM. Les East, Crescent City Sports/Saturday Down South.
CLASS II
1. MIKE GEGENHEIMER, The Courier/Daily Comet.
Judge’s comments: I liked that there were strong opinions clearly expressed in all of the columns. Whether you agree or not, it’s always good to know where the columnist stands on the topic.
2. J.J. Marshall, The Minden Press Herald.
3. Raymond Partsch III, The Daily Iberian.
HM. Kelly McElroy, The Courier/Daily Comet.
STORY OF THE YEAR
JEFF DUNCAN, The Athletic New Orleans. Investigative story on the Carver High School football stadium.
Judge’s comments: Lot of excellent entries, as usual, and difficult to compare the apples and oranges of gamers and columns to features. But one entry stood out for the depth of the reporting and its investigative tone. At first, I thought the story about George Washington Carver High and its football stadium was going to have a happy ending. Then the writer got my attention by telling me the stadium hadn't been built and more than $1 million went missing. The mystery grabbed me.
It was a difficult, complicated narrative to tell but it was done well and kept me on edge. The amount of reporting required far exceeded the other entries and the writing was smartly matter-of-fact, a reader-friendly method with a story of this length. I wanted to know who did what to whom and the writer painted a pretty clear picture of that but did it in an objective way that allowed me to draw my own conclusions on who were the real culprits and villains.
Ultimately, it's a story of another epic fail caused by a government getting involved. Quotes aren't often great kickers but this one, "It's weeds," said it all in two words. A great job of organization, reporting and story-telling. My message to the writer: Thanks for writing this piece.
SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR
CHRIS SINGLETON, The Courier / Daily Comet
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, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
Chris Singleton 9 (two 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd)
Raymond Partsch III 8 (two 1st, two 3rd)
Jeff Duncan 6 (two 1st)
Rod Walker 6 (one 1st, three 3rd)
Teddy Allen 6 (two 1st)
John Marcase 5 (one 1st, one 2nd)
Mike Gegenheimer 5 (two 2nd, one 3rd)
Robin Fambrough 5 (one 1st, one 2nd)
Les East 5 (one 1st, one 2nd)
Amie Just 4 (one 1st, one 3rd)
Larry Holder 4 (two 2nd)
Scooter Hobbs 4 (one 2nd, two 3rd)
Luke Johnson 3 (one 1st)
Tony Taglavore 3 (one 1st)
Tim Buckley 3 (one 1st)
J.J. Marshall 3 (one 2nd, one 3rd)
Brooks Kubena 3 (one 2nd, one 3rd)
Jim Derry 2 (one 2nd)
Jerit Roser 2 (one 2nd)
Tony Marks 2 (one 2nd)
Adam Hunsucker 2 (one 2nd)
Bobby Ardoin 2 (one 2nd)
Joe Macaluso 1 (one 3rd)
Lamar Gafford 1 (one 3rd)
Jeffrey Marx 1 (one 3rd)
Bruce Brown 1 (one 3rd)
NEWSPAPER SWEEPSTAKES
(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis except for Story of the Year)
CLASS I
THE ADVOCATE
The Advocate 38 (six 1st, five 2nd, 10 3rd)
NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune 12 (three 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd)
The Athletic New Orleans 12 (two 1st, three 2nd)
The Daily Advertiser 9 (two 1st, three 3rd)
DesignatedWriters.com 6 (one 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd)
Lake Charles American-Press 6 (two 2nd, two 3rd)
The Town Talk 6 (one 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd)
CrescentCitySports.com 5 (two 2nd, one 3rd)
SaturdayDownSouth.com 3 (one 1st)
1037thegame.com 3 (one 1st)
Shreveport Times 3 (one 1st)
Ville Platte Gazette 2 (one 2nd)
TigerDetails.com 2 (one 2nd)
Monroe News-Star 2 (one 2nd)
CLASS II
THE COURIER / DAILY COMET
The Courier/Daily Comet 22 (four 1st, three 2nd, four 3rd)
The Daily Iberian 10 (one 1st, two 2nd, three 3rd)
Minden Press-Herald 5 (one 1st, one 2nd)
Ouachita Citizen 4 (one 1st, one 3rd)
The Daily World 4 (two 2nd)
318 Forum Magazine 3 (one 1st)
RADIO
BEST SPORTS TALK SHOW (SOLO)
1. MATT MOSCONA (host), After Further Review, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge
Judge’s comments: This entry had great energy, great cadence, and I love the random rant basically ripping Ohio State. This host showed passion, stated facts, and really captured me with his confidence on the microphone. Very, very entertaining.
2. Raymond Partsch III (host), Louis Prejean (producer), RP3 & Company, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette
3. Ben Love (host), Clint Domingue (producer), Bumper to Bumper Sports, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette
HM. Patrick Netherton (host), Rogers Hampton (producer), Patrick Netherton Show, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport
BEST SPORTS TALK SHOW (DUO-GROUP)
1. AARON DIETRICH and JAKE MARTIN (hosts), John Tabor (producer), Morning Drive, Sports Talk 97.7 FM, Monroe.
2. J.J. Marshall and Ben Marshall (hosts), Travis Stewart, producer, Sports Talk with JJ & Benzai, 1130 The Tiger, Shreveport.
3. Jordy Culotta and T-Bob Hebert (hosts), Off the Bench, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge.
HM. 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 LIVE BROADCAST TEAM
1. Carencro High School Football, Ben Love and Blaine Viator, Z105.9 FM.
Judge’s comments: “I liked the chemistry between the play-by-play announcer and color analyst. Nice inflection on the big plays, good facts, and I felt like I was updated with stats and game log. Loved the pacing and excitement of the play-by-play announcer in this entry.”
2. Captain Shreve High School Football, Tony Taglavote and Jimmy Martin, The River 95.7 FM.
3. Lafayette High School Football, Raymond Partsch III and Chad Jones, The Rewind 97.7 FM, Lafayette.
HM. St. Thomas More Football, Danny Jones and Sam Heinen, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette.
BEST PODCAST
1. MATT MOSCONA and RYAN THERIOT, The Riot Podcast, 104.5 ESPN, Baton Rouge.
Judge’s comments: “High Energy, attention driven content, kept my attention through all 5 minutes. Audio quality was perfect. Great chemistry. I learned several things during the podcast, mixed player perspective without sounding smarter than the average fan. Brought the content to my level.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, The RAP Game Podcast, 103.7 The Game, Lafayette.
3. J.J. Marshall and Teddy Allen, Designated Writers, Designated Writers.com.
HM. Ralph Malbrough, Saints Happy Hour Podcast.
TELEVISION
BEST SPORTSCAST
1. AARON DIETRICH, KNOE, Monroe
Judge’s comments: The stories were heartwarming and very well done. The questions, editing and shooting were excellent.
2. Andrew Doak, WWL, New Orleans
3. Fletcher Mackel, WDSU, New Orleans
BEST LIVE BROADCAST TEAM
1. LYN ROLLINS and CHRIS MYCOSKIE (announcers), LA Tech and ULM Football, ESPN+.
Judge’s comments: The intro to the Louisiana Tech game was very well-researched and well-presented. The play-by-play was extremely smooth ad
2. Ken Berthelot and Wayde Keiser (announcers), Lenny Vangilder (producer), High School Football, Crescent City Sports.
3. Dan McDonald and Eric Mouton (announcers), Ragin’ Cajuns Athletics, ESPN+.
SPORTS INFORMATION/COMMUNICATIONS
FEATURE/RELEASE (FOOTBALL)
1. CODY WORSHAM LSU. “That’s Joe” (Prelude).
Judge’s comments: Writer took advantage of LSU’s massive budget to travel with a video crew to Burrow’s Ohio hometown and write a thorough 10-part series which told you everything about the Tigers’ Heisman Trophy winner in the making. Even the synopsis story he entered for this contest was more than 6,200 words. But it was well-written and had a great flow.
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Williams' death latest test of Demons' tightly knit family.
3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Lewis Shows Leadership Through Adversity.
FEATURE/RELEASE (BASKETBALL/BASEBALL)
1. KANE McGUIRE, Louisiana Tech. Hall of Fame: Randy White.
Judge’s comments: Great insight mixed with needed perspective on this former LA Tech basketball star being inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame. Writer did excellent research and it showed.
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Demon baseball alumni deal with alternate spring reality.
3. Kent Lowe, LSU, Memories Plentiful of Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf.
FEATURE/RELEASE (WOMEN’S BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL)
1. ED CASSIERE, Xavier, Moore takes her talents to 1 Drexel Drive.
Judge’s comments: Great lede – “There are no winged horses flying above Xavier University of Louisiana's Convocation Center . . . and no leprechauns lurking in the Washington Avenue Canal that divides the campus. But check out this rarity. . . ”drew readers into the uniqueness of Xavier women’s basketball signing Shaelynn Moore, a graduate transfer from rival Dillard.
2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech – Louisiana Tech pulls upset over Blazers.
ALL OTHER SPORTS/STORIES
1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech. Lincoln Parish Buddy Davis passes.
Judge’s comments: It was an obituary that read like a Who’s Who tribute to one of the best and most beloved sportswriters ever in Louisiana. When you have coaches and athletes praising you as did Davis, you know you’ve done something right in your career.
2. Harrison Valentine, LSU. Consistency, Maturity Key in Kiya Johnson's Fast Start at LSU.
3. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese. Macintyre Ties for 6th at The Open Championship.
GRAPHICS (award given to school department)
1. LSU.
Judge’s comments: Both of LSU's entries jumped out at you. There was the simplicity of a poster of Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow in his white LSU jersey and his Heisman Trophy at his feet contrasted against a purple background ghosted with a few pictures of him and several relevant phrases. Then, there was the national championship game poster celebrating the win over Clemson featuring 19 pictures from game night and a montage of 20 players as well as Ed Orgeron's One Team One Heartbeat in a signature that may or not be his. The national title poster is over-the-top too busy, but considering the magnitude of the victory and the fact so many players contributed, it works.
2. Louisiana Tech
3. McNeese
COLLEGE STAFF PHOTOS
1. DARRELL JAMES, Louisiana Tech. Softball player makes diving outfield grab.
Judge’s Comments: Is it luck? Is it great timing? Is it camera operator precision? Probably all of the above when the spectacular play is made and someone is there to get it at its right moment. That’s what happened here. Of course the player has to contribute here as well to allow this perfectly framed and focused shot.
2. Gus Stark, LSU. Emotions of Javonte Smart and Arkansas bench contrasting as horn sounds.
3. Raymond Stuart, McNeese. Flying dunk by McNeese player over opponent.
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. CHRIS BLAIR, LSU. Football game vs. Florida.
Judge’s Comments: I admit I wasn’t going to listen to part of the national championship playoffs, but this game with Florida may have been one of the more important. Florida about to score to tie, interception, quick LSU drive. Great emotion and crowd noise mixed well. Good cut-ins when allowed by analyst. More importantly, time and score are mentioned enough.
2 Dave Nitz, Louisiana Tech. Independence Bowl.
3. (tie) Tony Taglavore, Northwestern State. Women’s Basketball game vs. Grambling.
3. (tie) Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Women’s Basketball game vs. Western Kentucky.
2018 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday, June 9, 2019 -- Natchitoches, LA
2018 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday, June 9, 2019 – Natchitoches
WRITING, MAKEUP, PHOTOGRAPHY, RADIO/TV
PRO EVENT OPEN CLASS1. TEDDY ALLEN, DesignatedWriters.com. Coverage of Patrick Reed winning the Masters.
Judge’s comments: “Superbly-turned story captured the drama of the Masters final round. Having a local winner helps provide details.”
2. Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Network-Louisiana. Coverage of Drew Brees breaking NFL career passing yards record.
3. Ron Higgins, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Coverage of Zurich Classic of New Orleans.
COLLEGE EVENT OPEN CLASS1. BRODY MILLER, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Todd Peterson lifts LSU baseball in SEC elimination game.
Judge’s comments: “This is probably the best game story I’ve read in several years because it’s clear from the first sentence you’re going to be told something about this game that you didn’t already know. The writer hooks you immediately and the story of what happened between Todd Peterson and Paul Mainieri at the press conference is the sort of thing that becomes legend among a fan base. It would have been tempting to lead with it. The writer chose to build up to that moment instead, painting a fully-formed picture before the big payoff. It’s a much better story because of that choice: a wonderful piece of writing.”
2. Ron Higgins, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Story on explosive LSU-UL NIT basketball game.
3. Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate. Story on LSU’s epic seven-overtime football game against Texas A&M.
PREP EVENT OPEN CLASS1. GLENN QUEBEDEAUX, Crowley Post-Signal. Account of 2018 Class 2A state championship game between Iota and Berwick.
Judge’s comments: “The best game stories put you there as a reader. It has details and imagery that paint a picture for the reader. It's more than final score and stats. That's what this entry did: Good lead that put me there. Good quotes on the disappointment of the game's outcome. But it still provided me with the essentials of a game story. Well crafted.”
2. Bobby Ardoin, Opelousas Daily World. Coverage of Eunice postseason football game.
3. Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier/Daily Comet. Subject unknown.
PRO COLUMNS OPEN CLASS1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Column on NFL owners getting new national anthem rules wrong.
Judge’s comments: “This column takes a strong stand against the NFL’s weak decision to require its players to stand for the national anthem ... or hide out in the locker room. Sure, athletes, you can protest police brutality and other wrongdoings against minorities. Just don’t offend anyone. The writer made his solid arguments without slipping into a politically-oriented diatribe.”
2. Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Column on Pelicans future without DeMarcus Cousins.
3. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian. Column on UFC’s Dave White.
COLLEGE COLUMNS OPEN CLASS1. TEDDY ALLEN, Shreveport Times. Column on the death of Billy Cannon.
Judges’ comments: “I love sports history, and in Louisiana, few if any names are more historic than Billy Cannon’s. This is wonderfully written. The author had me from “He had on scruffy, pointy-toe cowboy boots … and came around his desk and opened up a calloused, catcher’s mitt-sized hand. ‘Billy Cannon.’ “
2. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on the senseless murder of LSU basketball player Wayde SIms.
3. Dan McDonald, The Advocate. Column on UL football coach Billy Napier.
PREP COLUMNS OPEN CLASS1. JOHN MARCASE, Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Column on LHSAA striking out on ruling.
Judge’s comments: “Strong opinions about the LHSAA seemingly disregarding its own rules. The writer is able to call on history to show why the rule for pitch counts is important and how it was abused. This gives the story depth and perspective.”
2. Rob DeArmond, Livingston Parish News. Column on state softball tournament.
3. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian. Column on naming St. Martinville High stadium for Carroll Delahoussaye.
PRO FEATURES OPEN CLASS1. NICK UNDERHILL, The Advocate. Feature on every pass Drew Brees has thrown for the Saints.
Judge’s comments: “A great enterprise idea. The amount of work needed to put this story together is very impressive."
2. Tony Taglavore, Shreveport Magazine. Feature on the relationship between professional golfer David Toms and son Carter.
3. Andrew Lopez, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Feature on Eric Reid’s foundation that led to protest.
COLLEGE FEATURES OPEN CLASS1. SCOTT RABALAIS, The Advocate. LSU gymnast Myia Hambrick's life and career is an open book.
Judge’s comments: “Compelling athlete whose story was well-presented. Good perspective from several voices. ‘Open Book’ idea works especially well.”
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Feature on Billy Cannon.
3. Ron Higgins, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Feature on Dale Brown's strange reunion healing an old man’s heart.
PREP FEATURES OPEN CLASS1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Story on 1958 Warren Easton state title football team cheering on school 60 years later.
Judge’s comments: “I could place myself in the middle of this story, sitting around and listening to guys talk about a night that could have been, a victory that should have been. It’s a story that bears repeating and, in fact, it is. This story of the story of the men who faithfully carry on the tradition … and shared anguish of the big one that got away is worth telling.”
2. Ron Higgins, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com. Feature on remembering Devon Winters on signing day.
3. Jerit Roser, Tiger Details. LSU commitment Joseph Evans marks history from tragedy.
BREAKING NEWSOPEN CLASS1. GRACE TOOHEY & SHELDON MICKLES, The Advocate. Story on shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims.
Judge’s comments: “This was the definition of breaking news and it involved a sensitive topic. The reporters covered the fatal shooting of a college basketball player, its immediate effect on his team and the university’s response to the tragedy. The reporters described the scene in the aftermath of the shooting, recalled the player’s recent comments as he approached the season, gave some family background and quoted a friend of the player’s father whose son had also been murdered. The reporters told the story straight, and that is why this article stood out.”
2. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate. Story on former Denham Springs baseball player Travis Swaggerty getting draft call.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Network-Louisiana. Coverage of LSU-Texas A&M seven-overtime game, including postgame fight coverage.
SPECIAL SECTIONS OPEN CLASS1. THE ADVOCATE. Football 2018.
Judge’s comments: “Excellent range of coverage, great depth on various teams, clean design and interesting features among the traditional previews and capsules.
2. Houma Daily Courier/Daily Comet. College/High School football preview.
3. New Iberia Daily Iberian. High School football section.
OUTDOORS WRITING OPEN CLASS1. DON SHOOPMAN, The Daily Iberian. Story on professional fisherman dealing with life away from family.
Judge’s comments: “Juggling family and the BASS circuit: A good piece that pulled back the curtain on life on the BASS circuit. Letting Joni Chauvin tell the story from a wife’s/mother’s point of view was the right decision. She’s the one that has to do the heavy lifting while her husband, Calab Sumrall, travels throughout the year. I’ve seen the story before from the fisherman’s point of view. Seeing it from the other side was refreshing.”
2. Louis Bonnette, Lake Charles American Press. Story on lack of ducks for hunters.
3. Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier/Daily Comet. Is “catch and release” future of tarpon rodeo?
PRO/COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY OPEN CLASS1. HILARY SCHEINUK, The Advocate. Pushing and shoving break out after LSU vs. Texas A&M football game.
Judge’s comments: “Incredible moment in the middle of postgame chaos.”
2. Travis Spalding, The Advocate. Southern football players have synchronized high-five after TD in SWAC title game.
3. Tre’von Ware, New Iberia Daily Iberian. LSU defensive end Rashard Lawrence pressures Miami quarterback.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY OPEN CLASS1. SCOTT THRELKELD, The Advocate. Zachary receiver leaps high over West Monroe defender to make amazing grab in state playoffs.
Judge’s comments: “Perfect moment ... even got the penalty flag in the air with the players.”
2. Leah McClelland, New Iberia Daily Iberian. Photo from New Iberia Senior High football game.
3. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Baker High defender tries to bring down Tara ball carrier.
RADIO/TVBEST RADIO TALK SHOW1. FIVE GUYS, STORIES & LIES, 103.7 The Game. Don Allen, Bobby Ardoin, Bruce Brown, Tom Brown, Glenn Quebedeaux.
Judge’s comments: “To be honest, this show’s submission started off a little sluggish and I didn’t think that I would enjoy it. But once it got going, it was wildly entertaining. The way the hosts went back and forth with one another, and gave each other hell was pretty funny. The stories they were able to pull out of the guest was tremendous. Not your typical sports talk format and that’s what made it stand out among the other very good submissions.”
2. RAP Game with RP3, 103.7 The Game. Raymond Partsch III.
3. Morning Drive, Sports Talk 97.7. Aaron Dietrich & Jake Martin.
BEST LIVE BROADCAST TEAM1. BEN LOVE & BLAINE VIATOR, Z105.9. Carencro High football.
Judge’s comments: “This broadcast team seemed much more natural working together than the other submissions in this category. Seemed like they have done the games together for a while and their knowledge of the program was apparent. A very good back-and-forth between the play-by-play and color commentator. A very good broadcast team.”
2. Dave Schultz & Raymond Partsch III, Mustang 107.1. Lafayette High football.
3. Don Allen & Don Trahan, 106.3 Radio Lafayette. Vermilion Parish Game of the Week.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION
CLASS I1. THE ADVOCATE.
Judge’s comments: “There is no doubt the makeup effort exhibited from this staff is superior in every way. The half-page photos are dominating and the writing is excellent. Who wouldn’t want to read the lead stories and then turn to the next page and prepare for more good sports journalism?”
CLASS II1. HOUMA DAILY COURIER.
Judge’s comments: “This section successfully blends local and college sports with an effective mixture of features, columns and breaking news. The use of action photos is appealing and captures the reader’s attention immediately. Overall, this is a sports section we would like to read on a frequent basis.”
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate.
Judge’s comments: “Winning entry had features that went beyond a good player or coach. These entries told stories and emotion.”
2. Jim Derry, Times-Picayune | NOLA.com.
3. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate.
CLASS II1. WILLIAM WEATHERS, Livingston Parish News.
Judge’s comments: “I thought all of these stories were well-written and well-researched. They had good leads to draw you into the story and make you want to keep reading.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian.
3. Jake Martin, Ouachita Citizen.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
CLASS I1. LES EAST, CrescentCitySports.com/SaturdayDownSouth.com.
Judge’s comments: “This columnist has a very smart approach of presenting columns. Whether it's localizing a story (Les Miles being hired at Kansas) or an obit on one of LSU’s all-time greats, the columns were written in a way that felt different than traditional columns. Overall, good style and flow and never lost my interest.”
2. Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Network-Louisiana.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate.
CLASS II1. JIM ENGSTER, Tiger Rag.
Judge’s comments: “Three compelling columns (on Billy Cannon, Jimmy Taylor and Wayde Sims) that were engaging and an enjoyable read. They touched a variety of topics and offered great historical insight.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian.
3. Rob DeArmond, Livingston Parish News.
STORY OF THE YEARNICK UNDERHILL, The Advocate
Feature on every pass that Drew Brees has thrown in his NFL career.
Judges’ comments: “This inside-football feature is impressive because of the amount of reporting that went into it. The number of sources quoted may have reached double digits. This is nuts-and-bolts work done by a beat writer who knows his subject and knows the readers who dig the Xs and Os. The writing isn’t fancy, but it’s not supposed to be. Excellent research, very in-depth, the kind of reporting I wished several of the other entries had done.”
SPORTSWRITERS OF THE YEARAwarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in 11 regular categories. Points not awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
ROD WALKER, The Advocate and TEDDY ALLEN, Shreveport
6 points (two firsts)
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 (10), 41 points
2. Times-Picayune | NOLA.com (1), 14
3. USA Today Network-Louisiana, 5
4. Shreveport Times (1), 3
5. CrescentCitySports.com (1), 3
CLASS II
1. NEW IBERIA DAILY IBERIAN (1), 13
2. Houma Daily Courier/Daily Comet (1), 7
3. Livingston Parish News (1), 6
4. Lake Charles American Press, 4
5. (tie) DesignatedWriters.com (1), 3
Crowley Post-Signal (1) 3
Alexandria Daily Town Talk (1), 3
and Tiger Rag (1), 3
9. (tie) Shreveport Magazine, 2
and Opelousas Daily World, 2
11. (tie) Tiger Details, 1
and Ouachita Citizen, 1
SPORTS INFORMATION DIVISION
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. CHRIS BLAIR, LSU. Missouri vs. LSU men’s basketball.
Judge’s comments: “Hard to top the 14-point comeback by the Tigers in the final 2:14 of regulation. Blair and color analyst John Brady handled the details and the possibilities with the expertise and excitement you would expect in this situation. Good stuff!”
2. Nick White, UL-Monroe. ULM vs. Southern Miss football.
3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Tech women's basketball vs. UAB.
DIVISION I/II MEDIA GUIDES1. KENT LOWE, LSU. Men’s basketball.
Judge’s comments: “The winning press guide is so thorough and so well-organized that it answers every historical question of the program known to mankind. If media can’t find the info they’re seeking in this guide, then they can’t find it anywhere.”
2. Anna Claire Thomas, Louisiana Tech, Football.
3. Matt Sullivan, UL-Lafayette, Men’s basketball.
DIVISION III MEDIA GUIDES1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech. Softball.
Judge's comments: “There were so many things to like about the winning guide, but the idea to put the team picture on the back cover and corresponding pictures on the inside back cover of the players when they were children was brilliant. Enormous cute factor.”
2. Anna Claire Thomas, Louisiana Tech. Track and field.
3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech. Soccer.
DIVISION IV FEATURES1. CODY WORSHAM, LSU. Story on LSU basketball team’s scout squad.
Judge's comments: “Winner had a unique angle, the effect of the virtually anonymous LSU basketball scout squad that helped the Tigers to the SEC championship and a Sweet 16 berth.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Subject unknown.
3. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. Subject unknown.
DIVISION V FEATURES1. MATT SULLIVAN, UL-Lafayette. Feature on Hollis Conway.
Judge's comments: “The winner's extensive two-part feature on 1988 Seoul Olympics silver medalist high jumper Hollis Conway was a breezy, easy read down memory lane. Winner's judicious use of quotes was excellent. Self-editing is a beautiful thing.”
2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Subject unknown.
3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Subject unknown.
DIVISION VI GAME NOTES1. JUDY WILLSON, LSU. Women’s basketball release for SEC tournament.
Judge's comments: “Winner was the only entrant whose first two pages were the most media-friendly of all entries. Page one included a box with all the key stat averages and percentages of every team member with a box at mid-right page including all the team averages. The second page was an old school broadcast notes page complete with head shots of each.”
2. Kent Lowe, LSU. NCAA tournament East Regional semifinals release.
3. Anna Claire Thomas, Louisiana Tech. Subject unknown.
2018 LSWA contest prep, awards, results
Glenn Quebedeaux, Sheldon Mickles, Dan McDonald, Raymond Partsch III, Philip Timothy, Kent Lowe
To order extra plaques, call Tom Carville at Carco Awards (225) 929-6026
2017 LSWA Contest Results
Saturday, June 30, 2018 – Natchitoches
WRITING AND MAKEUP
PRO EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Story on improving Saints rare win over Packers at Lambeau Field.
Judge’s comments: “This was a well-focused, well-organized and enjoyable story highlighted the Saints' rare accomplishment of winning in Green Bay and their surprising emergence as a contending team after a slow start.”
2. Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Network. Alex Bregman’s walk-off beats Dodgers in World Series marathon.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Coverage of Saints’ loss to Patriots.
COLLEGE EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. GLENN GUILBEAU, USA Today Network. Coverage of national championship game between Clemson and Alabama.
Judge’s comments: “The story goes beyond the usual to tell not only the story of the game, but the story behind the story. The writing is crisp and creative and it carries a theme from start to finish.”
2. Ross Dellenger, The Advocate. Coverage of LSU's football's improbable comeback win over Auburn.
3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Coverage of LSU vs. Troy football game.
PREP EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. KEVIN FOOTE, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Coverage of Teurlings-St. Thomas More soccer game.
Judge’s comments: "It's not often that a tie between rivals is a story that holds this kind of interest, but the writer took the key elements of the soccer match and fashioned a piece that holds one's interest from start to finish.”
2. Adam Hunsucker, Monroe News-Star. Coverage of Landry-Walker basketball game.
3. Jim Derry, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Destrehan wins Class 5A state title.
PRO COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. RON HIGGINS, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Column on NBA rookie Ben Simmons not wanting to be associated with LSU.
Judge’s comments: “A biting commentary on NBA star Ben Simmons’ time at LSU. Good use of examples to build case on.”
2. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Column on Saints win over Panthers amid national anthem controversy.
3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. The misdiagnosis that changed three states.
COLLEGE COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. ROSS DELLENGER, The Advocate. Column on LSU football’s recruiting efforts against Alabama.
Judge’s comments: “Really well-researched and well-written story with spot-on analysis and opinion of why Alabama keeps beating LSU on the field because of recruiting.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian. Column on UNO men’s basketball team.
3. Brent St. Germain, The Houma Courier/Daily Comet. Column on LSU men’s basketball.
PREP COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. KEVIN FOOTE, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Column on daughter getting a concussion.
Judge’s comments: “A touching and, at times, moving profile of his personal dealings with a major topic in sorts. It’s all here: nice personal touch, nice turns of phrases, appropriate amount of detail about his daughter's struggle (without going over the top) and a call to action without getting preachy.”
2. Randy Rosetta, Livingston Parish News. Column on Dru Nettles.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Column on high school split.
PRO FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Feature on Pelicans' DeMarcus Cousins' love for his hometown of Mobile.
Judge’s comments: “Great storytelling coupled with great reporting. This story would be great on writing alone, but it’s another good example of how you can never talk to enough people when writing a profile.”
2. Joel A. Erickson, The Advocate. Profile on Saints' No. 1 draft pick Marshon Lattimore.
3. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Profile of Morten Andersen on his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
COLLEGE FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. ROSS DELLENGER, The Advocate. Feature on LSU coach Ed Orgeron returning to Ole Miss for first time as a head coach since his firing in Oxford.
Judge’s comments: “Overall, the deepest group I’ve ever judged in years of judging. Each of the top four could be first place in any other year. This year’s winner gave insight into the hiring of Coach ‘O’ at Ole Miss. Tremendous writing, reporting and sourcing.”
2. Cody Worsham, Tiger Rag. Feature on a day with LSU basketball coach Will Wade.
3. Jeffrey Marx, The Advocate. Feature on LSU infielder Cole Freeman and his heartfelt love for the game.
PREP FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Feature on Pat Swilling’s adopted and biological sons playing high school football together.
Judge’s comments: “The story had me the whole way through. Great details, great writing.”
2. William Weathers, The Advocate. Feature on Catholic-Pointe Coupee’s Hunter Fuselier paying tribute to his late father.
3. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate. Feature on Lafayette High’s record-setting pole vaulter Armando Duplantis.
BREAKING NEWS
OPEN CLASS
1. LaMAR GAFFORD, Aleaxandria Daily Town Talk. Dennis Dunn returns to coaching.
Judge’s comments: “This article is a fine example of local sports coverage. The reporter showed initiative and pursued the story of Dennis Dunn’s return to high school coaching beyond the press conference, including comments from opposing coaches.”
2. Nick Underhill, The Advocate. Saints seek to move on from oft-injured cornerback Delvin Breaux.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, USA Today Network. Story on Steve Ensminger replacing Matt Canada as LSU’s offensive coordinator.
OUTDOORS WRITING
OPEN CLASS
1. KELLY McELROY, The Houma Courier/Daily Comet. Local guide shoots record redfish while bowfishing.
Judge’s comments: “This story contains the essential elements of any good outdoors story. There’s adventure, friendship and the journey. The writer does a good job of including all of those qualities into this winner.”
2. Tony Marks, Ville Platte Gazette. Feature on Ville Platte native hunting bears in Canada.
3. Raymond Partsch III, New Iberia Daily Iberian. Feature on pistol-shooting champion Blake Miguez.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
OPEN CLASS
1. THE ADVOCATE. College World Series section.
Judge’s comments: “Solid columns and stories, interesting graphics, everything you want in a special section.”
2. The Advocate. Football 2017.
3. Livingston Parish News (subject unknown).
MULTI-MEDIA (WEEKLY/BI-WEEKLY)
OPEN CLASS
1. DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Metro Leader. Feature on Northwestern State's special Coach Black.
Judge’s comments: “This story was thoughtful, tastefully done about a delicate subject and somewhat insightful. This is a special coach who has earned the respect that he has attained among his peers. This story made me want to reach out and meet Coach Black one day and perhaps give him a hug.”
2. Tony Taglavore, The Forum. Feature on legendary television personality Bob Griffin.
3. None awarded.
PRO/COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate. Photo of LSU football player Russell Gage hurdling over fallen Florida defenders.
Judge’s comments: “The first-place image is beautifully composed and filled with peak action. The LSU player’s seemingly effortless leap over a pile of fallen defenders makes for a layered and dynamic sports image.”
2. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Photo of Southern football pregame ritual.
3. Scott Thelkeld, The Advocate. Photo of Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan making a tackle with one finger by grabbing and stretching the jersey of a Detroit Lions ball carrier.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. TOM MORRIS, Ouachita Citizen. Photo of West Monroe vs. B.T. Washington of Tulsa.
Judge’s comments: “The struggle between the two players, the push of one and reach of the other, creates a nice flow through the image. The players stacked behind is a nice addition, more fully telling the story of the play.”
2. Travis Spradling, The Advocate. Photo of a wide-eyed kid fishing on National Hunting & Fishing Day.
3. Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate. Photo of three boys basketball players all reaching and straining to control a loose ball.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION
CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE.
Judge’s comments: “Solid all around: Writing, headlines, graphics and the overall presentation were well-done regardless of season.”
2. New Orleans Times-Picayune.
3. None awarded.
CLASS II
1. LAKE CHARLES AMERICAN PRESS
Judge’s comments: “Hard-working staff that gets up for big events. Particularly enjoyed World Series effort.”
2. Livingston Parish News.
3. The Houma Courier/Daily Comet.
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate.
Judge’s comments: “In all three selections, the writer painted the picture of the story. I never once struggled to envision the story being told to me. Also, bringing emotion to a story isn't as easy as one thinks, but this writer did a fantastic job of bringing all the highs and lows of a story together in a well-written submission.”
2. Jim Derry, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
3. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. KELLY McELROY, The Houma Courier/Daily Comet.
Judge’s comments: “Entries showed two vastly different approaches to game reporting, both effective and enjoyable to read. The third story, a tribute piece to a former prominent football coach in the area, was well-constructed. I think the hook of “those guys” really worked. Overall, the most entertaining reads in the category.”
2. Adam Hunsucker, Monroe News-Star.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
1. SCOTT RABALAIS, The Advocate.
Judge’s comments: “The entries were varied and showed the writer’s versatility. One meandered a bit and may be considered a bit juvenile by some, but it did have its point.”
2. Larry Holder, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press.
Judge’s comments: “A tough call at the top. So tough that I had to bring in two more judges. Winner had strong opinions and analysis based on deep, supporting info. Clever opening to second column and all three have strong kickers.”
2. Cory Worsham, Tiger Rag.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
STORY OF THE YEAR
ROD WALKER, The Advocate
Story on Bruce Jordan-Swilling and his long, hard road to earning a football scholarship to Georgia Tech.
Judges’ comments: “Outstanding piece that turns signing day into Bruce Jordan-Swilling’s story, which is inspirational and moving — just like the Sandra Bullock movie whose title escapes me. These up-from-the-bootstrap stories can be tricky to do well, but this writer told the story just right without forcing it. Good, straightforward sentences, without a lot of long, tedious clauses. Good reporting, good writing, good storytelling. You don’t just read the story, you experience the Swilling’s story. Well done! This story clearly stood out from the rest — an easy pick as the best in show!”
SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in 11 regular categories. Points not awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
ROD WALKER, The Advocate
12 points (three firsts, one second, one third)
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 (10), 54 points
2. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune (1), 10
3. USA Today-Gannett Louisiana (1), 6
CLASS II
1. LAFAYETTE DAILY ADVERTISER, 9 (2)
2. (tie) Lake Charles American Press, 8 (2)
The Houma Courier/Daily Comet, 8 (2)
4. Livingston Parish News, 5
5. (tie) Monroe News-Star, 4
Tiger Rag, 4
7. (tie) New Iberia Daily Iberian, 3
Alexandria Daily Town Talk, 3
Natchitoches Metro, 3
Ouachita Citizen, 3
14. (tie) Ville Platte Gazette, 2
The Forum, 2
SPORTS INFORMATION DIVISION
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. CHRIS BLAIR, LSU.
2. Dave Nitz, Louisiana Tech.
3. Nick White, UL-Monroe.
BEST FACT SHEET
1. MICHAEL BONNETTE, LSU. Football game notes vs. Alabama.
Judge’s comments: “I was ready for football season after seeing this set of game notes. So much information. Watch the game, use the notes; write a great story. Simple and easy. All of the game notes submitted make our job easier. Keep it up.
2. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech. Basketball game notes vs. George Mason.
3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Women’s basketball game notes vs. Central Arkansas.
DIVISION I RELEASE
1. MATTHEW BONNETTE, McNeese State. Nelson records KO in biggest fight of his young life.
2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. Demons get playful delivering encouragement on Chris Waddell Day.
3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech. Joniah White: A Gentle Giant from Duck Hill.
DIVISION II RELEASE
1. MATT VINES, Northwestern State. Soccer’s Fiacarotta cherishes moments with mother, father as Fork Cancer game nears.
2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Malone Take Leadership Role in Senior Season.
3. Brad Welborn, Louisiana College. Mattie Stine epitomizes ideal student athlete at Louisiana College.
DIVISION I MEDIA GUIDES
1. ANNA CLAIRE THOMAS, Louisiana Tech. Football 2017.
Judge’s comments: “It almost came down to a coin flip between the first two. I was told there couldn’t be a tie. Because of that, the winner gets the nod. Well organized, good looking and lots of good information on the football program.”
2. Kent Lowe, LSU. Basketball 2017-18.
3. Matthew Bonnette, McNeese State. Football 2017.
DIVISION II/III MEDIA GUIDES
1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech. Women’s Basketball 2017-18.
Judge’s comments: “There is a formula to the media guides here that really works and it shows again in this women’s guide for a program full of history.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. Women’s Basketball 2017-18.
3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech, Track and Field Guide 2018.
2016 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday, June 25, 2017 – Natchitoches
WRITING AND MAKEUP
PRO EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. JOSH KATZENSTEIN, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Coverage of Saints-Chargers game.
Judge’s comments: “By picking up on a common thread from the postgame interviews, the writer showed how a seemingly small moment involving a player who had little impact on the field could inspire a team to a much-needed victory.”
2. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier/Daily Comet. Sidebar on Saints tight end Coby Fleener.
3. William Weathers, The Advocate. Former Louisiana-Lafayette pole vaulter Morgan Leleux just misses berth on U.S. Olympic team.
COLLEGE EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, The Advocate. Story on Louisiana-Lafayette beating Arkansas State on a wild finish.
Judges’ comments: “The lede pulled me in -- direct but not boring, no gimmicks or excessive word play.and the rest followed through nicely. Excellent work.”
2. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Story on Tulane baseball player’s game-winning home run in the NCAA regionals.
3. Ross Dellenger, The Advocate. Coverage of Ed Orgeron's introductory news conference and crazy ride to become LSU’s head coach."
PREP EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. ROY LANG III, Shreveport Times. Wild rally helps Logansport make history.
Judges’ comments: “Quality story with a strong lede and closing as well as nice flow and pace."
2. William Weathers, The Advocate. Teurlings Catholic pulls off daring feat to win state baseball title.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Account of St. Thomas More’s state championship win.
PRO COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazette. Column on outrage over Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem.
Judges’ comments: “In the day of hot takes and quick reactions to hot-button issues, this writer took the time to really dive into his point, and along the way, touched on many issues in the world today with good opinion and research. The strong balance of both opine and fact kept the read going to the end."
2. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on Arnold Palmer's health heading into the Masters.
3. Jeff Duncan, Column on death of the wife of former Pelicans' coach Monty Williams.
COLLEGE COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. CODY WORSHAM, Tiger Rag. Column on Les Miles firing.
Judge’s comments: “Clever without being cute. Nice turns of phrases without being corny. Several columns on this topic, but this was the best.”
2. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Column on Ben Simmons.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. Column on hiring of Ed Orgeron.
PREP COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Column on sleepy writer trying to write a column on state championship football game that started at 10:22 p.m.
Judge’s comments: “A good example of using humor to make an important point. A very clever column.”
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Westlake shows its love for Coach Max.
3. Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Column on LHSAA split.
PRO FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. JOEL A. ERICKSON, The Advocate. Feature on Saints' top draft pick Sheldon Rankins coming off IR and preparing to make his NFL debut.
Judge’s comments: "Top is well done and whole story has a nice flow. As a reader, it's easy to get into and stay with. It's got drama, tells a good story and has some good reporting and strong quotes. And a great ending ties it all together."
2. Raymond Partsch III, Ville Platte Gazette. Feature on former professional wrestler Frogman LeBlanc.
3. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate. As Olympics approach, home is where Seimone Augustus' heart is.
COLLEGE FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. ROSS DELLENGER, The Advocate. Feature on the life and times of Ed Orgeron.
Judge’s comments: "It was a very well-researched and well-told story and i learned some things i didn't know. i thought i knew Ed's background pretty well since he got his start at Arkansas as a grad assistant back in the day."
2. Sean Isabella, Monroe News-Star. Feature on Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs.
3. Luke Johnson, The Advocate. Feature on UL-Lafayette women's basketball coach Garry Brodhead and his wife's battle with cancer.
PREP FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. ROBIN FAMBROUGH, The Advocate. Parents were example to 800 basketball wins for Adger.
Judge’s comments: “Lede is well crafted. Story is full of good quotes and interesting anecdotes. Writer obviously spent a lot of time getting to know Coach Adger and his family and colleagues and does an excellent job introducing the coach to the reader and telling us why he is such a ‘legend in high school basketball circles.’”
2. Lori Lyons, L'Observateur. Riverside football player Garland Robertson plays with broken neck.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Feature on blind mother of Rummel linebacker Derrick Munson.
SPOT NEWS
OPEN CLASS
1. ADAM HUNSUCKER, Monroe News-Star. Bruno cedes Louisiana name to Cajuns.
Judge’s comments: "Solid reporting here on what on the surface could be a rather innocuous topic."
2. Andrew Lopez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. LSU set to hire Matt Canada.
3. Raymond Partsch IIi, Ville Platte Gazette. Announcement of Tee Cotton Bowl returning for 2017.
OUTDOORS WRITING
OPEN CLASS
1. DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Metro Leader. Retrospective on stabbing death of college fisherman and aftermath.
Judge’s comments: "Nice story on young fisherman. You get a good idea of who he was and his close friend. Th only criticism is it gets too peachy at the end."
2. Raymond Partsch III, Ville Platte Gazette. Feature on local taxidermist preserving memories.
3. Todd Masson, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Story on anglers getting squeezed out of tidal waters.
SPECIAL SECTIONS
OPEN CLASS
1. MONROE NEWS-STAR. Football section.
Judge’s comments: “The News-Star's glossy, full-color football preview was impressive, including staff-produced coverage of 20 North Louisiana high schools, four colleges and the Saints. It was visually appealing with terrific action shots by staff photographers. With a handy table of contents, this was a great resource for local sports fans.”
2. The Advocate. Football 2016.
3. The Advocate. Saints 2016 preview.
PRO/COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. MATTHEW HINTON, The Advocate. Three Detroit Lions players converge on Saints tight end Coby Fleener as they attempt to intercept a Drew Brees pass.
2. Bill Feig, The Advocate. LSU wide receiver D.J. Clark hurdles a teammate as he goes for extra yardage against Missouri.
3. Leslie Westbrook, The Advocate. Photo from UL-Lafayette football game.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. TRAVIS SPRADLING, The Advocate. Rodeo rider thrown into air by bull at Angola Prison Rodeo.
2. Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Photo of Pearl River baseball player's head-first slide.
3. Patrick Dennis, The Advocate. Young skater hangs on as friends hold her up during a public skating session at the River Center.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION
CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE.
Judge’s comments: “Striking layouts, outstanding graphics, authoritative writing, excellent staff photography. The Advocate flooded the zone with its coverage of LSU football and the Saints.”
2. New Orleans Times-Picayune.
3. None awarded.
CLASS II
1. LAFAYETTE DAILY ADVERTISER.
Judge’s comments: "Submissions gave equal time to women's sports. The section fronts of two of the four entries featured UL-Lafayette softball and women's basketball. The focus was solid local coverage and it accomplished that with a small staff, leaving rest to USA Today “
2. Lake Charles American Press.
3. Livingston Parish News.
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. ROY LANG III, Shreveport Times.
Judge’s comments: “Three well-written stories. In the golf story, reaching the father took the narrative to the next level. The soccer story showed the appropriate amount of sensitivity. All of the stories showed enterprise and are centerpiece worthy."
2. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate.
3. William Weathers, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazatte.
Judge’s comments: "Magazine-length stories provided good insight and background into central figure in the high school split and a terrific feature on the sad story of the 15-year-old athlete who made the wrong move."
2. Chris Singleton, The Houma Courier/Daily Comet.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
1. JEFF DUNCAN, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Judge’s comments: “The portfolio included a moving and well-detailed obituary on the writer's father as well as reasoned opinion pieces on Ben Simmons and Colin Kaepernick."
2. Les East, Sports NOLA.com.
3. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. RANDY ROSETTA, Livingston Parish News.
Judge’s comments: "Strong opinions backed up by facts. The writer puts the LSU situation with Les Miles in perspective and doesn't resort to name calling. The column about the murders of three police officers and the flooding in that part of the state acknowledges that sports are part of the healing process.
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press.
3. Lori Lyons, L'Observateur.
STORY OF THE YEAR
DOUG IRELAND, Natchitoches Metro Leader
Retrospective on stabbing death of college fisherman and aftermath.
Judges’ comments: “This is a fitting tribute to a sportsman who dies too young. It made me care about a young man I never got to meet, and never will. It is powerful storytelling that exemplifies what good sportswriting can be.”
SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in 10 regular writing categories. Points are not awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazette/The Advocate
11 points (two firsts, two seconds, one third)
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 (8), 46 points
2. New Orleans Times-Picayune (2), 17
3. Shreveport Times (2), 6
4. Gannett Louisiana, 1
CLASS II
1. VILLE PLATTE GAZETTE (1), 11 points
2. Monroe News-Star (2), 8.
3. Lake Charles American Press, 6
4. Lafayette Daily Advertiser (1), 5
5. Houma Daily Courier, 4
Livingston Parish News (1), 4.
7. Natchitoches Metro Leader (1), 3.
Tiger Rag (1), 3.
L’Observateur, 3.
SPORTS INFORMATION DIVISION
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech. Women’s basketball vs. UAB.
Judges’ comments:” Smooth call. One-man show and he didn’t need help. End of game situation clearly discussed and broadcast. Nice, steady broadcast work.”
2. Dave Nitz, Louisiana Tech Radio. Louisiana Tech men’s basketball.
3. Tony Taglavore, Northwestern State. Northwestern State women’s basketball.
BEST RELEASE/FEATURE
1. DOUG IRELAND, Northwestern State. Feature on Trey McCrory.
Judge’s comments: “Best of the bunch by far. Great writing. He defines courage and lives it each day. Honest feelings help personalize the story on your end and his.”
2. Bradley Welborn, Louisiana College. Feature on “Lineman of God.”
3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Feature on Alex Anderson.
BEST FACT SHEET
1. ANNA CLAIRE THOMAS, Louisiana Tech. Football fact sheet.
Judge’s comments: “Layouts and pictures primarily won the day. Easy to find organization.”
2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State Football.
3. Lane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Basketball.
DIVISION I MEDIA GUIDES
1. MICHAEL BONNETTE, LSU. Football guide.
Judge’s comments: “Just a solid effort. What an SEC school should produce. No More. No Less. Great history. The facts that you sometimes need and need to be able to find.”
2. Anna Claire Thomas, Louisiana Tech Football.
3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Basketball.
DIVISION III MEDIA GUIDES
1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech. Women’s basketball guide.
Judge’s comments: “New coaches. Same History and that history is emphasized throughout to help people remember what a great history this program has. Well laid out. Well thought out.”
2. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State women’s basketball.
3. Blake Bolin, Louisiana Tech baseball.
DIVISION IV MEDIA GUIDES
1. KANE McGUIRE, Louisiana Tech. Women’s soccer guide.
2. Kent Lowe, LSU women’s golf.
3. None awarded.
2016 LSWA contest prep, awards, results
Glenn Quebedeaux, Sheldon Mickles, Dan McDonald, Philip Timothy, Kent Lowe
--end--
LSWA Contest Results for the calendar year 2015
Presented Sunday, June 26, 2016 -- Natchitoches, LA
WRITING AND MAKEUP
PRO EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Coverage of New Orleans VooDoo's last game in Arena League.
Judge’s comments: “Different and effective. Story wasn't a typical gamer, which is nice to see sometimes. This worked well. Put me at the game; made me feel like I was invested, too. Nice color."
2. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Coverage of Saints-Panthers game.
3. tie, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. American Pharoah wins Triple Crown.
and Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet. Coverage of Saints-Giants game.
COLLEGE EVENT
CLASS I
1. ROSS DELLENGER, The Advocate. Coverage of LSU-Texas A&M football game.
Judge’s comments: “Interestingly, each of the stories that placed in this category were based on the same event and each offered an interesting perspective. But the winning entry had the something extra, that this-was-the-moment approach that separated itself from all the others. It was a cense-setter that also offered the essentials of the story.”
2. Jesit Roser, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Coverage of LSU-Texas A&M football.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. Coverage of LSU-Texas A&M football.
CLASS II
1. TIM BUCKLEY, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Coverage of ULL-Akron football game.
Judge’s comments: ”Interesting back story and approach to the game story. The writer draws the reader in and keeps their attention. Good work.”
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Coverage of LSU-Texas A&M football.
3. Brent St. Germain, The Courier/Daily Comet. Nicholls State football ends losing streak.
PREP EVENT
CLASS I
1. ROD WALKER, The Advocate. Coverage of another Cohen College Prep loss.
Judge’s comments: “Sensitive handling of a difficult topic. Good insight into the motivation for players and coaches who don't have success at sports.”
2. Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Coverage of Salmen's loss in state basketball final.
3. Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate. Coverage of Jade Hayes’ three-event win at state track meet.
CLASS II
1. KELLY McELROY, The Courier/Daily Comet. Vandebilt's state championship soccer match.
Judge’s comments: “Story does a good job of setting a scene while still highlighting pertinent details of the event.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Coverage of Fairview girls' in Top 28 tournament.
3. Brent St. Germain, The Courier/Daily Comet. Coverage of Central Lafourche winning 7-5A opener.
PRO COLUMN
CLASS I
1. JEFF DUNCAN, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Column asking Tom Benson to sell the Saints.
Judge’s comments: “Well researched, well written. Persuasive open letter to Tom Benson urging him to sell the Saints and Pelicans.”
2. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Column on the Benson family feud.
3. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on Jordan Speith's 64 at the Masters.
CLASS II
1. BRENT ST. GERMAIN, The Daily Courier/Daily Comet. Saints are who we thought we were.
Judge’s comments: “A great column about a mediocre football team. I like the use of the iconic Dennis Green rant to hammer home the point that the 2015 Saints were ‘who we thought they were.’ The writer used solid stats to back up that point in a clear, concise manner.”
2. Raymond Partsch III, Ville Platte Gazette. Column on Dallas Cowboys defensive end Greg Hardy.
3. Teddy Renois, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on Darryl Hamilton's senseless death.
COLLEGE COLUMN
CLASS I
1. KEVIN CONNELLY, Shreveport Times. Column on NFL rule's impact on Leonard Fournette.
Judge’s comments: “Writing about Leonard Fournette and the opportunity missed because of rules denying him access to the NFL draft, this writer not only did the necessary homework; he/she took a strong opinion and broke down the argument like a lawyer. Good reporting equals good writing; a passionate opinion and good reporting make a good column.”
2. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on South Carolina having to play in Baton Rouge.
3. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Column on retirement of Tulane A.D. Rick Dickson.
CLASS II
1. SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press. Column on Les Miles’ survival.
Judge’s comments: “Les Miles' unusual escape was what a column is supposed to be::informative and opinionated, but also entertaining. A strongly argued position is goal No. 1, but the best know how to entertain. Lines like, ‘shot down like Bobby Jindal's presidential campagn’ and comparing the event of one evening to the Miles tenure at LSU overall … that's the smart writing that keeps readers coming back.”
2. Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on Les Miles.
3. Teddy Renois, The Courier/Daily Comet. Column on parking problems at Guidry Stadium.
PREP COLUMN
CLASS I
1. RON HIGGINS, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Column on parents of recruits.
Judge’s comments: “Columns decrying college recruiting are a dime a dozen. The process is so off-putting and the excesses so absurd, that carving out a unique perspective can be difficult. But this piece, on the decommitment of Dylan Moses, did just that. It helps that Moses is such a polarizing subject: his commitment to LSU at such a young age makes him a fascinating test case, whatever his final decision. Personal anecdotes from Archie Manning and David Cutcliffe helped this column pop off the page, as did its conversational tone.”
2. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Column on prep basketball showdown being overshadowed by brawl.
3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Column on the death of a high school coach.
CLASS II
1. O.K. “BUDDY” DAVIS, Ruston Daily Leader. Column on the death of Chick Childress.
Judge’s comments: “This is a fitting and heartfelt tribute to someone who dearly had a great impact not only on a school but on a community -- and on so many lives. I believe ‘Chick’ would be proud.”
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column on nightmare called National Signing Day.
3. Kelly McElroy, The Courier/Daily Comet. Parents' behavior is out of control at athletic contests.
PRO FEATURE
CLASS I
1. LARRY HOLDER, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Saints' 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Judge’s comments: “A foot history piece that really gives you the sense of why New Orleans and its NFL team are so connected.”
2. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Tom Benson's success being marred in tragedy.
3. Joel A. Erickson, The Advocate. Feature on Saints cornerback Delvin Breaux.
CLASS II
1. KEVIN FOOTE, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Feature on women's pro boxer.
Judge’s comments: “A nice look at a nationally famous fighter who may not be as well known in her adopted hometown.”
2. T. Scott Boatright, Ruston Daily Leader. Feature on former Grambling and MLB player Gary Eave.
3. Brent St. Germain, The Courier/Daily Comet. Feature on Manning camp helping launch a QB to NFL.
COLLEGE FEATURE
CLASS I
1. ROSS DELLENGER, The Advocate. Feature on LSU defensive tackle Davon Godchaux’s rough upbringing as a child.
Judge’s comments: “Outstanding job interviewing subject and family. i enjoyed reading the whole thing. I don't know how many inches it was, but I didn't care.”
2. Evan Woodberry, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Alonzo Horton's search for peace.
3. Kevin Connelly, Shreveport Times. Feature on future of Independence Bowl.
CLASS II
1. CODY WORSHAM, Tiger Rag. Feature on Keith Hornsby's pursuit of NCAA tourney berth.
Judge’s comments: “The lead hooked me. Great writing. This easily was the best submission of the group. A great job of telling his journey.”
2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Feature on Yvette Girouard on eve of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction.
3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
PREP FEATURE
CLASS I
1. JERIT ROSER, New Orleans Times-Picayune. State of high school sports 10 years after Katrina.
Judge’s comments: “Detailed, informative and interesting take on the effect Hurricane Katrina had on high school sports. Showed real initiative and terrific reporting.”
2. Kevin Connelly, Shreveport Times. Feature on football helmet safety in local schools.
3. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Feature on John Curtis baseball player Dorian Rodrigue battling cancer.
CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazette. Feature on former Ville Platte coach Roy Serie.
Judge’s comments: “Shocking feature had me riveted. Writer did a fantastic job of combing facts with emotion.”
2. Brent St. Germain, The Courier/Daily Comet. Feature on South Lafourche athlete recounting life-threatening injury.
3. Kelly McElroy, The Courier/Daily Comet. Feature on local football player honors cancer patient.
AMATEUR EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. TODD MASSON, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Coverage of City Park Big Bass Rodeo.
Judge’s comments: “I'm not a big fan of fishing or of reading about the topic, but I loved the breezy tone and colorful (in a good way) language in this short piece. I felt the spirit of the bass rodeo and didn't need to know what a green Senko worm is.”
2. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Retif Oil's title bid falls short in American Legion World Series.
3. None awarded.
SPOT NEWS
CLASS I
1. KATHERINE TERRELL, New Orleans Times-Picayune. The firing of Rob Ryan.
Judge’s comments: “The writer does an excellent job of taking a piece of news and building a naarrative around it through context and reporting. As a reader, i finished the story not just knowing what has happened, but why the Saints made a change at defensive coordinator and how the situation escalated to the point it did over course of a few seasons. The story is outstanding for its reporting.”
2, Ramon Antonio Vargas, The Advocate. Story on Tom Benson cutting ties with his family.
3. John Reid, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Story on the firing of Monty Williams.
CLASS II
1. BRENT ST. GERMAIN, The Courier/Daily Comet. Story of freshman football player suffering severe head injury during practice.
Judge’s comments: “A difficult story to report was handled well. The reporter received good information from the player's mother to write a thorough account of what happened at practice and into the evening.”
2. LaMar Gafford, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Firing of Peabody coach.
3. Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Story on ULL acknowledging NCAA probe into football program.
HEADLINES
CLASS I
1. JOSEPH SCHIEFELBEIN, The Advocate. “Knockin' on Seven’s Door. (deck) Alex Bregman's intense focus on baseball has LSU in position for it's seventh CWS title.”
Judge’s comments: “Effective play off the classic Bob Dylan tune.”
2. Gene Guillot, New Orleans Times-Picayune. “Crimson and clobbered” (deck) 'Rivalry' degenegrates into mismatch.”
3. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. “Make bail and play, that’s the Webster way.”
CLASS II
1. T. SCOTT BOATRIGHT, Ruston Daily Leader. “Tech's Triumphant Taiumvirate”
Judge’s comments: “Nice choice of words to achieve alliteration that works well.”
2. Brent St. Germain, The Courier/Daily Comet. “Deuces are not wild.”
3. Raymond Partsch III, Ville Platte Gazette. “It all adds up for the Bulldogs.”
SPECIAL SECTIONS
OPEN CLASS
1. NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE. Saints/NFL Preview.
Judge’s comments: “There’s plenty of time to get a pro football section right and this one hits the mark. The features are solid and the quarterback and coach graphics are well done and informative. Hits the right notes everywhere else.”
2. The Advocate. Football section (New Orleans).
3. tie, The Advocate. College World Series Preview,
and The Courier/Daily Comet, Football Preview.
SPORTS MAKEUP
OPEN CLASS
1. DAVID JACK BROWNING, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Judge’s comments: “It's a paper you recognize by its type/font. There aren't many like that left. Designers do the big things and small things well. And great use of color. It was just a little thing, but i really liked the ‘no love’ headline in red. Nice treatment of a story.”
2. Jay Martin, The Advocate.
3. Michael Petre, The Advocate.
OUTDOORS WRITING
OPEN CLASS
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazette. Bond between father and daughter through hunting.
Judge’s comments: “It could have become overly sentimental, but the author was able to avoid that trap. Good use of quotes from the father and daughter to supplement the narrative.”
2. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Story on Toledo Bend being ranked No.1 lake in the U.S.
3. Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Story on ULL baseball player who loves fishing and hunting as much as the sport he plays.
PRO/COLLEGE PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. MATTHEW HINTON, The Advocate. Saints players show concern for injured teammate Khiry Robinson.
Judge’s comments: “Great shot of the entire team gathered around one of their injured teammates really shows that emotion and caring for one another. It’s more than just a game when someone’s future is in jeopardy from what must’ve been a bad injury.”
2. Hilary Scheinuk, The Advocate. Photo of LSU third baseman Connor Hale going airborne over dugout rail while trying to catch a popup.
3. Patrick Dennis, The Advocate. Photo of joyous LSU softball players celebrating with fans after winning NCAA regional.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. PATRICK DENNIS, The Advocate. Inmate cowboy sent flying by bull at Angola Prison Rodeo.
Judge’s comments: “Good shot of bull rider being ejected. Too bad the framing was a bit too tight and the flying top leg was cropped off. But it was a good, strong moment.”
2. Matthew Hinton, The Advocate. Photo of high school baseball player taking a cleat to the groin while sliding into home plate.
3. None awarded.
WEB EVENT
OPEN CLASS
1. BEN LOVE, Tiger Sports Digest. LSU's Jordan Mickey deflates after painful NCAA defeat.
Judge’s comments: “Reaching readers on a you-are-there level is the goal of all writers, but it is not as easy a task to accomplish. This writer pulled that off with style.”
2. Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola. com. Coverage of Pelicans-Warriors NBA playoff game.
3. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNola.com. Coverage of Zurich Classic golf tournament.
WEB FEATURE
OPEN CLASS
1. DAN McDONALD, McD Media. Feature on history of SBC basketball tournament.
(No judge’s comments provided)
2. Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com Feature on Tulane firing football coach Curtis Johnson.
3. Brian Allee-Walsh, SportsNola. com. Feature on special relationship between Tommy Moore and Kelly Gibson and their impact on golf in New Orleans.
WEB COLUMN
OPEN CLASS
1. BRIAN ALLEE-WALSH, SportsNola.com. Alleged serial rapist Darren Sharper doesn’t deserve leniency.
Judge’s comments: “The writer drives home a message with no wavering at all. Strong words, strong work.”
2. Dan McDonald, McD Media Column on ULL football struggles.
3. Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola. com. Column on Tulane players' reactions to JuJuan Dawson's death.
MAJOR AWARDS
BEST SECTION
CLASS I
1. THE ADVOCATE.
Judge’s comments: “Really rose to the occasions. The game day (LSU vs. Alabama) contained everything you would want from a big-game preview. But the best section was football recruiting. An ambitious lead story, features galore, plus a terrific breakdown of LSU, SEC and national signees makes this section stand out. I can't imagine a newspaper presenting signing day any better. This section put it over the top for me.”
2. New Orleans Times-Picayune.
3. None awarded.
CLASS II
1. LAFAYETTE DAILY ADVERTISER.
Judge’s comments: “Played up the big moments, like ULL previews, with wonderful covers and centerpiece stories. Cajun Gameday pages are very well done. Some larger newspapers have done away with baseball box scores. Not here, at least in 2015.”
2. Lake Charles American Press.
3. The Courier/Daily Comet.
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. JIM DERRY, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Judge’s comments: “Strong feature, with two solid game stories give this entry a slight edge.”
2. Jerit Riser, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II
1. RAYMOND PARTSCH III, Ville Platte Gazette.
Judge’s comments: “Storytelling is the key to good prep sports reporting and features, and the writer demonstrated repeatedly the ability to present stories and information that grab and hold the reader's attention. Nice work.”
2. Kelly McElroy, The Courier/Daily Comet.
3. Chris Singleton, The Courier/Daily Comet.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. JEFF DUNCAN, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Judge’s comments: “Offered strong opinion gracefully, sprinkling in historic perspective. The columns were well-written with a distinctive voice that carried the story without leaning too heavily on quotes. Informative and entertaining.”
2. Ron Higgins, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
3. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. SCOOTER HOBBS, Lake Charles American Press.
Judge’s comments: “These three columns show a wide range of styles, mixing pointed commentary with sarcastic humor, solid analysis and eloquent writing. The column about how Les Miles survived the rumors of his demise encompassed all of the above. I loved the lead -- ‘How Les Miles was that?’ -- which perfectly encapsulated what Miles went through and how he came out the other side. 'Gone, dead, buried, fired, twisting in the wind, he’s all of that and then -- poof -- it was all better.’ You really couldn't summarize Miles' season any better than that.”
2. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
3. Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press.
STORY OF THE YEAR
CODY WORSHAM, Tiger Rag
Feature on Keith Hornsby's pursuit of an NCAA tournament berth.
Judges’ comments: “The lede was creative, detailed and showed the power of sports knowledge and keen observation that really set it apart. Six paragraphs describing a player's shot technique right after the opening sentence wouldn't ordinarily be a recipe for success. But it was so artfully done that it worked. The body of the story included loads of background information without an overload. That depth of insight is hard these days in the cloistered world of major college athletics. But the author did wonders with it.”
SPORTSWRITER(S) OF THE YEAR
Awarded to the writer who accumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in 12 regular writing categories. Points are not awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or Story of the Year.
ROD WALKER, The Advocate
11 points (two firsts, two seconds, one third) and BRENT ST. GERMAIN, The Courier/Daily Comet. 11 points (two firsts, one second, three thirds)
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 (8), 52½ points
2. New Orleans Times-Picayune (10), 47½
3. Shreveport Times (1), 11
4. Gannett Louisiana, 1
CLASS II
1. THE COURIER/DAILY COMET (3), 27 points
2. Lake Charles American Press (2), 16
3. Lafayette Daily Advertiser (3), 13
4. Ville Platte Gazette (3), 12
5. Ruston Daily Leader (2), 8
6. Alexandria Daily Town Talk, 4
7. Tiger Rag (1), 3
SPORTS INFORMATION DIVISION
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. DAVE NITZ, Louisiana Tech Radio. Tech vs. UAB basketball game.
2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Tech vs. Southern Miss.
3. Tony Taglavore, Northwestern State. Northwestern State vs. Sam Houston State.
BEST RELEASE/FEATURE
1. PATRICK WALSH, Louisiana Tech. “Family Man.”
Judge’s comments: “An amazingly well-written piece that had me wanting to hope for the best.”
2. Hunter Bower, McNeese State. “Sommer Forgoes Final Season to Join Secret Service.”
3. Jason Pugh, Northwestern State. “Emotions flow during advance screening of ESPN/Delaney fil.”
BEST FACT SHEET
1. PATRICK WALSH, Louisiana Tech Football.
Judge’s comments: “This is not given for having the most number of pages in Division I for football releases. But it was early in the season. This is a well put together, informational piece that would help Tech writers and those covering the game from the other team and television. Good roster page and pronunciations, which are absolute musts. Lots of info.”
2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State Football.
3. tie, Pam Lafosse, McNeese State Football, and Alex Edwards, ULM Football.
DIVISION I MEDIA GUIDES
1. MICHAEL BONNETTE, LSU. LSU Football.
Judge’s comments: “Well-written, well-organized, well-designed. What you would expect in an overall good group of guides.”
2. Patrick Walsh, Louisiana Tech Football.
3. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Basketball.
DIVISION II MEDIA GUIDES
1. DOUG IRELAND, Northwestern State. Northwestern State Basketball.
Judge’s comments: “Organization is everything in these guides. You can find everything you want to know about the Demons and some fun facts about the program in this one. Not a lot of wasted pages.”
2. Ed Cassiere, Xavier Basketball.
3. None awarded.
DIVISION III MEDIA GUIDES
1. MALCOLM BUTLER, Louisiana Tech Women’s Basketball.
Judge’s comments: “The top three are so even. Almost a coin flip (or a football conference tiebreaker). But Tech’s use of space was just a touch better and that probably was the difference.”
2. Jennifer Rodrigues, LSU Women’s Basketball.
3. Bill Franques, LSU Baseball.
DIVISION IV MEDIA GUIDES
1. ROBBIE KLEINMUTZ, ULM Women’s Soccer.
Judge’s comments: “I’ve never seen an Olympic sport guide this big and with this much color. Tremendous effort and very nicely put together.”
2. Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech Women’s Soccer.
3. Hunter Bower, McNeese State Women’s Soccer.
2015 LSWA contest prep, awards, results
Glenn Quebedeaux, Sheldon Mickles, Dan McDonald, Philip Timothy, Kent Lowe
LSWA Contest Results for the calendar year 2014
Presented Sunday, June 28, 2015 – Natchitoches
WRITING AND MAKEUP
PRO EVENT OPEN CLASS1. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Coverage of the Masters.
Judge’s comments: “Hits plenty of angles, knowing what happened and what lies ahead.”
2. Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate. Coverage of Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII win over Broncos.
3. Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Coverage of Elfrid Payton’s first game with Orlando Magic.
COLLEGE EVENT CLASS I1. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. LSU-Auburn football gamer.
Judge’s comments: “A catchy and concise lead. Strong on local interest. Detailed story that makes good use of quotes.”
2. Ross Dellenger, The Advocate. LSU wins SEC baseball title with victory over Florida.
3. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Louisville slugs LSU in NCAA women’s basketball tournament.
CLASS II1. Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Account of McNeese’s near miss at Nebraska.
Judge’s comments: “A clever lead. Good flow to the story of how the local team nearly pulled off a huge upset. Liked the details of the budget disparity between the two schools.”
2. Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier. Nicholls wins SLC tournament.
3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Account of LSU-Auburn football game.
PREP EVENT CLASS I1. Rod Walker, The Advocate. Coverage of Jesuit winning first football title in more and a decade.
Judge’s comments: “Captured me from the first sentence. Thought the writer made it a big-time event in the way the story was told. Also like how the writer incorporated so much history, which the readers of the story had to appreciate whether they were at the event or not.”
2. Lori Lyons, The Advocate. Coverage of West St. John-Varnado football.
3. Tim Fletcher, Shreveport Times. Coverage of Haynesville football game.
CLASS IIJudge’s comments: “Another game overshadowed by something bigger. I liked how the writer started with the coach and then added the emotions from some of the players. There were game details, but just enough, and that was perfect for this kind of story.”
2. Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier. Coverage of Assumption volleyball game.
3. Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Coverage of Catholic-New Iberia’s loss in state championship game.
PRO COLUMN CLASS I1. Jeff Duncan, N.O. Times-Picayune. Column on condition of Fair Grounds.
Judge’s comments: “Thorough reporting, great writing and strong opinion: What more can you ask for from a sports column? A masterfully constructed look at the sad state of affairs at the historic Fair Grounds race track.”
2. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Column on the suspension of Adrian Peterson.
3. Trey Iles, N.O. Times-Picayune. Column on U.S. interest in World Cup.
CLASS II
1. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Column on Drew Brees.
Judge’s comments: “A well-stated case for Drew Brees still being a top-tier NFL quarterback. Backs it up with astute observations and supportive numbers, and presents argument in an organized, convincing way.”
2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column bidding good riddance to World Cup.
3. Jim Gazzolo, Lake Charles American Press. Column on former McNeese safety Janzen Jackson.
COLLEGE COLUMN
Results of the annual LSWA writing contest
2013 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday,
June 22, 2014 –
WRITING AND
MAKEUP
PRO EVENT
CLASS I
1, Matthew Harris,
The Advocate. Sidebar on Ravens wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones
playing in Super Bowl XLVII in his hometown.
Judge’s comments: “Terrific job turning
a local angle from a national event with a touch of mini-enterprise (multiple
sources) on deadline. Don’t know if this was the Super Bowl lead or main side,
but I can’t imagine a better read for a local audience than this.”
2, Teddy Allen,
3, Joe Macaluso, The Advocate. Account of 2013 Bassmasters
Classic.
CLASS II
1. Bob Tompkins,
Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Zack Reeves wins first professional golf
tournament.
Judge’s comments: “A nicely-written game
account that included an overheard quote from the father that provides the
reader a sense of being there.”
2. Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier, Account of Saints
football game.
3. Jim Gazzolo,
COLLEGE EVENT
CLASS I
1. Ted Lewis, The
Advocate. UConn defeats Notre Dame in Women’s Final Four.
Judge’s comments: “The lead hooks the
reader and the story paints a picture and takes us inside the game.”
2. Roy Lang III,
3. Ross Dellenger, The Advocate. Game story on LSU-Alabama
football.
CLASS II
1. Luke Johnson,
Tiger Rag. Game story on LSU-Texas A&M football.
Judge’s comments: “A well-told game
story that explained what happened, how and why it happened, and put it in
perspective.”
2. Alex Hickey,
3. Scooter
PREP EVENT
CLASS I
1. Rod Walker, The
Advocate.
Judge’s comments: “Crisp, clear writing
style didn’t get in the way of the story.”
2. Kelly Morris, Times-Picayune/NOLA.com. Story on Rummel
winning a football game using hook and lateral play.
3. Roy Lang III,
CLASS II
1. Bret McCormick,
Judge’s comments: “The story of Kenneth
Clear’s unexpected journey to Friday night hero makes this entry rise above the
rest.”
2. Scott Boatwright,
3. Troy LaFleur,
PRO COLUMNS
CLASS I
1. Roy Lang III,
Judge’s comments: “Gripping lead to a
column that flows well. It was great that the game worked out so a local
individual was a big factor in how the local team fared. Heck of a game.”
2. Jeff Duncan, Times-Picayune/NOLA.com A visitors’ guide to
Super Bowl XLVII.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett
CLASS II
1. Scooter
Judge’s comments: “Catchy intro to an
interesting column. Nice local flavor to a topic of national interest. Well
written throughout.”
2. O.K. “Buddy”
3. Raymond Partsch,
COLLEGE COLUMNS
CLASS I
1. Les East, The Advocate.
Column on LSU baseball team raising the bar.
Judge’s comments: “It is a
tightly-constructed, well-reasoned argument that transitions smoothly from
point to point. The best composition of pure editorial opinion in the class.”
2. Scott Rabalais, The Advocate. Column on Johnny Manziel’s
offseason theatrics.
3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisana. Cajun justice frees LSU
tailback Jeremy Hill on the day practice opens.
CLASS II
1. Jim Gazzolo,
Judge’s comments: “This column is set up
nicely and the conclusion perfectly reinforces its argument. Transitioning is
solid. The writer also does a good job of telling the behind-the-scenes story.”
2. Scooter
3. Luke Johnson, Tiger Rag. Back away from the ledge, LSU
fans.
PREP COLUMNS
CLASS I
1. Rod Walker, The
Advocate. Column on when football game officials and cops clash.
Judge’s comments: “Good job of covering a bizarre situation
where police arrest game officials.”
2. Roy Lang III,
3. Tim Fletcher,
CLASS II
1. Chris Singleton,
Judge’s comments: “Strong opinion piece
about player safety and the need to improve stadium fields. Has to have drawn a
lot of scrutiny to the problem and, hopefully, will get people moving to solve
problem.”
2. Scooter
3. Brent St. Germain,
PRO FEATURES
CLASS I
1. Perryn Keys, The
Advocate. Feature on former Saints star and ALS patient Steve Gleason.
Judge’s comments: “This should have its
own category -- maybe ‘Best Book.’ Exhaustive, well-crafted study of the life
and misfortune of Gleason. The writer shows a knack for getting the reader to
care deeply about Gleason even before his diagnosis with Lou Gehrig’s disease
becomes a major component of the story. Informative and compelling piece even
at its great length.”
2. Sheldon Mickles, The Advocate. Feature on Steve Gleason
and the “Block Heard ‘Round the World” at re-opening of Superdome in 2006.
3. Les East, The Advocate. Feature on NFL Commissioner Roger
Goodell and his visit to
CLASS II
1, Scooter
Judge’s comments: “Here’s a fun story
giving readers access to the realities of Super Bowl media day. The writer’s
personality shines through as he provides a welcome change of pace to what I’m
sure was a sports section heavy on hardcore football stories.”
2. Tim Buckley,
3. Jim Gazzola,
COLLEGE FEATURES
CLASS I
1. Ross Dellenger,
The Advocate. How LSU came to hire Les Miles.
Judges’ comments: “A really good idea
for a bowl story that contained a lot of fun inside information.”
2. Ron Higgins, Times-Picayune/NOLA.com. A football Saturday
with Mike Slive.
3. Brian Allee-Walsh, The Advocate. UNO coaches deals openly
with family issues with his team.
CLASS II
1. Luke Johnson,
Tiger Rag. LSU,
Judges’ comments: “This story really
stood out in the category. A solid enterprise topic backed by good research and
sourcing.”
2. Alex Hickey,
3. Raymond Partsch,
PREP FEATURES
CLASS I
1. Matthew Harris,
The Advocate. National Signing Day with LSU’s Kendell Beckwith.
Judges’ comments: “One of the best
stories I’ve read in a long time. Tremendous reporting provided details that
made me feel like I was right there with the family on signing day. Great flow
and pace made for an easy, enjoyable read. “
2. Kelly Morris, Times Picayune/NOLA.com. Feature on Kaylon
Marshall’s wait for a heart.
3. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Feature on former prep players
remembering JFK assassination.
CLASS II
1. Raymond Partsch,
Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Feature on Oakdale player’s impact on team since
death.
Judges’ comments: “What a touching story
about a young man who still inspires a community almost a decade after his tragic
death. The writer painted such vivid pictures with his strong reporting,
especially at the cemetery. Death can be a difficult subject to tackle, but the
writer did a wonderful job.”
2. Chris Singleton,
3. Albert Burford,
AMATEUR SPORTS
CLASS I
1. Tim Fletcher,
Judges’ comments: “Probably the best
written of any of the stories I judged. It was well-reported with a good use of
quotes. This story captured me right from the beginning and kept my interest,
using a number of writing techniques to tell the story. Nice work.”
2. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Runner dies in 5K race.
3. None awarded.
CLASS II
1. Kelly McElroy,
Judges’ comments: “The winner told a
good story while reporting the news. I liked how the writer mixed in the
quotes. Lead grabbed me and I didn’t stop until the end.”
2. Jim Gazzolo,
3. Troy LaFleur,
SPOT NEWS
CLASS I
1. Roy Lang III,
Judges’ comments: “I thought the mix of
responses made this story. Something this controversial, you want to read the
reaction. I thought the writer did a good job getting out of the way and
letting the coaches react to the news.”
2. Matthew Harris, The Advocate. Coverage of Jeremy Hill
arrest.
3. Ted Lewis, The Advocate. Coverage of
CLASS II
1. Chris Singleton,
Judges’ comments: “This, to me, was the
most competitive category of the ones I judged. I thought the writer handled
quite a complicated situation very well and answered a number of questions. “
2. Scooter
3. Brent St. Germain,
HEADLINES
CLASS I
1. Joseph
Schiefelbein, The Advocate. Headline: “Saving their bacon: LSU pulls off wild
comeback.”
Judges’ comments: “Sometimes puns are
overdone, but this one worked well and captured the magnitude of LSU’s win over
2. Rob DeArmond, The Advocate. Headline: “Drained in Key
Biscayne.”
3. Roy Lang III,
CLASS II
1. Bob Tompkins,
Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Headline: A-Rod’s ‘What’s up, doc?’ bugs Yankees.”
Judges’ comments: “Took a chance and it
paid off. Very funny.”
2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Headline: “Phil
jug up – career round gives Mickelson Claret jug.”
3. Brent St. Germain,
SPECIAL SECTIONS
CLASS I
1.
Times-Picayune/NOLA.com. Saints/NFL preview.
Judges’ comments: “The section is
attractive and well-designed. The content should more than satisfy any fan of
the Saints. The writing is insightful and covers all the pertinent topics in
depth. There is enough NFL coverage to give readers an adequate overview of the
rest of the league.”
2. The Advocate. New Orleans Bowl preview.
3. The Advocate. Super Bowl XLVII preview.
CLASS II
1.
Judges’ comments: ”A massive undertaking
that was successfully pulled off. The design was very pleasing. The template
for each preview page provided concise information at a glance. It’s a hefty
section, but it well organized and reader friendly.”
2.
3.
SPORTS MAKEUP
OPEN CLASS
1. Kevin Foote,
Judges’ comments: “A solid entry that
separated itself from the others based on the strength of its LSU preview and New
Orleans Bowl covers.
2. Brent St. Germain,
3. Dominic Baudoin, The Advocate.
OUTDOORS WRITING
OPEN CLASS
1. Jimmy Watson,
Judges’ comments: “Lively lead/intro and
solid background on a popular topic. Entertaining and informative.
2. Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town-Talk. Feature on
fight to save Spring Bayou from hydrilla invasion.
3. Brent St. Germain,
PRO/COLLEGE/PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
OPEN CLASS
1. Travis Spradling,
The Advocate. Collision at first base in LSU softball game.
Judges’ comments: “Excellent softball
action with a collision at first base that’s made all the much better because
the fielder’s glove is coming off her hand and the ball escaping. Clear winner
here. Shot and cropped well.
2. Scott Threlkeld, The Advocate. John Curtis player laying
out to block a punt.
3. Bill Feig, The Advocate. Jarvis Landry making an
impossible catch against
WEBSITE GAME STORY
1. Brian Allee-Walsh,
SportsNola.com.
Judges’ comments: “Great job of taking a
national story and putting a local spin on it, with same-day reaction from area
runners who competed in the race. Not only got good detail of how close those
runners were to the finish line, but also how accommodating the people of
2. Dan McDonald, SportsNola.com. Sidebar on
3. Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com. Sidebar on Tulane-East Carolina
football game.
WEBSITE FEATURE
1. Ben Love,
TigerSportsDigest.com. Grassroots basketball in
Judges’ comments: “Outstanding look at
AAU basketball in the state and how one coach’s efforts to give back to the
community led to partnerships with a Fortune 500 CEO and Nike and has greatly
enhanced the prospects that
2. Kent Lowe, LSUSports.net. Feature on LSU baseball’s
return to
3. William Weathers, TigerBait.com. Concussion cuts short
career of LSU lineman Josh Williford.
WEBSITE COLUMN
1. Dan McDonald,
SportsNola.com. Column on UL-Lafayette conference affiliation.
Judges’ comments: “Informative story
about the turnaround of an athletic department at UL-Lafayette that strives for
more and its struggles to reach greater heights because of its affiliation with
a start up league like the Sun Belt.”
2. Ken Trahan, SportsNola.com. Column on Ron Maestri
returning to coach UNO baseball.
3. Kent Lowe, LSUSports.net. Column on LSU women’s
basketball upset of
MAJOR
AWARDS
BEST
SECTION
CLASS I
1.
Times-Picayune/NOLA.com.
Judges’ comments: “This entry showcased
a wealth of variety in storytelling, highlighted by Jimmy Smith’s column on
Eric Gordon, Terrence Harris’ feature on Tyrann Mathieu, a Q&A with Shaq,
weekly staff NFL picks, Super Bowl XLVII coverage and Todd Masson’s outdoors report.”
2. The Advocate.
CLASS II
1.
Judges’
comments: “This paper stood out by providing its readers with a unique,
clear voice through it’s columnists on its front page, the Best & Worst
feature with its college football coverage, Louis Bonnette’s weekly golf column
and commitment to outdoors coverage.”
2.
PREP WRITER OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. Jimmy Watson,
Judges’ comments: “The clincher was the
profile of Jaymee Uunge. Writer displayed solid writing skills as well as solid
interview skills as evidence by the great quotes. Also, well-reported story on
a high school coach frustrated by his top players transferring to competing
schools.”
2. Rod Walker, The Advocate.
3. Robin Fambrough, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. Kevin Foote,
Judges’ comments: “What stands out about
this writer’s work is the consistency of the writing. Each of the entries
presented was well-presented, offering the information needed, while doing so
in an entertaining and interesting way that maintains the reader’s interest
from start to finish.”
2. Chris Singleton,
3. Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town-Talk.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
CLASS I
1. Jeff Duncan,
Times-Picayune/NOLA.com.
Judges’ comments: “A strong
collection with the variety serving as the deciding factor.”
2. Ron Higgins, Times Picayune/NOLA.com.
3. Les East, The Advocate.
CLASS II
1. Brent St. Germain,
Judges’ comments: “Makes good points
with the columns and takes an educated stance.”
2. Jim Engster, Tiger Rag.
3. Kevin Foote,
STORY
OF THE YEAR
(Judged by Tom
Connelly, The New York Times)
Perryn Keys, The Advocate
Profile
of former Saints special teams star Steve Gleason and his battle with ALS
Judges’
comments: “his is a well-rendered piece in every way: vividly written,
thoroughly reported and impeccably sourced. The reader is treated to a
sensitive and nuanced portrait of a subject who, though perhaps unable to speak
for himself, or at least to vocalize, is given voice by those who know him
best. The writer covers a lot of ground, deftly weaving from Steve Gleason’s
childhood in
SPORTSWRITER OF
THE YEAR
Awarded to the writer who accumulates the
most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis) in 12 regular writing categories.
Points are not awarded for Prep Writer of the Year, Columnist of the Year, or
Story of the Year.
Scooter
13 points (two firsts, three seconds, one third)
NEWSPAPER
SWEEPSTAKES
(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis except for Story of the Year;
first-place awards in parentheses)
CLASS I
1.
2.
3.
4. Gannett
CLASS II
1.
2.
3.
4.
5. Tiger Rag (2), 9.
6.
SPORTS
INFORMATION
BEST FACT SHEET
1. Anna Clair Thomas,
Judges’ comments: “All fact sheets
provide more info than a writer probably needs, but many fact sheets aren’t
media friendly because of a lack of organization. The winning fact sheet in
this category has easy-to-find info. You don’t have to dig forever to find team
statistics (page 7) and the roster is on the back of the last page of the
release. All you have to do is flip it over. The simplest things can be the
best.”
2.
3. Michael Bonnette, LSU football.
BEST RELEASE
1. Matthew Bonnette,
Judges’ comments: “Lots of great entries
in this category. Any of top five could have been on top. Well written. Tugs a
bit at your heart.”
2.
3.
DIVISION I MEDIA GUIDES
1. tie, Michael
Bonnette, LSU. Football, and Kent Lowe, LSU. Men’s basketball.
Judges’ comments: “These two
guides match each other stride for stride. One of the best parts in each guide
is the detailed history and traditions that makes LSU unique in football and
basketball. It’s invaluable info that gives visiting writers instant
perspective and background.”
3. Patrick Walsh, 2013 Louisiana Tech football.
DIVISION II MEDIA GUIDES
1. Matthew Bonnette,
Judges’ comments: “He learned from his dad.
Well done football book in any category. Clean, lots of information. Good
history.”
2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. Men’s basketball.
3. None awarded.
DIVISION III MEDIA GUIDES
1.
Judges’ comments: “Great review of a
proud program … Great cutouts and photo work on player pages.”
2. Matt Fowler, Northwestern State. Baseball.
3. Anna Claire Thomas,
DIVISION IV MEDIA GUIDES
1. Will
Judges’ comments: “The success of this
guide was simply stated with the cover -- smoking running shoes -- and went
from there with the great history of the program and success of the current
teams.”
2. Kent Lowe, LSU. Women’s golf.
3. Pam LaFosse,
COLLEGE RADIO PLAY-BY-PLAY
1. Jim Hawthorne, LSU.
Football vs.
Judges’ comments: “
2.
3. Tony Taglavore, Northwestern State. Women’s basketball
vs.
2013 LSWA contest prep, awards, results
Glenn Quebedeaux,
Sheldon Mickles, Dan McDonald, Philip Timothy, Kent Lowe
2012 LSWA WRITING AND SPORTS INFORMATION CONTEST
June 30, 2013 -- Natchitoches
WRITING/MAKEUP/PHOTOGRAPHY
PRO EVENT
Class I
1, Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Account of Saints-Buccaneers game.
Comments: “Well set-up story. The writer throws key numbers without having the reader drown in them. Overall, a strong story.”
2, Jason Pugh, Shreveport Times. Rangers-White Sox game story.
3, Ted Lewis, Baton Rouge Advocate. Sidebar on Saints-49ers game.
Class II
1, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Coverage of Saints-Lions playoff game.
Comments: “Solid. It’s organized well for the most part.”
2, Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier. Account of Saints-Lions playoff game.
3, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier. Drew Brees sets NFL record.
COLLEGE EVENT
Class I
1, Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate. Account of Southern pitcher graduating and losing in SWAC tournament on same day.
Comments: “An epic game story that covered not one, but two tournament games, a commencement ceremony and the poignancy of the emotions of a senior pitcher who ‘left it all on the field’ but saw his college career end nevertheless.”
2, Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Account of LSU-Alabama BCS title game.
3, Lyons Yellin, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Account of Tulane javelin thrower winning C-USA championship.
Class II
1, Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Account of ULL’s football loss to Florida.
Comments: “Game story captured the combination of pride and frustration of the University of Louiaiana-Lafayette after a near upset of Florida in The Swamp slipped away late in the most agonizing manner possible. I’m giving extra points for having quotes from players second-guessing their own team’s late game play calling.”
2, Jim Gazzolo, Lake Charles American Press. Account of LSU/Alabama football game.
3, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Account of McNeese-Central Arkansas football game.
PREP EVENT
Class I
1, Lyons Yellin, New Orleans Times-Picayune. St. Aug rides Leonard Fournette to victory.
Commets: “Though the lead of this story was overwritten and it took the writer 183 words to get to the final score, it won the category because it had actual player quotes that weren’t filled with clichés. Gee, what a novel idea! He or she actually talked to people who played in the game rather than the standard head coach’s ‘I’m just so proud of our kids’ quote.”
2, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. Airline quarterback weathers torn ligaments in playoff loss.
3, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate. Hurricane changes path for University-East Ascension football game.
Class II
1, Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier. Game story on huge area prep hoops game.
Comments: “The best event stories place the reader at the event in a clear, concise manner, such as the winner in this category whose lead for a district championship basketball game read: ‘A packed gym, bodies on the floor, players fouling, technical fouls and a couple of dust-ups.’ Also loved how this writer avoided play-by-play, which is like putting a sleeper hold on a reader.”
2, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Account of Lafayette High-New Iberia game.
3, Jim Gazzolo, Lake Charles American Press. Barbe’s miracle comeback.
PRO COLUMNS
Class I
1, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. Column on Saints’ bounty scandal.
Comments: “A strong piece on the Saints’ penalties. Well done, pointing out the Vidodin scandal from a couple years ago and questioning whether Drew Brees should re-sign with team. Nice to get a fan quote in among the player reactions. Loved the line: March 21, 2012 -- The Day The Dat Died.”
2, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Column on Saints’ scandal.
3, Ted Lewis, Baton Rouge Advocate. Column on Saints-Falcon game.
Class II
1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Column on Saints’ scandal.
Comments: “Strong account of the Saints’ punishment for the bounty scandal, especially comparing the feel of their Super Bowl run to a college program and how the NFL penalized them for something you normally hear from the NCAA -- lack of institutional control. Good job detailing why the penalties were so stiff: that the Saints had been warned multiple times and yet kept doing it for two more seasons. Great line: ‘Too much money and too much testosterone went together like black and gold.’”
2, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier. Column calling out NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell on Saints’ bounty scandal.
3, Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier. Column telling Saints’ fans to stop crying about ‘Bountygate.’”
COLLEGE COLUMNS
Class I
1, Ted Lewis, Baton Rouge Advocate. Column on Tulane accepting invitation to the Big East Conference.
Comments: None.
2, Les East, Baton Rouge Advocate. Alabama a worthy BCS champion.
3, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. Column on Tyrann Mathieu being a person, not a persona.
Class II
1, Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier. Column on Nicholls State’s trip to Australia.
Comments: None.
2, Ben Love, Tiger Rag. Column on the dismissal of Tyrann Mathieu.
3, Jim Gazzolo, Lake Charles American Press. Honey Badger gets second chance.
PREP COLUMNS
Class I
1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. Duron quarterback era comes to unfitting end at Evangel.
Comments: “The writer does a good job telling the story of one family’s long history of quarterbacks at a Shreveport high school within the context of a championship game. The column was compelling and full of rich detail.”
2, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Softball isn’t all about numbers.
3, None awarded.
Class II
1, Chris Singleton, Houma Daily Courier. Column on Ellender High’s losing streak.
Comments: “The writer effectively illustrates how enormous the burden is of a long losing streak for high school football players and coaches and how uplifting the end of such a streak can be. One quibble would be the liberal use of clichés in the column.”
2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Column answering critics of Cecil Collins’ honor.
3, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Column on baseball championships being played in Sulphur.
PRO FEATURES
Class I
1, Randy Rosetta, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Chad Jones still chasing dream.
Comments: “The story catches you right away. You imagine swinging your legs out of bed in the morning and wonder why it’s difficult for Jones. It’s not unusual to hear about players who are injured ‘in the line of duty’ -- those who suffer a horrific injury during a game or practice and are unable to return. It’s more unusual to be taken through an athlete’s recovery from such a devastating car accident. This story flows, moving easily from present to past and back. It is written in such a way that you don’t have to live in the area to want to read the story. Kudos to the writer.”
2, Lyons Yellin, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Audre Patterson, the first black woman to medal in Olympics.
3, Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate. Feature on 25th anniversary of 1987 NFL players’ strike and replacement players.
Class II
1, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Feature on former McNeese and Buffalo Bills player Tom Sestak.
Comments: “Almost a documentary-like feature on Sestak. This was more than a trip down memory lane. It reintroduced an audience to a significant historical figure that got lost in history.”
2, Chris Singleton, Houma Daily Courier. Feature on H.L. Bourgeois graduate living a dream.
3, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Leader. Feature on former Louisiana Tech and NFL star Roger Carr.
COLLEGE FEATURES
Class I
1, Jimmy Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Tulane football player Devon Walker.
Comments: “This was a very well-researched story with a lot of good quotes and insights from coaches and players at all levels of football.”
2, Marty Mule’, Baton Rouge Advocate. Anniversary story on first black football players at LSU.
3, Randy Rosetta, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on LSU basketball coach Johnny Jones.
Class II
1, Ben Love, Tiger Rag. Feature on relationship between LSU coach Trent Johnson and Collis Temple Jr.
Comments: None.
2, Cody Worsham, Tiger Rag. Feature on return of Johnny Jones to LSU basketball.
3, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Feature on McNeese State javelin thrower Ben Chretien.
PREP FEATURES
Class I
1, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. Father’s Day feature on coaches detailing their own experiences with autism.
Comments: “The story of Sid Edwards and Marshall Crooks, coaches who each have autistic children, showed the power of love and determination. The reporter tackled a difficult subject and treated the subjects sensitively. The opening scene showed, rather than told readers, that Edwards’ son was not a typical 11-year-old. Jack Ryan’s childlike response to a hug from his father is touching. That helped draw the readers into the story.”
2, Jerit Roser, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Feature on Parkview Baptist football team.
3, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate. Feature on West Feliciana lineman Tre’ Cazabat.
Class II
1, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Feature on Marksville’s Jacoby Austin.
Comments: “The compelling story of Jacoby Ausin is sad, yet somewhat uplifting. His parents are dead by the time he is 14, yet he perseveres to finish school and make plans for college. The reader is rooting for him to stay on track when h has a run-in with the law. How was the case resolved? Did Jacoby go to college, or pursue music or barber school? I cared enough to wonder and I hope the reporter followed up on this story.”
2, Scooter Hobbs, Lakes Charles American Press. Feature on former Barbe football coach Jimmy Shaver.
3, Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Feature on New Iberia football player overcoming car accident and returning to sport.
AMATEUR SPORTS
Class I
1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. Amateur MMA fighter uses reality show fame to honor late girlfriend.
Comments: “Great feature on an interesting character with an even more interesting story. Nice reporting looked at from several angles.
2, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Local ophthalmologist enjoys extreme kayaking.
3, Chris Scarnati, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Story on New Orleans amateur boxing.
Class II
1, Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Local woman runs in Boston marathon.
Comments: “Well done, putting a local human face on a huge national event which helped remind the reader that these are more than just runners. It was fun to take a look at this family’s life as it prepares for a bowl game as well as a marathon.”
2, Bobby Dower, Lake Charles American Press. Father’s Day tribute.
3, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Warriors know how to sacrifice.
SPOT NEWS
Class I
1, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. Tyrann Mathieu’s dismissal from LSU football team.
Comments: “There’s nothing like a good lead to draw the reader into the story and the first graph of Tyrann Mathieu’s dismissal over drug tests read: ‘The Honey Badger apparently took what he wanted one too many times.’ The rest of the story was superbly organized.”
2, Jimmy Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Tom Benson buys the Hornets.
3, Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Story on Sugar Bowl winning Champions Bowl contract.
Class II
1, Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Story on legal issues of potential ULL recruit.
Comments: “The winner did some legwork, tracking down the junior college coach of a basketball player ULL signed despite being accused of sexual assault. Multi-voiced news stories, with actual voices rather than released statements, always give a more complete picture.”
2. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Teurlings Catholic kicked out of baseball playoffs.
3, Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Lafayette Parish School system fires long-time Northside head football coach.
HEADLINES
Class I
1, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Story about fledging beekeeper at 32nd Annual Wildlife and Forestry Festival. “To bee or not to bee. (deck) Koran (La.) youngster learns this question.”
Comments: “Perfect headline for this story.”
2, Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate. Story on LSU’s Eric Reid. “Reid it and weep. (deck) LSU’s safety’s ability to see what’s coming almost scary.”
3, Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate. Story on LSU-Lamar baseball game. “Rhymes the reason. (deck) Outfielder gets three hits in LSU victory over Lamar.”
Class II
1, Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier. Nicholls State-Oregon State football game. “The Oregon fail. (deck) Overmatched Colonels fall to Beavers, 77-3.”
Comments: “Easily the best in the class.”
2, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier. ULL’s Terrance Broadway leads Cajuns to New Orleans Bowl victory. “Broadway lights it up.”
3, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier. South Lafourche Tarpons’ quest for title. “Reeling in perfection.”
SPECIAL SECTIONS
Class I
1, Baton Rouge Advocate. BCS National Championship section.
Comments: “It was very appealing visually, especially the front cover, and had a winning mix of stories for all your rabid Tigers fans. You can’t underestimate the value of the game-by-game recaps and statistics for readers. The tone was a little on the homer side, but your readers probably don’t care a bit.”
2, Baton Rouge Advocate. Special section for the regular season LSU vs. Bama game.
Comments: “Another great cover and solid inside layout. Great content as well -- I liked the tale of the tape (except for the fathead photos).
3, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Black and Gold extra.
Comments: “Good design, especially for a tab. Good headlines. Average content.”
Class II
1, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. New Orleans Bowl extra.
Comments: “The section is visually attractive and entertaining. It is full of user-friendly information such as the schedule of events, statistics and things to do in New Orleans. One thing the story of the previous season’s New Orleans Bowl victory told key point by key point through the eyes of the kicker and quarterback was a good concept. The other two feature stories are also well done and give the section help. Where were the rosters?”
2, Lafayette Daily Advertiser/Opelousas Daily World. 2012 Prep Preview.
3, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2012 Football preview.
SPORTS MAKEUP
Open Class
1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Comments: “The old, yet thoughtful, use of photographs made this entry the clear winner.”
2, Roy Lang, Shreveport Times.
3, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier.
OUTDOORS WRITING
Open Class
1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. Kevin VanDam struggles in search for Bassmaster three-peat.
Comments: “Good read. Easily best in class.”
2, Todd Masson, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Trout action has never been better.
3, Joe Macaluso, Baton Rouge Advocate. Effects on Hurricane Isaac on Louisiana outdoors.
PREP/AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHY
Open Class
1, David Normand, Livingston Parish News. Collision at home plate during Live Oak-Destrehan softball game.
Comments: “First and second place came from the same play at the plate during a prep softball game. First is slightly better than second because it was cropped for more impact and the moment is just a tad earlier than the other. Both are fine peak-action moments and it looks like the photographers were practically standing side-by-side at the game. Usually, you’ll find in a contest that in an either/or situation case with images from a game, the lesser is tossed out. Not so here because it’s still above the other entries.”
2, Heather McClelland, Baton Rouge Advocate. Collision at home plate during Live Oak-Destrehan softball game.
3, Brett Duke, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Destrehan-Ehret baseball game action.
COLLEGE/PRO PHOTOGRAPHY
Open Class
1, Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate. LSU’s Russell Shepard diving for pylon vs. Towson State.
Comments: “Another case in which there were two entries of the same play, this one during an LSU football game. But here, the first-place winner is far and above the other. Peak action, longer lens, cleaner background, key play.”
2, David Grunfeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Saints rookie cornerback Corey White gets interception against Falcons.
3, Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate. LSU outfielder Arby Fields’ slide upends Stony Brook second baseman.
WEBSITE GAMER
Open Class
1, Scott Rabalais, NCAA.com. NCAA women’s golf championships.
Comments: “Loved how the writer rolled out the story. Organized. I liked how the writer brought the ending back full circle. Good detail throughout. Like a lot of these things: Of all the stories, I enjoyed reading this one the most. It was less about the game and more about the individual.”
2, Dan McDonald, SportsNola.com. Account of 2012 New Orleans Bowl.
3. None awarded.
WEBSITE FEATURE
1, Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com. Featrue on 20th anniversary of U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials.
Comments: “Again, it was a story I couldn’t stop reading. It brought alive a historical window and made me realize how outlandish the idea was that New Orleans would get the bid. Good quotes: Loved the story about how they improvised with the shrimp.
2, Scott Rabalais, NCAA.com. War refugee finds comfort at Tulane.
3, Ken Trahan, SportsNola.com. Story on family ties in Rummel-Barbe state championship game.
WEBSITE COLUMN
1, Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com. Column on recent coaching suspensions and firings.
2, None awarded.
3, None awarded.
MAJOR AWARDS
PREP WRITER
Class I
1, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Comments: “This was a very solid, well-rounded entry with coverage of breaking news, an enterprising feature and a column. The writer showed good mastery of all three types of journalism. Clean writing, good structure on the longer stories and a clear voice in the column. Well done.”
2, Kelly Morris, Shreveport Times.
3, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II
1, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Comments: “Solid takeouts on the troubled lives of Jacoby Austin and T.J. Swain. These types of features are talkers in the community. Very good depth of knowledge on the baseball state championship column.”
2, Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
3, Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
Class I
1, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Comments: “A wonderful command of the language and unique insight into a topic of local significance (bounty scandals) put this entry over the top. The writer wasn’t afraid to use strong writing and knowledge to take what was surely an unpopular opinion.”
2, Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate.
3, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II
1, Scooter Hobbs, Lakes Charles American Press.
Comments: “Good voice, very conversational but also writes with authority. Nice variety in the entry, showing the columnist can write about a variety of topics. A gifted writer who is also in touch with the readers, as displayed by timely cultural references. A pleasure to read.”
2, John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
3, Jim Gazzolo, Lakes Charles American Press.
BEST SECTION
Class I
1, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Comments: “The top two finishers were both strong and worthy, but the T-P had an edge base on its grabby cover designs and its big-game coverage of the LSU-Bama BCS showdown. The staff covered every conceivable angle of the game with great deadline writing and tremendous photography choices. Also, loved the big, bold headline typography in all of the T-Ps sections, the overall clean presentation and the thorough, very well-written daily coverage of pro, college and prep sports.
2, Baton Rouge Advocate.
3, Shreveport Times.
Class II
1, Lake Charles American Press.
Comments: “The Press designs its sports coverage with strong visual appeal, effectively using big, impactful art and headlines. The staff did a great job pouring its resources into reporting on the shooting of the BCS “Rematch of the Century.” I liked the use of the notched-in logos, scores and game info and the well-packaged inside pages and thoughtful use of the art.”
2, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
3, Houma Daily Courier.
STORY OF THE YEAR
Jimmy Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
The Dangers of football.
Comments: “Perhaps fitting that the Louisiana story of the year was about the story of perhaps this decade in football -- the concern over severe head and spine injuries in the game. This multi-faceted story provided a comprehensive look at the issue from all angles and all levels of football -- from peewees to the pros.”
Additional comments: “All were worthy nominations and it was tough narrowing it down to the top three, much less the winner. I really liked the variety of stories on a variety of topics and sports. I’m a big believer in human interest, which I think is becoming more and more of a lost art in today’s sports world. Several of these were dripping with human interest value.”
SPORTS INFORMATION DIVISION
Best Fact Sheet
1, Matthew Bonnette, McNeese State. Football.
Comments: “Very readable depth charts with rosters updated in-season, readable with color and screens to break up numbers and copy, outstanding layout with detailed game summaries through 10 contests, additional Southland Conference information and standings, included nice touch with 2012 opponents' game-by-game stats, and good location of Quick Facts.
2, Michael Bonnette, LSU. Football.
3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Women’s basketball.
Best Release
1, Kent Lowe, LSU. Column on women’s basketball NCAA second-round win.
Comments: “Many great memories, Sue Gunter history, really nice descriptive adjectives and word pictures, nice “By the Numbers” notes, NCAA history and scene-setting, courage of remaining seven LSU players, stories of overcoming injuries and team adversity.
2, Kane McGuire, Louisiana Tech. Slade feature.
3, Jared Prescott, Loyola. Baseball feature.
Division I Media Guides
1, Michael Bonnette, LSU. Football.
Comments: “Another great and well-organized volume that utilizes all 208 pages, color is sharp on all inside/outside covers, great emphasis on tradition with underlines and quick facts, photos are in good register and eye-appealing, historical action adds many touch touches.”
2. Kent Lowe, LSU. Men’s basketball.
3, Patrick Walsh, Louisiana Tech. Football.
Division II Media Guides
1, Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. Men’s basketball.
Comments: “Striking cover with excellent color, classy photos with basketball history, coaches families, etc., nice opponents' section with ample facts in small space.”
2, Matthew Bonnette, McNeese State. Football.
3, None awarded.
Division III Media Guides
1, Bill Martin, LSU. Women’s basketball.
Comments: “Good use of photojournalism and accentuating LSU’s national success in recent years, very well-placed box scores in review and easy-to-read previews, bios.”
2, Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Women’s basketball.
3, Matthew Fowler, Northwestern State. Women’s basketball.
Division IV Media Guides
1, Patrick Walsh, Louisiana Tech. Track and field.
Comments: “Clean and sharp layout and graphics. Good use of records. ... Great cutout pictures of the athletes.”
2, Damon Sunde, Southeastern. Volleyball.
3. Hunter Bower, McNeese State. Women’s tennis.
College Radio Play-by-Play
1, Dave Nitz, Louisiana Tech. Tech vs. Texas A&M football.
Comments: “How could you not submit the finish of the A&M-Tech game? Big Game. Big Moment. Nitz ramps up to game intensity.”
2, Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Women’s basketball.
3, Mike Wagenheim, Nicholls State. Men’s basketball.
2011 LSWA Contest Results
Sunday, June 24, 2012 --Natchitoches, La.
WRITING AND MAKEUP
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Jimmy Smith, NewOrleans Times-Picayune. 2, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. 3, Bob Fortus,New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II: 1, Dan McDonald,Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier. 3, ChrisSingleton, Houma Daily Courier.
College Event
Class I: 1. Ted Lewis, NewOrleans Times-Picayune. 2, Scott Hotard, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Jason Pugh,Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, Dan McDonald,Lafayette Independent. 2, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. 3, KevinFoote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Prep Event
Class I: 1, Kelly Morris,Shreveport Times. 2, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 3, Scott Hotard, BatonRouge Advocate.
Class II: 1, Kevin Foote,Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 3,Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Pro Columns
Class I: Teddy Allen,Shreveport Times. 2, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Glenn Guilbeau,Gannett Louisiana.
Class II: 1, Scooter Hobbs,Lake Charles American Press. 2, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3,Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier.
College Columns
Class I: 1, Glenn Guilbeau,Gannett Louisiana. 2, John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, ScottFerrell, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald,Sun Belt Conference. 2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3, BretMcCormick, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Scott Ferrell,Shreveport Times. 2, John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, TeddyAllen, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, Bob Tompkins,Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Joshua Parrott, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3,Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel.
Pro Features
Class I: 1, Jeff Duncan, NewOrleans Times-Picayune. 2, Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, JamesVarney, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II: 1 Joshua Parrott,Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier. 3, TeddyRenois, Houma Daily Courier.
College Features
Class I: 1, Roy Lang III,Shreveport Times. 2, Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, JimmyWatson, Shreveport Times.
Class II: Dan McDonald,Lafayette Independent. 2, Ben Love, Tiger Rag. 3, Bob Tompkins, AlexandriaDaily Town Talk.
Prep Features
Class I: 1, Jason Pugh,Shreveport Times. 2, Mike Strom, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Trey Iles, NewOrleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention: Kelly Morris, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, Bruce Brown,Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Joshua Parrott, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3,Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Honorable Mention: Richard Fischer,Tiger Rag; Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel.
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Open Class: 1, Bob Tompkins,Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 3,Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Amateur Sports,Feature/Column
Class I: 1, Teddy Allen,Shreveport Times. 2, Chris Scarnati, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, ScottHotard, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II: 1, O.K. “Buddy”Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 2, Kelly McElroy, Houma Daily Courier. 3, DanMcDonald, Lafayette Independent.
Spot News
Class I: Scott Hotard, BatonRouge Advocate. 2, Kelly Morris, Shreveport Times. 3, Perryn Keys, Baton RougeAdvocate.
Class II: 1, Scooter Hobbs,Lake Charles American Press. 2, Tim Buckley, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3,Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Series
Open Class: 1, Jimmy Smith,Nakia Hogan, Mike Triplett and James Varney, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2,Nakia Hogan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Ted Lewis, New OrleansTimes-Picayune.
Headlines
Open Class: 1, Brent St.Germain, Houma Daily Courier. 2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3,Jim Rapier, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Special Sections
Class I: 1, New OrleansTimes-Picayune. 2, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II: 1, Lafayette DailyAdvertiser. 2, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Sports Makeup
Open Class
1. Beth McCoy, New OrleansTimes-Picayune. 2, Adrianna Garcia, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, StephenBarroquere, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1, Brent St.Germain, Houma Daily Courier. 2, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.3, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times.
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1, DavidGrunfeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Rusty Costanza, New OrleansTimes-Picayune. 3, Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention: MichaelDeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1, ScottThrelkeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Michael DeMocker, New OrleansTimes-Picayune. 3, Adam Lau, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Website Gamer
Open Class: 1, WilliamWeathers, TigerBait.com. 2, Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com. 3, BrianAllee-Walsh, SportsNola.com.
Website Column
Open Class: 1, Les East,SportsNola.com. 2, Ken Trahan, SportsNola.com. 3, Brian Allee-Walsh,SportsNola.com.
Website Feature
Open Class: 1, Ken Trahan,SportsNola.com. 2, Lenny Vangilder, SportsNola.com. 3, William Weathers,TigerBait.com.
MAJOR AWARDS
Best Section
Class I: 1, New OrleansTimes-Picayune. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, Lafayette DailyAdvertiser. 2, Lake Charles American Press. 3, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1, Robin Fambrough,Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Mike Strom, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3. KellyMorris, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, Kevin Foote,Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Brent St. Germain, Houma Daily Courier. 3, ChrisSingleton, Houma Daily Courier.
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1, Teddy Allen,Shreveport Times. 2, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. 3, Jimmy Watson,Shreveport Times. Honorable Mention: Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1, O.K. “Buddy”Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 2, Jim Gazzola, Lake Charles American Press. 3.Teddy Renois, Houma Daily Courier.
Story of the Year
Roy Lang III, ShreveportTimes
Alabamans look to football ashope in tornado recovery
Sportswriter of the Year
Awarded to the writer whoaccumulates the most points (points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis for first throughthird place) in 14 regular writing categories:
Dan McDonald McD Media
Newspaper Sweepstakes
(points awarded on a 3-2-1basis except for Story of the Year; first-place awards in parentheses)
Class I: 1, New OrleansTimes-Picayune (9), 57 points. 2, Shreveport Times (7), 33. 3, Baton RougeAdvocate (2), 18. 4, Gannett Louisiana (1), 8.
Class II: 1, Lafayette DailyAdvertiser (7), 33 points. 2, Houma Daily Courier (2), 20. 3, Alexandria DailyTown Talk (2), 18. 4, Lake Charles American Press (2), 13. 5, Ruston DailyLeader (2), 8. 6, Lafayette Independent (2), 7. 7, Tiger Rag, 2. 8, ConcordiaSentinel, 1.
SPORTS INFORMATION
Best Fact Sheet: 1, PatrickT. Walsh, Louisiana Tech. 2, Michael Bonnette, LSU. 3, Louis Bonnette, McNeeseState.
Best Release: 1, Teddy Allen,Louisiana Tech University Relations. 2, Louis Bonnette, McNeese State. 3, DougIreland, Northwestern State.
Division I Media Guides: 1,Michael Bonnette, LSU. 2, Kent Lowe, LSU. 3, Philip Pongratz, Louisiana Tech.
Division II Media Guides: 1,Will Tubbs, Louisiana College. 2, Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. 3, LouisBonnette, McNeese State.
Division III-IV Media Guides:1, Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. 2, Bill Martin, LSU. 3, Louis Bonnette,McNeese State.
Division V Media Guides: 1,Kent Lowe, LSU. 2, Patrick T. Walsh, Louisiana Tech. 3, Louis Bonnette, McNeeseState.
2011 LSWA contest prep, awards, results
Glenn Quebedeaux,Sheldon Mickles, Dan McDonald, Philip Timothy, Kent Lowe
2010 LSWA Contest Results
WRITING AND MAKEUP
Pro Event
Class I -- 1, Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune. (No third place awarded).
Class II -- 1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
College Event
Class I -- 1, Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Les East, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Jason Pugh, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Josh Parrott, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Prep Event
Class I -- 1, Mike Strom, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3, tie, Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk, and O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader.
Pro Columns
Class I -- 1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 2, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. 3, Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times. Honorable Mention -- Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II -- 1, Michael Doyle, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Honorable Mention -- Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press.
College Columns
Class I -- Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. 3, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. Honorable Mention -- Scott Hotard, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II -- Randy Benson, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Josh Parrott, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press. Honorable Mention -- Teddy Renois, Houma Courier.
Prep Columns
Class I -- 1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 2, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Scott Hotard, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II -- 1, John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 3, Kelly McElroy, Houma Courier.
Pro Features
Class I -- 1, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. 2, James Varney, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times. Honorable Mention -- Jason Pugh, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Brent St. Germain, Houma Courrier. Honorable Mention: Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
College Features
Class I -- 1, Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II -- 1, Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Randy Benson, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3, Josh Parrott, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Prep Features
Class I -- 1, Scott Hotard, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Mike Strom, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Kelly Morris, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Kelly McElroy, Houma Courier. 3, Teddy Renois, Houma Courier.
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Open Class -- 1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel. 3, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. Honorable Mention: O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader.
Amateur Sports, Feature/Column
Class I -- 1, Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Kelly Morris, Shreveport Times. 3, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 2, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press.
Spot News
Class I -- 1, Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Ted Lewis, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II -- 1, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader. 2, Brent St. Germain, Houma Courier. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Series
Open Class -- 1, Jimmy Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. Honorable Mention: Chris Singleton, Houma Courier.
Headline
Open Class -- 1, Alex Songe, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Alex Songe, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Special Sections
Class I -- 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II -- 1, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Sports Makeup
Open Class -- 1, Beth McCoy, New Orleans Times-Picayune. (No second or third places awarded).
Outdoors Writing
Open Class -- 1, Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Joe Macaluso, Baton Rouge Advocate. (No third place awarded).
Pro/College Photography
Open Class -- 1, Susan Poag, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Michael DeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class -- 1, Rusty Costanza, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Liz Condo, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Website Event
Open Class -- 1, Brian Allee-Walsh, NewOrleans.com. 2, Dan McDonald, NewOrleans.com. 3, Les East, NewOrleans.com.
Website Features
Open Class -- 1, Brian Allee-Walsh, NewOrleans.com. 2, Les East, NewOrleans.com. 3, Dan McDonald, NewOrleans.com.
Website Columns
Open Class -- 1, Les East, NewOrleans.com. 2, Ken Trahan, NewOrleans.com. 3, Dan McDonald, NewOrleans.com.
MAJOR AWARDS
Best Section
Class I -- 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I -- 1, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Jason Pugh, Shreveport Times. 3, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II -- 1, Kelly McElroy, Houma Courier. 2, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Honorable Mention -- Matt LeBlanc, Houma Courier
Columnist of the Year
Class I -- 1, Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention -- Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II -- 1, John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Leader. 3, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. Honorable Mention -- Alex Hickey, Lake Charles American Press.
Story of the Year
Scott Hotard, Baton Rouge Advocate
Story on recruitment of Thibodaux High’s Trovon Reed
Sportswriter of the Year
Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Newspaper Sweepstakes
(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis except for Story of the Year; first-place awards in parentheses)
Class I -- 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune (11), 50 points. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate (7), 44. 3, Shreveport Times (3), 24. 4, Gannett Louisiana, 3.
Class II -- 1, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (3), 29 points. 2, Alexandria Daily Town Talk (6), 27 1/2. 3, Houma Courier (1), 15. 4, Lake Charles American Press (4), 14. 5, Ruston Daily Leader (2), 8 1/2. 6, Concordia Sentinel, 2.
Individual Sweepstakes
(points awarded on a 3-2-1 basis except for Story of the Year; first-place awards in parentheses)
Open Class (top five) -- 1, tie, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press (3), and Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times (2), 10 points. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (1), 9. 4, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily leader (2), 8 1/2. 5, tie, Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune (2); Perryn Keys, Baton Rouge Advocate (2); Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (2); and Dan McDonald, McD Media, 8.
SPORTS INFORMATION
Best Fact Sheet
1, Michael Bonnette, LSU. 2, Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. 3, Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech.
Best Release
1, Kent Lowe, LSU. 2, Steven Schoon, Louisiana Tech. 3, Ed Cassiere, Xavier-New Orleans.
Division I Media Guides
1, Michael Bonnette, LSU. 2, Kent Lowe, LSU. 3, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. Honorable Mention -- Patrick Walsh, Louisiana Tech.
Division II Media Guides
1, Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. 2, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. 3, Louis Bonnette, McNeese State.
Division III-IV Media Guides
1, Bill Martin, LSU. 2, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. 3, Brett Simpson, Loyola.
Division V Media Guides
1, Steven Schoon, Louisiana Tech. 2, Kent Lowe, LSU. 3, Matt Dunaway, LSU.
2009 LSWA Contest Results
Writing Division
Pro Event
Class II. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 2. Scooter
College Event
Class II. 1. Alex Hickey,
Prep Event
Class II. 1. Buddy Davis,
Pro Columns
Class II. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 2. Brady Aymond,
College Columns
Class II. 1. Scooter
Prep Columns
Class II. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 2. Scooter
Pro Features
Class II. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 2. Buddy Davis,
College Features
Class II. 1. Keith Prince,
Prep Features
Class II. 1. Kevin Foote,
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Class II. 1. Kevin Foote,
Amateur Sports, Feature/Column
Class II. 1. Kevin Foote,
Spot News
Class I, 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett
Class II. 1. Chris Singleton,
Series
Class II. 1. Marty Mule, Tiger Rag; 2. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 3. Josh Parrott,
Headlines
Class II. 1. Bob Tompkins,
Special Section
Class II. 1.
Sports Makeup
Class II. 1. Brent St. Germain,
Outdoors Writing
Open Class. 1.
Pro/College Photography
Open Class. 1. Mark Saltz,
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class. 1. Travis Spradling,
Online Event
Open Class. 1. Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans.com; 2. William Weathers, Tigerbait.com; 3. Dan McDonald, McD Media.
Online Column
Open Class. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media; 2. Les East, New Orleans.com. No third place awarded.
Best Section
Class II. 1.
Prep Writer of the Year
Class II. 1. Kevin Foote,
Columnist of the Year
Class II. 1. Scooter
Story Of The Year
Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune, for a story on NFL referees.
Sportswriter Of The Year
Dan McDonald, McD Media, 17 points (four firsts, two seconds, one third)
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class II. 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser (6), 28 pointsp; 2.
Individual Sweepstakes
Top five
Class II. 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media (4), 17 points; 2. Kevin Foote,
Sports Information Division
Best Fact Sheet.
1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Malcolm Butler,
Best Release.
1. Brandon Rizzuto,
Division I Media Guides.
1. Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; honorable mention, Steven Schoon, Louisiana Tech.
Division II Media Guides.
1. Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese Statep; 3. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State.
Division III Media Guides.
1. Matt Dunaway, LSU; 2. Bill Martin, LSU; 3. Malcolm
Division IV Media Guides.
1. Brandon Rizzuto,
Division V Media Guides.
1. Jesse Delerno, LSU; 2. Patrick Walsh,
2008 LSWA CONTEST RESULTS
Pro event
Class I: 1. Sheldon Mickles,
Class II: 1. Scooter
College event
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett
Class II: 1. Scooter
2. O.K. "Buddy" Davis,
Prep event
Class I: 1. Sheldon Mickles,
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, McD Media. 2. Matt LeBlanc,
Pro column
Class I: 1. Jeff Duncan,
Class II: 1. Matt LeBlanc,
College column
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III,
Class II: 1. Scooter
2. Jeff Matthews,
Prep column
Class I: 1. Jimmy Watson,
Class II: 1. Bret McCormick,
Pro feature
Class I: 1. Bob Fortus,
Class II. 1. Bob Tompkins,
College feature
Class I: 1. Jimmy Watson,
Class II: 1. Scooter
2. Marty Mule', Tiger Rag. 3. Kevin Foote,
Prep feature
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez,
Class II: 1. Brady Aymond,
Amateur sports, spot news
Open class: 1. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lakes Charles American Press. 3. O.K. "Buddy" Davis. Ruston Daily Leader. Honorable Mention: Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Amateur sports, feature/column
Class I: 1. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Nakia Hogan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3. Les East, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention: Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II: 1. O.K. "Buddy" Davis. Ruston Daily Leader. 2. Dan McDonald, McD Media. 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Spot news
Class I: 1. Robin Fambrough and Jared Janes, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2. Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. Bassmaster Classic coming to Shreveport.
Class II: 1. Joshua Parrot, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3. Bret McCormick, Alexandria Town-Talk.
Series/enterprise
Open class: 1. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 2. Bob Heist, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3. Dan McDonald, McD Media. Honorable Mention:
Headlines
Class I: 1. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Rob DeArmond, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II: 1. Michael Doyle, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 2. Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Special sections
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3. Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II: 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2. Alexandria Daily Town Talk. 3. Houma Courier.
Sports makeup
Class I: 1. Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2. Dominic Baudoin, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Jessica Waldon, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1. Brent St. Germain, Houma Courier. 2. Bob Heist, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3. Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Outdoors writing
Open class: 1. Joe Macaluso, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. 3.
College/pro photography
Open class: 1. Eliot Kamenitz, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Chuck Cook, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention: Michael DeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Prep/amateur photography
Open class: 1. Scott Threlkeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Karen Wink, Lake Charles American Press. Lake Charles American Press. -
Best section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2. Lake Charles American Press 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Prep writer of the year
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
Class II: 1. Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 2. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3. Brent St. Germain, Houma Courier.
Columnist of the year
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 2. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Town Talk. 2. Bob Heist, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3. O.K. "Buddy" Davis, Ruston Daily Leader.
Story of the year
Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Sportswriter of the year
Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Newspaper sweepstakes
Class I: 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune (11), 49 points. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate (5), 45. 3, Shreveport Times (4), 23. 4, Gannett Louisiana (1), 5.
Class II: 1, tie, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (4), and Alexandria Daily Town Talk (4), 28 points. 3, Lake Charles American Press
(4), 21. 4, Houma Courier (3), 13. 5. tie, Ruston Daily Leader (1), and McD Media (1), 7. 7, Thibodaux Daily Comet (1), 6. 8, Tiger Rag, 2.
Individual sweepstakes
Class I: (top five)
1, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune (3), 11 points.
2, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times (2), 10.
3, tie, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate (1), and Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times (2), 9.
5, Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate (2), 6.
Class II: (top five) 1. Scooter Hobbs (4), 15 points.
2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk (1), 9.
3, tie, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier (2); O.K. "Buddy" Davis (1), Ruston Daily Leader; Dan McDonald, McD Media (1); and Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser, 7.
Sports information
Best fact sheet:
1. Michael Bonnette, LSU. 2. Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. 3. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State. Honorable Mention: Kent Lowe, LSU.
Best release
: 1. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. 2. Bill Martin, LSU. 3. Jeff Hendrix, UL-Monroe. Honorable Mention: Will Stafford, LSU.
Division I media guide: 1. Kent Lowe, LSU. 2. Michael Bonnette, LSU. 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. Honorable Mention: Adam Prendergast, UL-Monroe.
Division II media guide: 1. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. 2. Brandon Rizzuto, Nicholls State. 3. Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. Honorable Mention: Louis Bonnette, McNeese State.
Division III media guide: 1. Bill Martin, LSU. 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech. 3. Adam Pendergast, UL-Monroe.
Division V media guide: 1. Will Stafford, LSU. 2. Kent Lowe, LSU. 3. Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State.
2007 LSWA Contest Results
Pro Event
CLASS I: 1, Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Les East, Baton Rouge Advocate.
CLASS II: 1, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk. 3, Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press.
College Event
CLASS I: 1, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. 2, Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II: 1, Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, T. Scott Boatright, Monroe News-Star. Honorable Mention, O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader.
Prep Event
CLASS I: 1, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II: 1, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Philip Timothy, Alexandria Town Talk. 3, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk. Honorable Mention, Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star.
Pro Column
CLASS I: 1, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II: 1, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 2, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. 3, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk. Honorable Mention, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
College Column
CLASS I: 1, Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana.
CLASS II: 1, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk. 2, Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press. 3, Marty Mule’, Tiger Rag.
Prep Column
CLASS I: 1, John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate.
CLASS II: 1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Teddy Renois, Thibodaux Comet. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Honorable Mention, Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star.
Pro Feature
CLASS I: 1, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II: 1, Brent St. Germain, Houma Courier. 2, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. 3, None awarded.
College Feature
CLASS I: 1, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
CLASS II: 1, Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Town Talk. 2, Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Honorable Mention, Randy Benson, Alexandria Town Talk.
Prep Feature
CLASS I: 1, William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Joel Anderson, Shreveport Times. Honorable Mention,
CLASS II: 1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk. 3, Teddy Renois, Thibodaux Daily Comet. Honorable Mention, Philip Timothy, Alexandria Town Talk.
Amateur Sports, Spot News
OPEN DIVISION: 1, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 2, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Matt LeBlanc, Houma Courier.
Amateur Sports, Feature/Column
CLASS I: 1, Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times. 3, Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
CLASS II: 1, Chris Scarnati, Tri-Parish Times. 2, Bob Heist, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Spot News
CLASS I: 1, Joseph Schiefelbein, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate staff. 3, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention, Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
CLASS II: 1, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. 2, Chris Singleton, Houma Courier. 3, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. Honorable Mention, Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press.
Series/Enterprise
CLASS I: 1, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2,
CLASS II: 1, Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. 3, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. Honorable Mention, Marty Mule’, Tiger Rag.
Headlines
CLASS I: 1, Rob DeArmond, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention, Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
CLASS II: 1, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. 2, Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press. 3, tie, Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press and Randy Partsch, Alexandria Town Talk.
Special Sections
CLASS I: 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate. 3, Baton Rouge Advocate.
CLASS II: 1, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Alexandria Town Talk. 3, Monroe News-Star.
Sports Makeup
CLASS I: 1, Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Jason Pugh, Shreveport Times. 3, Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate.
CLASS II: 1, Brent St. Germaine, Houma Courier. 2, Raymond Partsch III. Alexandria Town Talk. 3, Michael Doyle, Alexandria Town Talk.
Outdoors Writing
OPEN CLASS: 1, Philip Timothy, Alexandria Town Talk. 2, Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk.
College/Pro Photography
OPEN CLASS: 1, Chuck Cook, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Michael DeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate. Honorable Mention, Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate.
Prep/Amateur Photography
OPEN CLASS: 1, Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Brad Puckett, Lake Charles American Press. 3, Scott Threlkeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, John McCusker, New Orleans Times-Picayune.
Best Section
CLASS I: 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 2, Shreveport Times. 3, Baton Rouge Advocate.
CLASS II: 1, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Lake Charles American Press. 3, Monroe News-Star. Honorable Mention, Alexandria Town Talk.
Prep Writer Of The Year
CLASS I: 1, Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate. 2, Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times. 3, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times Picayune.
CLASS II: 1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press. 3, Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star. Honorable Mention, Kelly McElroy, Houma Courier.
COLUMNIST OF THE YEAR
CLASS I: 1, Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana. 2, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune. 3, Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable Mention, Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times.
CLASS II: 1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser. 2, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star. 3, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press. Honorable Mention, Bob Heist, Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Story Of The Year
Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Enterprise piece on the 1967 Saints: Where are they now (40 years later)?
Co-Sportswriter Of The Year
Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk, and Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser, 10 points.
Newspaper Sweepstakes
CLASS I: 1, New Orleans Times-Picayune (9), 55 points. 2, Baton Rouge Advocate (9), 47. 3, Shreveport Times (1), 14. 4, Gannett Louisiana (2), 7.
CLASS II: 1, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (9), 38 points. 2, Alexandria Town Talk (3), 23. 3, Lake Charles American Press (2), 20. 4, Monroe News-Star (1), 16. 5, Houma Courier (3), 12. 6, tie, Tri-Parish Times (1) and Thibodaux Daily Comet, 3. 7, Tiger Rag, 1.
Individual Sweepstakes
CLASS I: (top five)
1, tie, Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune (2), and Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune (1), 10 points. 3, tie, Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate (2); Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett Louisiana (2); Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate (1); and William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate (1), 7.
CLASS II: (top five)
1, Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (3), 14 points. 2, Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star (1), 11. 3, tie, Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Town Talk (1), and Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser (2), 10. 5, Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press (2), 8.
Sports Information Division
Best Fact Sheet: 1, Chris Yandle, Louisiana-Lafayette. 2, Michael Bonnette, LSU. 3, Doug Ireland, Northwestern State. Honorable Mention, Louis Bonnette, McNeese State.
Best Release: 1, Alex Restrepo, LSU. 2, Brandon Rizzuto, Nicholls State. 3, Louis Bonnette, McNeese State.
Division I Media Guide: 1, Michael Bonnette, LSU. 2, Kent Lowe, LSU. 3, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. Honorable Mention, Chris Yandle, Louisiana-Lafayette.
Division Ii Media Guide: 1, Matt Sullivan, Southeastern Louisiana. 2, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State. 3, Brandon Rizzuto, Nicholls State.
Division Iii Media Guide: 1, Bill Franques, LSU. 2, Brian Miller, LSU. 3, tie, Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech, and Melissa Foley, LSU.
Division Iv Media Guide: 1, Brandon Rizutto, Nicholls State. 2, Adam Johnson, Northwestern State. 3, Matthew Bonnette, Northwestern State.
Division V Media Guide: 1, Melissa Foley, LSU. 2, Alex Restrepo, LSU. 3, Jake Terry, LSU.
2006 LSWA CONTEST RESULTS
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bob Fortus, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Roy Lang III, The Shreveport Times. Honorable mention: Sheldon Mickles, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American press; 2. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
College Event
Class I: 1. Randy Rosetta, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2.
Class II:1. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 2. Jeff Matthews, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; Honorable mention: Nick Deriso, The Monroe News Star
Prep Event
Class I: Roy Lang III, The Shreveport Times; 2. Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. William Weathers, The Baton Rouge Advocate.
Class II: 1. Michael Kern, The Monroe News-Star; 2. Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; Honorable mention: O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
Pro Column
Class I: Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News Service; 2. Benjamin Hochman, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. (tie) Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate and Roy Lang, III, The Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Raymond Legendre, The Thibodaux Daily Comet; 3. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Nick Deriso, The Monroe News Star.
College Column
Class I: Carl Dubois, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News Service; Honorable mention: Randy Rosetta, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Prep Column
Class I: 1.
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; Honorable mention: Teddy Renois, The Thibodaux Daily Comet
Pro Feature
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Sheldon Mickles, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3.
Class II: 1. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 3. Paul Letlow, The Monroe News-Star
College Feature
Class I: Brian Vermellis, The Shreveport Times; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News Service; 3. Billy Turner, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Brian McCallum, The Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Raymond Legendre, The Thibodaux Daily Comet; 3. Raymond Partsch III, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: O.K “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
Prep Feature
Class 1: 1. Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Billy Turner, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Jim Derry, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Roy Lang III, The Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Marty Mule, Tiger Rag; 2. Michael Kern, The Monroe News-Star; 3. Nick Deriso, The Monroe News-Star; Honorable mention: Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk.
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Class I: 1. Jimmy Watson, The Shreveport Times; 2. Bob Fortus, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Roy Lang III, The Shreveport Times
Class II: Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Bruce Brown, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Amateur Sports, Feature Column
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Robin Fambrough, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jimmy Watson, The Shreveport Times; Honorable mention: Jason Pugh, The Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Keith Prince, The Monroe News-Star; 3. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Spot News
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois and Penny Brown, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Sheldon Mickles, The Baton Rouge Advocate; Honorable mention: Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Raymond Legendre, The Thibodaux Daily Comet; 3. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; Honorable mention: Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Series/Enterprise
Class I: Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Brian McCallum, The Shreveport Times; 3. Scott Ferrell, The Shreveport Times; Honorable mention: Jim Derry, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow, Michael Kern, Keith prince and Scott Beder, The Monroe News-Star; 2. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Raymond Partsch III, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Headlines
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Matt Samuels, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Phil Wehrle, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Jason Russell, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Kris Hasse, The Monroe News-Star; 2. Brandon Shoumaker, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Raymond Partsch III, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Paul Letlow, The Monroe News-Star
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Anne Welbe King, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Matt Randolph, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jason Pugh, The Shreveport Times; Honorable mention: Beth McCoy, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Kriss Hasse, The Monroe News-Star; 3. Raymond Partsch III, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Special Sections
Open Class: 1. The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Joe Macaluso, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Russell Hedges, The Sheverport Times; 3. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 4. Honorable mention:
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1. Travis Spradling, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Bill Feig, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Tom Morris, Ruston Daily Leader
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1. Travis Spradling, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Bill Feig, The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Heather McClelland, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Best Section
Class I: The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. The Baton Rouge Advocate; No third place award
Class II: 1. Lake Charles American Press; 2. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; No third place award
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Billy Turner, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Lori Lyons, The New Orleans Times-Picayune. Honorable mention: Robin Fambrough, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Raymond Legendre, The Thibodaux Daily Comet; 3. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American press; Honorable Mention: Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser.
Columnist of the Year
Class I: Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2.
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American press; 2. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Marty Mule, Tiger Rag; Honorable mention: Teddy Renois, The Thibodaux Daily Comet
Story of the Year
Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune
Honorable mention: Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sportswriter of the Year
Bob Thompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. The Shreveport Times; 4. Gannett News Service
Class II: 1. The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. (tie) Lake Charles American Press and the Lafayette Daily Advertiser: 4. The Monroe News Star; 5. The Thibodaux Daily Comet; 6. The Ruston Daily Leader; 7. Tiger Rag
Individual Sweepstakes
Class I: Tammy Nunez, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. (tie) Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate and Benjamin Hochman, The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 4. Carl Dubois, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Bob Tompkins, The Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. (tie) Dan McDonald, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser, and Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 4. Kevin Foote, The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 5. Raymond Legendre, The Thibodaux Daily Comet
Sports Information
Best release: 1. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State University; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State University; 3. Kent Lowe, Louisiana State University; Honorable mention: Michael Bonnette, Louisiana State University, Kyle Roberts, Louisiana Tech University.
Media Guide
Division I: Kent Lowe, Louisiana State University; 2. Judy Willson, University of Louisiana-Monroe; Michael Bonnette, Louisiana State University
Division II: 1. Brian Miller, Louisiana State University; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech University; 3. Judy Willson, University of Louisiana-Monroe; Honorable mention: Brandon Rizzuto, Nicholls State University
Fact Sheet
Division I: 1. Michael Bonnette, Louisiana State University; 2. Kyle Roberts, Louisiana Tech University; 3. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State University; Honorable mentions: Louis Bonnette, McNeese State University and Judy Willson, University of Louisiana-Monroe
Division II: 1. Judy Willson, University of Louisiana-Monroe; 2. Brian Miller, Louisiana State University; 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech University
2005 LSWA Contest Results
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times; 3. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel; 3. None selected
College Event
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate; Honorable mention: Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News.
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; Honorable mention: Paul Letlow, Monroe News Star
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Pierce Huff, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 2. Michael Kern, Monroe News-Star; 3. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Pro Column
Class I: 1. John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
College Column
Class I: Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Ted Lewis, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Randy Rosetta, Baton Rouge Advocate; Honorable mention: Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Pressl 2. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; Honorable mention: Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star
Prep Column
Class I: 1. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News; 3. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate; Honorable Mention: Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; Honorable mention: Michael Kern, Monroe News-Star
Pro Feature
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Kalec, The Times Picayune; 3. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
College Feature
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times; 2. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Glenn Guilbeau, Gannett News
Class II: 1. Bob Tomkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press
Prep Feature
Class I: 1. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; Honorable mention: Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Open Class: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Amateur Sports, Feature/Column
Class I: 1. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times; 3. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Joey Martin, Concordia Sentinel; 3. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Spot News
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Nick Deriso. Monroe News-Star; 2.Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times; 2. Pierce Huff and Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Brian Vernellis, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press
Headlines
Class I: 1. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Raymond Partsch III, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Raymond Partsch III, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Honorable mention: Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Pedro Pizarro, Shreveport Times; 2. Matt Samuels, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Raymond Partsch III, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Kris Hasse, Monroe News-Star; 3. Jessica Waldon, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Special Sections
Open Class: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk 2005 football preview; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate football 2005; 3. Baton Rouge Advocate Outdoors Louisiana 2005
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Russell Hedges, Shreveport Times; 3. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1. Alex Brandon, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Sean Gardner, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class
1. Ted Jackson, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Sean Gardner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Rusty Costanza, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Best Section
Class I: 1. The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. The Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. The Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. The Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. The Monroe News-Star; 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Brian McCallum, Sheveport Times; 2. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Honorable mention: Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Scott Rabalais, The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Story of the Year
Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Sports writer of the Year
Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. The New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Monroe News Star; 4. Lake Charles American Press; 5. Concordia Sentinel; 6. Ruston Daily Leader
Individual Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times; 3. (tie) Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate and Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 4. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 5. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star
Sports Information
Best Release
1. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State; 3. Michael Bonnette, LSU
Media Guide
Div. I: 1. Kent Lowe, LSU men’s basketball ; 2. Bill Franques, LSU baseball; 3. Michael Bonnette, LSU football
Div. II: 1. Brian Miller, LSU women’s basketball; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball; 3. Rob Broussard, Sun Belt Conference women’s basketball
Fact Sheet
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU football; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State basketball; 3. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State football.
Div. II: 1. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech women’s basketball; 2. Brian Miller, LSU women’s basketball; 3. Judy Willson, UL-Monroe women’s basketball
2004 LSWA Contest Results
Pro Event
Class I: 1. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
College Event
Class I: 1. Ted Lewis, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 2. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times’ 2. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Brian Gilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Michael Kern, Monroe News-Star
Pro Columns
Class I: 1. John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times; 3. Glenn Guilbeau, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 3. Teddy Renois, Thibodaux Daily Comet
College Columns
Class I: 1. Ted Lewis, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Nick Deriso, Monroe News Star; 3. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Pro Features
Class I: 1. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Brian Vermellis, Shreveport Times; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Chris Thompson, Thibodaux Daily Comet
College Features
Class I: 1. Benjamin Hochman, Times-Picayune; 2. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times; 3. William Kalec, Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Features
Class I: 1. Pierce Huff, Times-Picayune; 2. Lori Lyons, Times-Picayune; 3. Benjamin Hochman, Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Eric Narcisse, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press
Amateur Spot News
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times; 2. Billy Turner, Times-Picayune; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk; 3. Keith Prince, Monroe News-Star
Amateur Sport Feature/Column
Class I; 1. William Kalec, Times-Picayune; 2. Andrew Canulette, Times-Picayune; 3. Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press
Spot News
Class I: 1. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times; 3. William Kalec, Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, Times-Picayune; 2. Benjamin Hochman, Times-Picayune; 3. Glenn Guilbeau, John Hill and Mike Hasten, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow and Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Town Talk
Headlines
Class I: 1. Phil Wehrle, Times-Picayune; 2. Dominic Baudoin, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 2. Kris Hasse, Monroe News-Star; 3. Brent St. Germain, Thibodaux Daily Comet
Special Sections
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. The Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. (tie) Monroe News Star and Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Dominic Baudoin, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: Kris Hasse, Monroe News-Star; 2. Mike Kiral, Ascension Citizen; 3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Joe Macaluso, Baton Rouge Advocate
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1. Michael DeMocker, Times-Picayune; 2. Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Alex Brandon, Times-Picayune
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1. Sean Gardner, Times-Picayune; 2. Matt Rose, Times-Picayune; 3. Jim Hudelson, Shreveport Times
Best Section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Lake Charles American Press; 2. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Monroe News-Star
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Billy Turner, Times-Picayune; 2. Tammy Nunez, Times-Picayune; 3. Marty Mule, Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Brent St. Germain, Thibodaux Daily Comet; 2. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Teddy Renois, Thibodaux Daily Comet
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser
Story of the Year
Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sports writer of the Year
Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Monroe News-Star; 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Lake Charles American Press; 5. Thibodaux Daily Comet; 6. (tie) Ruston Daily Leader and Ascension Citizen
Sports Information
Best Release
1. T. Scott Boatright, Louisiana Tech; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 3. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State
Fact Sheet
Div. I: 1. Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Michael Bonnette, LSU
Div. II: 1. Brian Miller, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Michael Bonnette, LSU
Media Guide
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Kent Lowe, LSU; 3. T. Scott Boatright, Louisiana Tech
Div. II: 1. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 2. Brian Miller, LSU; 3. Kent Lowe, LSU
2003 LSWA Contest Results
Writing Contest
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
College Event
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Joseph Schiefelbein, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Russell Hedges, Shreveport Times; 2. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Pro Columns
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 3. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
College Columns
Class I: 1. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times; 2. Ted Lewis, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jim Rapier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
Pro Features
Class I: 1. Brian Vernellis, Shreveport Times; 2. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3.Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 3. Ronnie Virgets, Gambit
College Features
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Dave Lagarde, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Prep Features
Class I: 1. Jim Rapier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Brenda Young, Monroe News-Star; 2. Brent St. Germain, Thibodaux Comet; 3. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star
Amateur Sports, Spot News
Open Class: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Amateur Sports, Feature-Column
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Philip Timothy, Louisiana Hunting & Fishing
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Spot News
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow-Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Mike Triplett, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Bob Fortus, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Beder-Nick Deriso, Monroe News Star; 2. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Headlines
Class I: 1. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Brian Guilbeau,Lake Charles American Press; 3. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star
Special Sections
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Monroe News-Star; 3. Lake Charles American Press
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Tensey Pricer, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Adrianna Garcia, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. David Jack Browning, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Kris Hasse, Monroe News-Star; 2. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Raymond Partsch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times; 3. Andrew Canulette, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1. Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Mark Saltz, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jim Hudelson, Shreveport Times
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1. Mark Saltz, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Travis Spradling, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Patrick Dennis, Baton Rouge Advocate
Best Section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: Lake Charles American Press; 2. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Lake Charles American Press
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press
Story of the Year
Brian Vermellis, Shreveport Times
Sportswriter of the Year
Scooter Hobb, Lake Charles American Press
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times; 4. Louisiana Hunting & Fishing
Class II: 1. Lake Charles American Press; 2. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 4. Monroe News-Star; 5. Sports Net; 6. Ruston Daily Leader; 7. Thibodaux Daily Comet; 8. Gambit Magazine
Individual Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. (tie) Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate and Glenn Guilbeau; 3. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 4. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 5. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. (tie) Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Nick Deriso, Monroe News-Star and Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press
Sports Information
Best Release
- Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. John Sudsbury, Tulane; 3. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State
Best Fact Sheet
Div. II: 1. Brian Miller, LSU; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 3. None awarded
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwest State; 3. Kent Lowe, LSU
Media Guide
Div. II: 1. Phillip Allison, Tulane; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 3. Brian Miller, LSU
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette; 2. (tie) Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech and Brill Franques, LSU
2002 LSWA Contest Results
Writing Contest
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. O.K “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. none awarded
College Event
Class I: Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune;
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 3. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Pro Columns
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1.Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonals, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Brent St. Germain, Thibodaux Daily Comet
College Columns
Class I: Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times
Class II: Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times; 2. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3 Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Brady Aymond, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net
Pro Features
Class I: 1. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Darrell Williams, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles America Press; 3. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star
College Features
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Peter Barrouquere, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Felicia Smith, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scott Hotard, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Amateur Sports/Spot News
Class I: 1. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times; 2. Benjamin Hochman, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Andrew Canulette, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leaders
Amateur Sports, Feature/Column
Class I: 1. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Andrew Canulette, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
Spot News
Class I: 1. John Reid, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 3. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. Ted Lewis and Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Dave Moorman, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Headlines
Class I: 1. Bruce Hamilton, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bruce Hamilton, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Jason Russell, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Kris Haase, Monroe News-Star; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Special Sections
Class I; 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3 Shreveport Times
Class II: Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Monroe News-Star; 3. Lake Charles American-Press
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Adrianna Garcia, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. David Jack Browning, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Tiffany Bennett, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. None awarded
Outdoors writing
Open Class: 1. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Gregory Gelpi, Natchitoches Times
Pro/College Photography
Open Class: 1. Sanford Myers, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Alex Brandon, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1. Mark Saltz, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Michael DeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Chuck Cook, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Best Section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Lake Charles American Press; 3. Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jim Rapier, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times
Class II: Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Brian Guilbeau, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Story of the Year
Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Sportswriter of the Year
Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Lake Charles American Press; 4. Monroe News-Star; 5. Ruston Daily Leader; 6. Thibodaux Daily Comet; 7. Natchitches Times and Sports Net
Individual Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. William Kalec, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 4 . (tie) Brian McCallum, Shreveport Times and Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. (tie) Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk and Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 5. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sport Information Contest
Best release
1. Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech
Best Fact Sheet
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Troy Mitchell UL-Monroe
Div. II: 1. Troy Mitchell, UL-Monroe; 2. Melissa Reynaud, LSU; 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech
Media Guides
Div. I: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Bill Franques, LSU; 3. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State
Div. II: 1. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 2. Brian Miller, LSU; 3. Melissa Reynaud, LSU
2001 LSWA Contest Results
Writing Contest
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Jim Kleinpeter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Brian Vernellis, Shreveport Times; 3. Aaron Kuriloff, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 3. Dave Moormann, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
College Event
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. None awarded
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Hillary Smith, Monroe News Star
Pro Columns
Class I: 1. Peter Finney, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Roy Lang III, Shreveport Times; 3. Nakia Hogan, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. John Price, Houma Courier; 3. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser
College Columns
Class I: 1. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Peter Finney, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Nakia Hogan, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 2. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Billy Turner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 2. Barry Johnson, Monroe News-Star; 3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Advertiser
Pro Features
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jeff Duncan, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. None awarded
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Bruce Viergutz, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
College Features
Class I: 1. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Jeff matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
Prep Features
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3 Sheila Mulrooney Eldred, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Amateur Sports/Spot News
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class I: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader; 3. None awarded
Amateur Sports/Feature Column
Class I: 1. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Nakia Hogan, Shreveport Times; 3. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Spot News
Class I: 1. Brian Allee-Walsh, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Gary Laney, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Dave Moormann, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. Brian Vernellis, Shreveport Times; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Bob Tompkins and Bruce Viergutz, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Scott Beder and Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 3. Hillary Smith, Monroe News-Star
Headlines
Class I: 1. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Phil Wehrle, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 2. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Hilary Smith, Monroe News-Star
Special Sections
Class I: 1. Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Monroe News-Star; 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Sports Makeup
Class I: 1. Amie Brooks, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Adriana Sareir, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Mary Jimenez, Shreveport Times; 2. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. (tie) Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk and Wright Thompson, New Orleans Times-Picayune
College/Pro Photography
Open Class: 1. Alex Brandon, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Michael DeMocker, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Bill Feig, Baton Rouge Advocate
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1.Brett Duke, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Douglas Collier, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Ellis Lucia, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Best Section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Shreveport Times; 3. Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Lake Charles American Press; 2. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Monroe News-Star
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Robin Fambrough, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Peter Finney, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Jimmy Watson, Shreveport Times; 3. Dave Lagarde, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Advertiser; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
Story of the Year
Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Monroe News-Star; 3. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 4. lake Charles American Press; 5. Sports Net; 6. Ruston Daily Leader; 7. Houma Courier
Individual Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Peter Finney, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 4. Bob Marshall, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 5. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II; 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 4. (tie) Karl Thibodeaux, Sport Net, John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; and Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star.
Sports Information Contest
Media Guides
Div. I: 1. Bill Franques, LSU; 2. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 3. Kent Lowe, LSU
Div. II: 1. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech; 2. Kent Lowe, LSU; 3. Fred Demarest, LSU
Best program: 1. Fred Demarest, LSU; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State; 3. Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech
Best fact sheet: 1. Troy Mitchell, UL-Monroe; 2. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 3. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State
Best release: 1. Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State; 3. None awarded
2000 LSWA Contest Results
Writing Contest
Pro Event
Class I: 1. Bob Fortus, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Dave Lagarde, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. John Reid, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. David Friedlander, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
College Event
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Mike Strom, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 3. Dave Moormann, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Event
Class I: 1. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. John Reid, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. William Weathers, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 2. Bruce Vergutz, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. T. Scott Boatright, Monroe News-Star
Pro Columns
Class I: 1. John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayane; 2. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 3. Pete McEntegard, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
College Columns
Class I: 1. Peter Finney, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times; 3. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Pete McEntegard, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Bruce Brown, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Bob Tompkins, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Columns
Class I: 1. Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times; 2. Tammy Nunez, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. John DeShazier, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 2. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Herman Fuselier, Opelousas Daily World
Pro Features
Class I: 1. Marty Mule, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. John Reid, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Ron Virgets, New Orleans Magazine; 2. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 3. O.K. “Buddy” Davis, Ruston Daily Leader
College Features
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Nakia Hogan, Shreveport Times; 3. Michael Smith, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Greg Hilburn, Monroe News-Star; 2. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star
Prep Features
Class I: 1. Derrick Goold, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Carl Dubois, Shreveport Times; 3. Lori Lyons, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 2. Keith Prince, Monroe News-Star; 3. Greg Hilburn, Monroe News-Star
Amateur Sports/Spot News
Open Class: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
Amateur Sports/ Feature-Column
Class I: Darrell Williams, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Joy Hirdes, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. John Price, Houma Daily Courier; 2. Herman Fuselier, Opelousas Daily World; 3. Chuck Cannon, Monroe News-Star
Spot News
Class I: 1. Scott Rabalais, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Glenn Guilbeau, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scott Beder, Greg Hilburn and Paul Letlow, Monroe News-Star; 2. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 3. (tie) Dave Moormann, Alexandria Daily Town Talk and Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press
Series/Enterprise
Class I: 1. Carl Dubois, Shreveport Times; 2. Fred Robinson, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Bob Fortus, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. Dave Moormann, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Headlines
Class I: Dean Rock, Shreveport Times; 2. Joseph Schiefelbein, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Dean Rock, Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Jeff Matthews, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 2. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Special Sections
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Baton Rouge Advocate
Class II: 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Alexandria Daily Town Taak; 3. Houma Daily Courier
Sports Makeup
Class I: Jim Derry, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Matt Randolph, Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Adrianna Garcia, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II; 1.Kriss hasse, Monroe News-Star; 2. Philip Timothy, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 3. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Outdoors Writing
Open Class: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Bill Bumgarner, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Andy Canulette, New Orleans Times-Picayune
College/Pro Photography
Open Class: 1. Ellis Lucia, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Ted Jackson, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Mark Saltz, Baton Rouge Advocate
Prep/Amateur Photography
Open Class: 1. Rusty Costanza, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Dan Currier, Monroe News-Star; 3. David Grunfeld, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Best Section
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 2. Lake Charles American Press; 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Prep Writer of the Year
Class I: 1. Sheila Mulrony Eldred, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Derrick Goold, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 3. Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Adam Burns, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Kevin Foote, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; 3. Pete McEntegard, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Columnist of the Year
Class I: 1. Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate; 2. Scott Ferrell, Shreveport Times; 3. Dave Lagarde, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Tensey Pricer, Lake Charles American Press; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star
Story of the Year
Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Newspaper Sweepstakes
Class I: 1. New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Baton Rouge Advocate; 3. Shreveport Times
Class II: 1. (tie) Lafayette Advertiser and Monroe News-Star; 3. Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 4. Lake Charles American Press; 5. Sports Net; 6. Houma Daily Courier; 7. (tie) New Orleans Magazine and Opelousas Daily World; 9. Ruston Daily Leader
Individual Sweepstates
Class I: 1. Josh Peter, New Orleans Times-Picayune; 2. Carl Dubois, Shreveport Times; 3. (tie) Sheldon Mickles, Baton Rouge Advocate; Trey Iles, New Orleans Times-Picayune; Teddy Allen, Shreveport Times; Derrick Goold, New Orleans Times-Picayune
Class II: 1. Scooter Hobbs, Lake Charles American Press; 2. Karl Thibodeaux, Sports Net; 3. Scott Beder, Monroe News-Star; 4. John Marcase, Alexandria Daily Town Talk; 5. (tie) Greg Hilburn, Monroe News-Star; Dan McDonald, Lafayette Daily Advertiser; Eric Branch, Alexandria Daily Town Talk and Pete McEntegard, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Sports Information Division
Best Fact Sheet: 1. Kent Lowe, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Troy Mitchell, UL-Monroe
Best Release: 1. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 2. Kent Lowe, LSU; 3. Herb Vincent, LSU
Best Program: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Louis Bonnette, McNeese State; 3. Doug Ireland and Dustin Eubanks, Northwestern State
Media Guide I: 1. Herb Vincent, LSU; 2. Doug Ireland, Northwestern State; 3. Bill Franques, LSU
Media Guide II: 1. Michael Bonnette, LSU; 2. Dustin Eubanks, Northwestern State; 3. Troy Mitchell, UL-Monroe
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