The News Sun has won first place in sports coverage in 'the Best of the Press' competition sponsored by the Illinois Press Association.The newspaper was entered in the Division E circulation category in the annual statewide contest.
The newspaper also received honors in several other categories.
In sports coverage, contest judges heaped their praise on the paper, declaring that 'The News Sun is light years ahead of its peers.'
'The sports section includes compelling feature stories and an impressive mix of local, regional and national coverage.
Photos are excellent and the Our Town Page and local emphasis are exemplary.'
Also in sports, News Sun sportswriter Jim Young placed second for his 'Fighting Spirit,' a story about boxing.
'You're hooked from the beginning,' gushed the judges about the entry. 'Great set-up. Gives great look at boxing in its purest form.
Loved angle, story of two amateurs.
Wish there could be two first-place awards,' the judges added of Young's runner-up finish.
News Sun staff writer Dan Moran won the third place in column writing.
He was lauded by the judges for his 'good approach that has undoubtedly has won him readers.
His Leon Smith column is especially well-written.'
The News Sun also placed third in design.
The paper was hailed for its 'professional look.'
The News Sun gained an honorable mention in general excellence.
'Like all the Copley papers, The News Sun is well-designed and easy to read, making excellent use of color, typography and photos,' said the judges.
In community service, the paper placed third for its coverage of the controversial multiuniversity center.
A final chapter has yet to be written since a decision has not been made as to where the center will be located.
In special sections competition, this paper won third place for its 'History Makers,' a special supplement that took a look at the Warren Township High School Class AA basketball team that placed second in the state last March.
'They came up short, but they came back heroes says it all,' said the judges of the section.
'There is nothing like scholastic athletes to inspire and bind a community. This section will turn up in plenty of Warren Township houses 50 years from now.
Great art, design and staff teamwork makes this section go,' they observed.
For feature photography, News Sun photographer Steve Lundy won a third place for his picture titled 'Good Friday.' The judges praised the entry as 'strong photo, excellent use of light/lens to make compelling photo.'
Photographer Michael Schmidt received an honorable mention for his 'History Underfoot' entry in personality portrait competition.
'Camera angle and composition made it work,' said the judges.
In sports photography, Thomas Delany Jr. placed a third for his work on prep baseball.
'Wonderful faces, great composition.
Really captures the spirit of this team,' said the judges.
Delany also received an honorable mention for an entry on Lake Forest High School volleyball.
'Gets your attention.
Good faces, and the composition just happens,' the judges said.
