Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Lamar University Entry Title: LU soccer wins SLC tourney Entry Credit: Keagan Smith Judge Comment: Very good storytelling here. Very good narrative about the team's road to success, with the stats nicely woven in to depict it. Smartly written.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Rice Entry Title: 50 years later, Rice’s first Black student-athletes reflect on their impact Entry Credit: Daniel Schrager Judge Comment: Strong, in-depth interviews power this complex story.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Rice Entry Title: Forbes takes silver at NCAAs Entry Credit: Daniel Schrager Judge Comment: The lead for story immediately draws the reader into the tale of Forbes's victory over her struggles.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Lamar University Entry Title: Youth movement: Brooks kickstarts rebuild Entry Credit: Keagan Smith Judge Comment: This story on the the transition of the Cardinals men's team gives the reader a great look at the coach's rebuilding efforts.
Competition Comment: All of the entries revealed very good news judgment on the journalists' part. One tip: the best stories featured multiple interviews that not only give the reader a better perspective in understanding the situation but also the reporter in developing an understanding. The short version: get multiple interviews even if you don't use all of them.
