Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: How a traumatic wood shop accident didn't stop DeForest's Carter Morrison from making history Entry Credit: Mark McMullen Judge Comment: There's something about symbolism that makes for a great sports story, especially when there's a hint that some higher power is at work to create inspiration. And so when Carter Morrison raised four fingers to highlight his fourth record-setting interception in a high school football game, it was impossible to forget that he lost four fingers in a woodshop class accident when he was 16. Only two months later he was back on his basketball team, then the football coach asked him to switch from wide receiver to be a defensive back. "I think that's the greatest message that he's showing us," coach Mack said. "He's not telling us. He's showing us how you overcome things." Thanks for this profile of a remarkable young athlete. Bravo for bringing his story to light. You have given others a gift—hope.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Wisconsin State Journal Entry Title: Al Deang's family responsibilities have shaped him into a leader for Edgewood Entry Credit: Nile McNair Judge Comment: With so much focus on immigration in the news, this profile of a star athlete from a family of stars from Sudan is a refreshing twist. Al Deang took his turn in the "family business" of caring for an older sister who suffered brain damage at birth in the North African nation before the family immigrated to Wisconsin. His juggling act with home, school and sports challenges is an inspirational tale. It's just not the kind of sports story you see every day. Thanks to the reporting, writing, editing and photo team for bringing this story to light.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Post-Crescent Entry Title: Appleton’s Cline one of few female college football coaches Entry Credit: Ricardo Arguello Judge Comment: How does a 22-year-old theater kid who didn't play organized sports rise to draft a base defense for a college football team? Even she's not sure. "I'm shocked at myself," says Kelly Cline, now a coaching star in the UW-La Crosse football program. This award-winning piece takes a unique path to explaining what happens behind the scenes to advance women in sports. The NFL's Women's Forum and a coach's clinic at Brown University, for example. This is an interesting read that could inspire middle school and high school girls who are dreaming the impossible dream. Nice work!
