Related Content
•
Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest
District winners, download and print your certificates here.
National & District Winners Announced for the 2022-23 CSC Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest
The full results of the annual CSC Stabley Writing Contest have been announced with University of Florida senior writer Chris Harry claiming National Story of the Year honors. There also were eight national winners by category. A total of 395 entries were submitted in the 2022-23 contest.
University of Florida Senior Writer
Chris Harry called it one of the most difficult stories he’s ever written, and his efforts did not go unnoticed.
Harry’s moving article about former Gator basketball player Patric Young won National Story of the Year honors in the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Fred Stabley Sr. Writing Contest.
“I will be the one who defines this chapter of my life,” published last September, was selected from among the almost 400 submissions in the annual contest, narrowly edging out
“The Strength of Mark Ellis” by
Jerry Price of Princeton University for top honors.
Harry’s winning article begins with Young diving for an offensive rebound in a 2014 game against Tennessee and ends with him in a wheelchair, the result of a car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. But the story is not a sad one; it is an inspiring one about resolve in the wake of hardship.
“Patric Young is one of the best, most beloved and academically accomplished University of Florida athletes of his generation,” said Harry. “I knew writing his story — one of faith, grace and dignity in the face of unfathomable adversity — was going to be a challenge, but Patric’s remarkably optimistic perspective was an inspiration.
“To be recognized by the CSC judges for this particular story is both humbling and an honor.”
The stories by Harry and Price took top national honors in two of the seven categories, General Feature/Blog and Coach/Administrator, respectively.
Here are the National winners and runners-up:
National Story of the Year
WINNER: “
I will be the one who defines this chapter of my life” by Chris Harry, University of Florida
RUNNER-UP: “
The Strength of Mark Ellis” by Jerry Price, Princeton University
Athlete Profile
WINNER: “
Displaced Afghan student recounts his odyssey” by Jim Sheahan, (formerly of) Bard College
RUNNER-UP: “
Never Think You’ve Arrived” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Coach/Administrator Profile
WINNER: “
The Strength of Mark Ellis” by Jerry Price, Princeton University
RUNNER-UP: “
Billy Napier’s Paladin Pedigree” by Chris Harry, University of Florida
Event Coverage
WINNER: “
Four Journeys to Big 12 Media Day” by Wes Bloomquist, Texas Tech University
RUNNER-UP: “
Replay: Not Simply a Victory, This Was a ‘Real’ Win” by John Heisler, University of Central Florida (not available online)
General Feature/Blog
WINNER: “
I will be the one who defines this chapter of my life” by Chris Harry, University of Florida - NATIONAL STORY OF THE YEAR
RUNNER-UP: “
Teammates For Life: A Story of Love, Honor, Faith and a Kidney” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
Historical Feature
WINNER: “
50th Anniversary of Women’s Athletics: The Rise of Dartmouth Softball” by Justin Lafleur, Dartmouth College
RUNNER-UP: “
Barrier Breaker” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Season Recap/Preview
WINNER: “
Tigerville to Title – North Greenville Baseball Takes Unique Approach to Climb Mountain to First National Championship” by Brian Hand, Conference Carolinas
RUNNER-UP (tie): “
Pitching + Power + Perseverance = Record-Setting Run to Regionals” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
RUNNER-UP (tie): “
Telling the Story of the 2022 Southern Miss Baseball Season” by Jack Duggan, University of Southern Mississippi
Social Justice/Diversity & Inclusion
WINNER: “
The Soil of Success” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
RUNNER-UP: "
History Makers, Barrier Breakers, Legends And More” by Joel Coleman, Mississippi State University
Student Submissions
WINNER: “
Alumni Spotlight: Mary Ann Myers” by Lindsay Stevenson, Miami University (Ohio)
RUNNER-UP: “
Alumni Spotlight: Paula Portugal” by Patrick Holland, Miami University (Ohio)
A total of 395 entries were submitted in the 2022-23 contest. Each category was first judged on the district level, with the winners then advancing to national consideration. All national category winners were considered for National Story of the Year.
District winners and runner-ups receive certificates. The National Story of the Year winner, as well as all national category winners, receive plaques, while national runner-ups also receive certificates.
2022-23 Stabley District Winners and Runners-Up
Category: Athlete Profile
District 1
Winner: “Displaced Afghan student recounts his odyssey” by Jim Sheahan, Bard College
Runner-Up: “In a league of her own: Amanda Taylor’s summer on the Cape with the country’s best amateur baseball league” by Aaron Morse, Bates College
District 2
Winner: “The Remarkable Story of the Donovan Family” by Jerry Price, Princeton University
Runner-Up: “Grothaus Carries Her Mother’s Memory” by Justin Lafleur, Lehigh University (now at Dartmouth College)
District 3
Winner: “Picture Perfect” by Dani Gariglio, Davidson College
Runner-Up: “Changing Lives Through Basketball: Yoro Sidibe Gives Back to Senegal” by Alex Lehmbeck, Norfolk State University
District 4
Winner: “The Adventures of Obsaa Feda” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
Runner-Up: “Desjuan Johnson Pursues His Father's Unfulfilled NFL Dream” by Paul Helgren, University of Toledo
District 5
Winner: “Repeat Champion Gilliland Happier, Healthier in Renewed Diving Journey” by Austin Coats, Indiana University
Runner-Up: “Anchante has Golden Eagles set for success” by Mike Wittliff, Marquette University
District 6
Winner: “The Rise of ‘The Big Maple’” by Wes Bloomquist, Texas Tech University
Runner-Up: “Always Learning, Always Leading” by Thomas Dick, Texas A&M University
District 7
Winner: “Setback sparks new dream for Central's Spoehr” by Larry Happel, Central College
Runner-Up: “After of a Year of Watching, McPherson is Ready to Lead” by Shamus McKnight, University of Nebraska
District 8
Winner: “Never Think You’ve Arrived” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Runner-Up: “A Son's Desire, A Swimmer's Drive” by Samantha Sunseri, University of California
Category: Coach/Administrator Profile
District 1
Winner: “Football & Family: Chris Smith Heads Home to Buffalo” by Sarah Kirkpatrick, College of the Holy Cross
Runner-Up: “Roberts President Relishes Role As Redhawks' No. 1 Fan” by Ted Johnson, Roberts Wesleyan University
District 2
Winner: “The Strength of Mark Ellis” by Jerry Price, Princeton University
Runner-Up: “‘One of a Kind’ Kelly Jones Announces Retirement” by Corey Jewart, Gettysburg College
District 3
Winner: “Billy Napier’s Paladin Pedigree” by Chris Harry, University of Florida
Runner-Up: “Title IX Trailblazer Rita Smith Has Put Together Second-to-None Legacy at Lees-McRae” by Brian Hand, Conference Carolinas
District 4
Winner: “A Back-to-Back Champion: The ABCs of HBC” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
Runner-Up: “Owens Announces Retirement As Ashland University Head Football Coach” by Dusty Sloan, Ashland University
District 5
Winner: “Family Legacy” by Austin Coats, Indiana University
Runner-Up: “Former Student-Athlete Jamie (Gutowski) Stangel Brings Valpo Enthusiasm to Classroom, Broadcasts” by Brandon Vickrey, Valparaiso University
District 6
Winner: “Putting Student-Athletes First” by Thomas Dick, Texas A&M University
Runner-Up: “Ringing In A New Era Of Bulldog Basketball” by Joel Coleman, Mississippi State University
District 7
Winner: “Erasing the Maybe From His Thoughts, Hilbert Says Goodbye” by Mike Brohard, Colorado State University
Runner-Up: “Ansah joins soccer coaching staff” by Joel Carlson, University of Montana
District 8
Winner: “More Than a Leader” by Samantha Sunseri, University of California
Runner-Up (tie): “Leonard Griffin Inspires In Return To Cal” by Dean Caparaz, University of California
Runner-Up (tie): “Tavi’s Town” by Jonathan Okanes, University of California
Category: Event Coverage
District 1
Winner: “Bound For The Garden: Bonnies Rally Past Virginia, 52-51” by Scott Eddy, St. Bonaventure University
Runner-Up (tie): “Football Builds Big Lead, Leaves VMI With 28-22 Victory and 1-0 Start” by Jeremy Hartigan, Cornell University
Runner-Up (tie): “History-Making Event is a Classic” by Jeffrey Bernstein, New York University
District 2
Winner: “QMH: An Ivy Title That Was A Lifetime In the Making” by Michael Mahoney, University of Pennsylvania
Runner-Up: “Resilient Marauders crowned PSAC Champs” by Ethan Hulsey, Millersville University
District 3
Winner: “Replay: Not Simply a Victory, This Was a ‘Real’ Win” by John Heisler, University of Central Florida
Runner-Up (tie): “Men's Basketball Unites Bridgewater Community” by Lynn Walsh, Bridgewater College
Runner-Up (tie): “Golden Moments” by Dale Long, Georgia Gwinnett College
Runner-Up (tie): “Harris earns 100th singles victory in women's tennis' win” by Tim LaDuca, University of Lynchburg
District 4
Winner: “No. 6 Vols Take Down No. 3 Alabama As Time Expires, 52-49” by Eric Trainer, University of Tennessee
Runner-Up (tie): “Sophomore Keegan Digby places 7th, earns All-American status in the shot put at NCAA III Outdoor Track and Field Championships” by Wesley Mayberry, Ohio Northern University
Runner-Up (tie): “The Kick is Good: Inside Nicholson's Game-Winner” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
District 5
Winner: “Valpo Football Falls at New Mexico State in Program’s First Game Against FBS Opponent” by Brandon Vickrey, Valparaiso University
Runner-Up: “Mastodon Women's Soccer's Journey to League Semifinal Began Long Before 2022” by Aaron Johnson, Purdue University Fort Wayne
District 6
Winner: “Four Journeys to Big 12 Media Day” by Wes Bloomquist, Texas Tech University
Runner-Up: “Hello Cary: Muleriders’ furious rally earns program’s first NCAA regional title” by Jacob Pumphrey, Southern Arkansas University
District 7
Winner: “Kent-to-Smith buzzer beater sets Friedrich Arena ablaze in instant classic” by Jake Knabel, Concordia (Neb.) University
Runner-Up: “The Dish: All the Rams Could Do the Final 15 Seconds Was Play” by Mike Brohard, Colorado State University
District 8
Winner: “Hicks Wins NCAA Title” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Runner-Up: “90s Nostalgia: Vikings Come Back From First-Set Loss to Beat Oregon State for First Time since 1990” by Andy Jobanek, Portland State University
Category: General Feature/Blog
District 1
Winner: “From Playland Ice Casino to Madison Square Garden: Reid Robertson's Whirlwind Emergency Backup Goalie Journey” by John Ewen, Manhattanville University
Runner-Up: “Stepping Strong with the Saints; Catherine Manning’s Story” by Dan Campagna, Emmanuel College
District 2
Winner: “From Millersville to the World Series, Chas McCormick makes a winning impact” by Ethan Hulsey, Millersville University
Runner-Up: “Rest in Peace Coach” by Jerry Price, Princeton University
District 3
Winner: “I will be the one who defines this chapter of my life” by Chris Harry, University of Florida
Runner-Up: “Mendez Represents NSU Proudly – While Gaining Invaluable Experience – At First-Ever NBA HBCU Fellowship” by Alex Lehmbeck, Norfolk State University
District 4
Winner: “Teammates For Life: A Story of Love, Honor, Faith and a Kidney” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
Runner-Up: “Finishing Last Never Felt So Good” by P.J. Gradowski, University of Detroit Mercy
District 5
Winner: “DI Year I - Gene's Blog: Underdog role doesn't faze Toms in year one” by Gene McGivern, University of St. Thomas
Runner-Up: “Four Inducted into Athletics Hall of Fame” by Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley Community College
District 6
Winner: “The Grass Was Always Greener in Aggieland” by Thomas Dick, Texas A&M University
Runner-Up (tie): “ETBU Is Home | EJ Burgess” by Adam Ledyard, East Texas Baptist University
Runner-Up (tie): “Watson Shines Under The Bright Lights At SEC Media Days” by Joel Coleman, Mississippi State University
District 7
Winner: “Not Knowing Exactly How Doesn't Stop Tennis Team From Supporting Teammate” by Mike Brohard, Colorado State University
Runner-Up: “The Mayor and the Coach” by Larry Happel, Central College
District 8
Winner: “Relentless Dedication” by Dean Caparaz, University of California
Runner-Up: “Walter Thompson-Hernández has a Story to Tell” by Kyle Garcia, University of Portland
Category: Historical Feature
District 1
Winner: “50th Anniversary of Women’s Athletics: The Rise of Dartmouth Softball” by Justin Lafleur, Dartmouth College
Runner-Up: “Bulldogs Mourn Passing of Sam Burrell” by Sam Rubin, Yale University (no online link available)
District 2
Winner: “Remembering Lehigh’s Win Over Duke: 10 Years Later” by Justin Lafleur, Lehigh University (now at Dartmouth College)
District 3
Winner: “The Pioneer” by Dani Gariglio, Davidson College
Runner-Up: “Hall-of-Famer Susie Toomey Built Unparalleled Legacy at King Thanks to Title IX” by Brian Hand, Conference Carolinas
District 4
Winner: “UAA Title IX Series: Rosalie Resch, University of Chicago Athletics” by Timothy Farrell, University Athletic Association
Runner-Up: “Side-by-Side Success: The Synchronized Skating Story” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
District 5
Winner: “Captain Maple Leaf roots for Dash’s success” by Justin DeWeese, Goshen College
Runner-Up: “Alumna Tennis Player Grew her Success On and Off the Court at Moraine Valley” by Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley Community College
District 6
Winner: “Fifty Years in the Making” by Jerry Hill, Baylor University
Runner-Up: “Are You Ody Owl Aware?” by Dave Beyer, Mississippi University for Women
District 7
Winner: “Weller was the 'Father of Division III,' but so much more” by Larry Happel, Central College
Runner-Up: “Coach Schmidt: Concordia's Godfather of Basketball” by Jake Knabel, Concordia (Neb.) University
District 8
Winner: “Barrier Breaker” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Runner-Up: “Christine Zador: Hungarian Gold Medalist’s Daughter Scores Winning Goal in Fifth Overtime to Give USC First National Water Polo Title in 1999; Now Provides Key Water Polo Product to Schools and Runs Family’s Linden Gun Range” by Michael Sondheimer, Southern California Indoor Volleyball Hall of Fame (no online link)
Category: Season Recap/Preview
District 1
Winner: “Veteran Bonnies Squad Enters 2022 With High Expectations” by Scott Eddy, St. Bonaventure University
Runner-Up: “Road to 11-0: The Story So Far” by Sarah Kirkpatrick, College of the Holy Cross
District 2
Winner: “Men’s Lacrosse Season Preview” by Corey Jewart, Gettysburg College
Runner-Up: “Season Outlook: Marauders hope renewed focus and veteran bats lead the team back to Cary” by Ethan Hulsey, Millersville University
District 3
Winner: “Tigerville to Title – North Greenville Baseball Takes Unique Approach to Climb Mountain to First National Championship” by Brian Hand, Conference Carolinas
Runner-Up: “Brubaker's, Coffren V's NCAA Tournament runs represent bright future for Lynchburg golf” by Tim LaDuca, University of Lynchburg
District 4
Winner: “Pitching + Power + Perseverance = Record-Setting Run to Regionals” by Tim Cary, Miami University (Ohio)
Runner-Up: “Elzy Leaning on Veteran Leadership for Upcoming Season” by Tim Letcher, University of Kentucky
District 5
Winner: “Volleyball Preview: Piecing together the puzzle” by Mike Wittliff, Marquette University
Runner-Up: “The Story of #GrowDons” by Aaron Johnson, Purdue University Fort Wayne
District 6
Winner: “Telling the Story of the 2022 Southern Miss Baseball Season” by Jack Duggan, University of Southern Mississippi
Runner-Up: “Attacking, Not Defending” by Joel Coleman, Mississippi State University
District 7
Winner: “Griz soccer program looking to take next step” by Joel Carlson, University of Montana
Runner-Up: “2022-23 MVC Women's Basketball Preseason Poll” by Ryan Davis, Missouri Valley Conference
District 8
Winner: “Portland Head Coach Nick Carlin-Voigt Asks 'Why not us' When Reflecting on Season” by Kyle Garcia, University of Portland
Runner-Up: “SEASON RECAP: First Run to Title Match since 2013, Second Straight Postseason Appearance Highlight Successful 2022 Season” by Andy Jobanek, Portland State University
Category: Social Justice/Diversity & Inclusion
District 1
no entries
District 2
Winner: “Making A Difference: Nasir Cook and the Nashville Youth Initiative” by Warren Croxton, Princeton University
Runner-Up: “Washington Provides a Voice for the Voiceless” by Justin Lafleur, Lehigh University (now at Dartmouth College)
District 3
Winner: “Women's soccer star, DPT grad realizes World Cup dream with U.S. Amputee Soccer team” by Tim LaDuca, University of Lynchburg
Runner-Up: “Averett SAAC hosts Black History Month Gallery Walk” by Drew Wilson, Averett University
District 4
Winner: “It’s Time For Women’s Sports With A Capital W Baby” by P.J.Gradowski, University of Detroit Mercy
District 5
no entries
District 6
Winner: “History Makers, Barrier Breakers, Legends And More” by Joel Coleman, Mississippi State University
Runner-Up: “Celebrating Title IX's Legacy with UTRGV's First Women's Athletic Scholarship Recipient, Jeanny Trahan” by Clarisa Cruz, The University of Texas Rio Grande
District 7
Winner: “Doing the Work All Along” by Mike Brohard, Colorado State University
Runner-Up: “Title IX: Jenny Peterson's Unique Opportunity” by Lindsey Branch, University of Montana Western
District 8
Winner: “The Soil of Success” by David Kiefer, Stanford University
Runner-Up: “Rooted Through Change: Olivia Luu’s Path from an NAIA Athlete to an NCAA Coach” by Matthew Horrocks, Jessup University