NEWS

Members of the Louisiana Tech Athletic Communications Department took home 10 awards during the 2019 Louisiana Sports Writers Association State Writing and SID contest announced Sunday.

The Louisiana Tech Athletics Communications Department has now won 101 awards in the state contest over the past 20 years.

“Over the past two years, our Athletics Communications Department has had to share devastating news about the EF-3 tornado that plowed through our campus and the passing of a local sports legend,” said Athletics Director Tommy McClelland. “They’ve also shared heart-warming stories of graduations and champions on the field and in the classroom. Their hard work and dedication shows the excellence and commitment of our student-athletes, coaches, and our community.” 

Associate Athletic Director for Communications Malcolm Butler’s story on the death of Lincoln Parish sportswriter O.K. “Buddy” Davis won first place in the Sports Information/Communications category.

The judges applauded Butler’s ability to capture Davis’ impact on sports and the community, saying, “It was an obituary that read like a Who’s Who tribute to one of the best and most beloved sportswriters ever in Louisiana.”

University Communications Senior Writer Teddy Allen brought home a first-place award for Class I coverage of a professional event with his story about Tiger Woods’ historic win in the 2019 Masters Tournament. Allen also won first place for his feature on Anthony “Booger” McFarland for the Shreveport Times.

Butler also won a third-place award for his feature press release on senior safety Darryl Lewis — “Lewis shows strength through adversity” — in the Sports Information/Communications–Football category and a third place for his story, “Louisiana Tech pulls upset over Blazers,” in the Sports Information/Communications–Women’s Basketball and Softball category.

Assistant AD for Communications Kane McGuire brought home a first-place award for his feature release on Hall of Famer Randy White in the Sports Information/Communications–Basketball and Baseball category.

“Our Athletics Communication team invests considerable time and talent into shepherding the Tech brand through stories of our student-athletes and athletic staff,” said Tonya Oaks Smith, executive director for University Communications and Marketing. “The Tech Family eagerly anticipates seeing their work each season, and we appreciate their commitment to our University.”

Photographer Darrell James won first place in College Staff Photos for his image of a Lady Techster softball player diving for an outfield catch.

Broadcaster Dave Nitz won second place for his radio play-by-play coverage of the 2019 Independence Bowl where Tech took its sixth straight bowl win. In the same category, Butler tied for third place for his play by play of the Lady Techster Women’s Basketball game against Western Kentucky University.

Louisiana Tech’s graphic design won second place in the state. Courtney Pugh of Donnie Bell Design manages the creative for all Louisiana Tech Athletics media guides.