Award Winning Sports Coverage

2009 Syracuse Press Club

First Radio Sports Story True Hero Lacrosse Player WAER FM-88.3 --Steve Gelbs

This WAER special was about a star lacrosse player who put away his stick for a while in order to defend his country at war. This true story detailed his journey from field to field.

First Radio Sports Show Countdown to Kickoff WAER FM-88.3

Dan Wolfgang and WAER Sports Staff

This program was the pre-game to the Syracuse vs. Penn State game. Along with highlights on both teams, this radio tailgate also included information about the premiere of the new movie "The Express," at its rightful home in Syracuse, and general information about Ernie Davis; his story, and the impact that he made on Syracuse University, CNY, and the nation at large.

 

Second Radio Sports Show WAER Sportsnight Express Premier

WAER FM-88.3 Eric Rothman

WAER FM-88.3 Chris McManus

This show, part of popular program "WAER Sportsnight," was a special which highlighted the few days during which Downtown Syracuse was like Hollywood - because of the premiere for "The Express." The show featured some of the more memorable moments from the premiere itself, and also many interviews with Jim Brown and Dennis Quaid.

2008 Syracuse Press Club

First Place Sports Story: Joel Godett, "An Unexpected Chance."

Comments: Compelling story about a second chance. Great production value and lots of voices. Story made me want to listen to see how things turned out. Good delivery by Mr. Godett as well. �

Second Place Sports Story: Jordon Bernfield, "Demetris Nichols in the NBA

"Comments: Good, solid sports story. Nice use of music to bridge the different parts of the story.

First Place Sports Show: Ryan Messick, "Countdown to Kickoff"

Comments: Great production value and lots of information. Really good show. �

Second Place Sports Show: Matt Braveman, Danny Parkins, Ryan Messick, "Sportsnight"

Comments: Great, compelling show open. Interesting topic and some very good analysis. �

2007 Syracuse Press Club

Best Radio Human Interest Feature: Alastair Ingram, "SU Basketball Team-Building at Fort Drum"

Judges comments:  What a great story!  The writing, together with use of actualities and nat sound, was fresh, engaging and fun.  The elements draw the listener in.  I really enjoyed it!.

Second Place Best Radio Sports Story: Ryan Messick, "Cradle of Coaches -- Miami Ohio." 

Judges comments:  Very interesting subject matter.  Reporter used a nice array of sources to tell the story of the Cradle of Coaches.  Nice voice work as well.

2006 Syracuse Press Club

Special Mention Radio Human Interest Story -- Chris Villani for Larry Czonka Rescue

Judges' Comments:  "Great production, loved how the producer spliced both interviews together to tell both sides of the story."

Best Radio Sports Show -- Chris Villani for Countdown to Kickoff

Judges' Comments: "Very well-done, professional-sounding pregame show.  Nice elements throughout."

Special Mention Sports Show -- Jeff Tiberii, Nick Wright for SportsNight, The Gay Athlete. - Judges' Comments:  "Interesting subject, with some good voices to talk about the issue."

Best Radio Sports Story -- Chris Villani for 10-year Feature

Judges' Comments:  "Creative sports story using lots of voices and music.  Great production values, solid voice work and pleasant delivery."

2001 Syracuse Press Club

Best Radio Sports Story -- Andy Jones, "Glickman Remembrance;" WAER

Judges comments: "Excellent blending of Glickman's athletic, broadcasting and teaching histories. A fascinating person. The sign-off by Glickman was perfect, leaving me wanting to hear more of him."

Special Mention Radio Sports Story -- Adam Levinson, "1988 Sugar Bowl Flashback;"

Judges comments: "Good mixture of comments from both sides in the controversy, including the coaches."

Best Radio Sports Show -- Andy Jones, "Halftime Report;"

Judges comments: "You packed a lot into a halftime! Much more variety than heard on other networks."