Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Roanoke Times Entry Title: Sports Writing Portfolio - Robert Anderson Entry Credit: Robert Anderson Judge Comment: All three stories were outstanding. George "Kila" Miller came to life as a legend in Anderson's obit. What a terrific tribute to the man from the people who knew him. Loved the life lesson told by the track star who skipped football to get his grades in order. And it was a great read on the new football coach coaxing his dad out of the stands to come help. This reporter does an outstanding job of showing readers about the story, not just telling. Outstanding use of quotes and writing style is easy to read. In a quality competition, this entry stands tallest.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Roanoke Times Entry Title: Sports writing portfolio Mike Niziolek Entry Credit: Mike Niziolek Judge Comment: A terrific mix from the Virginia Tech football beat. The deep dive into Fuente's issues, the hilarious recounting of weekly dinner for players at a local restaurant that took advantage of the new NIF rules and the family history story why it was so great to beat UNC is a terrific approach to taking readers inside the beat. Extremely strong entry.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Richmond Times-Dispatch Entry Title: Sports writing portfolio - Mike Barber Entry Credit: Mike Barber Judge Comment: Three terrific pieces. The high school lacrosse player with unthinkable choices to combat cancer was particularly compelling. I liked the detailed description of the road to recovery for the former Virginia lacrosse player; and the reporter handled the lawsuit over differing BLM views was well and fairly done.
