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Todd Porter from The Repository (Ohio) has been named Sports Writer of the Year for Division A in the 2009 Best of GateHouse contest.
About his entry
Todd Porter’s entry demonstrates his range as a sportswriter, with stories that show a deep understanding of sports and the people who play them, columns that build a case and make a point, and features for occasions when there’s a bigger story or issue to illuminate. In a story in The Repository’s breast cancer awareness edition, Porter explained how a former college and NFL player’s on-field skills have helped him manage the trials his family faces as his wife fights cancer. Porter made a strong and likely unpopular point in a column supporting a high school football coach who lost a couple of games, backing his opinion with sound reasoning and clear writing. His feature marking the 40th anniversary of the death of Yankee great Thurman Munson unveiled a larger issue: Why does it seem like the baseball legend is more revered in New York City than in his hometown of Canton, Ohio?
Judges’ comments
All three entries “showed that Porter can spot a story and find the right venue and form for it. He writes clearly, brightly and always with the right tone. Layers of information – sidebars, visuals, boxes – both in print and online brought dimension to each story.”
Finalists
Emily Tropp Rockford (Ill.) Register Star
Wes Huett Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
Special recognition
Jim Fenton The Enterprise, Brockton, Mass.
Todd Porter from The Repository (Ohio) has been named Sports Writer of the Year for Division A in the 2009 Best of GateHouse contest.
About his entry
Todd Porter’s entry demonstrates his range as a sportswriter, with stories that show a deep understanding of sports and the people who play them, columns that build a case and make a point, and features for occasions when there’s a bigger story or issue to illuminate. In a story in The Repository’s breast cancer awareness edition, Porter explained how a former college and NFL player’s on-field skills have helped him manage the trials his family faces as his wife fights cancer. Porter made a strong and likely unpopular point in a column supporting a high school football coach who lost a couple of games, backing his opinion with sound reasoning and clear writing. His feature marking the 40th anniversary of the death of Yankee great Thurman Munson unveiled a larger issue: Why does it seem like the baseball legend is more revered in New York City than in his hometown of Canton, Ohio?
Judges’ comments
All three entries “showed that Porter can spot a story and find the right venue and form for it. He writes clearly, brightly and always with the right tone. Layers of information – sidebars, visuals, boxes – both in print and online brought dimension to each story.”
Finalists
Emily Tropp Rockford (Ill.) Register Star
Wes Huett Journal Star, Peoria, Ill.
Special recognition
Jim Fenton The Enterprise, Brockton, Mass.
