Tag Archives: FWAA

Nick Saban to be keynote speaker at December Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet in Charlotte

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Nick Saban

Nick Saban

Charlotte, N.C. — The Charlotte Touchdown Club, in conjunction with the Football Writers Association of America, has announced that Alabama Coach Nick Saban will be the keynote speaker for the 2014 Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet scheduled for Monday, December 8th.

“I appreciate the invitation to speak at the 2014 Bronko Nagurski Awards Banquet,” Saban said. “The Charlotte Touchdown Club and the Football Writers Association of America have built the Bronko Nagurski Trophy into one of the nation’s premiere defensive awards for college football and I’m excited to be a part of this year’s event.”

“The Charlotte Touchdown Club is thrilled to have Coach Nick Saban as Keynote Speaker for the 2014 Bronko Nagurski Banquet,” said John Rocco Executive Director of the Charlotte Touchdown Club. “We look forward to Coach Saban’s remarks and the announcement of the 2014 Bronko Nagurski Trophy winner at our black tie banquet held December 8th at the Westin Hotel.”

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President’s column: Introducing the FWAA-NFF Grantland Rice Super 16 Poll

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2014 FWAA President Kirk Bohls

2014 FWAA President Kirk Bohls

Hope you didn’t miss it with all the hubbub over Bob Costas’s eye infection at the Winter Olympics and Johnny Manziel’s 40 time at the NFL Combine, but our Football Writers Association of America recently announced – a little drum roll, please – a new college football poll.

I’m sure all of you have been scratching your heads wondering why there hasn’t been another football poll lately. As for enduring questions of our time, it’s right up there with the whereabouts of Sasquatch and Lane Kiffin’s memoirs.

Well, wonder no more. This is big news, folks.

We do have our reasons why our 1,350 member-strong FWAA has collaborated with the prestigious National Football Foundation, our long-time partner since the 1940s, to launch the first “FWAA-NFF Grantland Rice Super 16” poll this coming fall.

Why not? That could be one simple reason, but we had far better rationale behind our plan.

I think we would all agree this is a momentous time in the history of college football as the very first playoff for the major division will be ushered in with a four-team tournament culminating with the championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, next Jan. 12.

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Comings and goings 2

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Mark Anderson from the Las Vegas Review-Journal has been named the 2014 second vice president of the FWAA and moves into the line of presidential succession two years from now. Lee Barfknecht of the Omaha World-Herald, second vice president in 2013, automatically moved up to the first vice president’s role in 2014 behind FWAA President Kirk Bohls.

Comings and Goings

Long-time Denver Post writer John Henderson has retired from his daily job in Colorado and has moved to Italy where he has spent time in the past either on leave or on vacation. We hope at some time to get an update on his daily rituals there. … More…

No one understands Notre Dame better than former SID Roger Valdiserri

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Roger Valdiserri, former Notre Dame sports information director

Roger Valdiserri, former Notre Dame sports information director

Roger Valdiserri is now a retired FWAA member, but for many years he serviced the media as the Sports Information Director at Notre Dame. This is a story about him  from the December 2013 publication of “Strong of Heart,” which features Notre Dame athletes, coaches and administrators who have or have had successful careers. Click here to read the story.

Member’s website provides database of Texas high school honors, playoff history

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TheAthleticsDepartment.com

TheAthleticsDepartment.com

TheAthleticsDepartment.com is an online Texas high school athletics history book. TheAthleticsDepartment.com gathers Texas high school honor teams (All-State, All-District) and playoff pairings and stores them in a database. The result is a resource for media. TheAthleticsDepartment.com gives media an instant honors bio of Texas high school student-athletes. Our database now contains five years of all-district and all-state team members; 20 years of enrollment figures, alignments and round-by-round playoff results in all UIL team sports; and all state champions.

Current year honors and playoff information is on TheAthleticsDepartment.com. In the Premium Access you gain the full benefit of our complete database, searching our coaches directory, honors history and playoff history.

Grace Media, LLC is the publisher of The Athletics Department.com, a Texas web site dedicated to high school athletics history. The site is founded by former sports newspaper reporter/editor and FWAA member Sarah Hornaday.

Questions? Phone: 512.452.8800 or Email Info@GraceMediaWeb.com.

Omaha World-Herald’s FWAA members launching Internet radio show in March

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Omaha World-Herald columnist  and former FWAA President  Tom Shatel  and his colleague Lee Barfknecht, the FWAA’s first vice-president, and several other FWAA members at the World-Herald are part of this new radio internet program that will launch in March. The following is Tom’s column about plans for the new show.

Beam me up, Mike’l.

We’re not far from a day when the AM radio will be replaced by Internet radio. A time when you can get in your car, plug in your phone and listen to your favorite talk show, order a pizza or buy movie tickets over the Internet.

Omaha World-Herald columnist and former FWAA President Tom Shatel

Omaha World-Herald columnist and former FWAA President Tom Shatel

So says Mike’l Severe, the new host of the World-Herald show “The Bottom Line.”

“It’s already starting,” Severe said. “I drove a Dodge truck recently and you’re able to drive to the movie theater, look up what’s playing, see the trailer, call the theater and buy tickets — all right there on that 7.1-inch screen.

“We’re not very far from ‘Star Trek.’ ”

The World-Herald is preparing to boldly go where few newspapers have gone before.

Beginning in March, The World-Herald will host a sports talk show that will be accessible on Omaha.com or through a “The Bottom Line” phone app.

“The Bottom Line” will run Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., and will feature World-Herald sportswriters, entertainment writers and news writers.

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2013 FWAA award photos

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Dick Weiss, FWAA Past President and 2013 Bert McGrane winner, accepts the Edwin Pope Vanguard Award, which is presented to a media person who has been important in the coverage of the Orange Bowl over the years. Discover Orange Bowl Executive Director Eric Poms makes the presentation at a luncheon during bowl week. (Photo courtesy of the Discover Orange Bowl)
FWAA member Andrea Adelson of ESPN.com presents the 2013 Discover Orange Bowl/FWAA Courage Award to winner Anthony Larceval of San Jose State on the field during the 2014 bowl game. (Photo courtesy of the Discover Orange Bowl)
2013 FWAA President Chris Dufresne joins Tyler Hale, vice president of studio productions at CBS Sports, on the dais at the 2013 National Football Foundation Dinner at the Waldorf in New York last December. (Photo Courtesy of NFF)
Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Taylor (left), the 2013 Outland Trophy winner, poses with his trophy alongside North Carolina State center Jim Ritcher, the 1979 winner who also received his trophy at the Outland Trophy Presenation Banquet on Jan. 9 in Omaha at the Doubletree Hotel. (Photo Courtesy of the Greater Omaha Sports Committee)
Emcee Greg Sharpe (at podium) addresses the Outland Trophy Presentation Banquet crowd on Jan. 9, 2014, at the Doubletree Hotel in Omaha. (Photo Courtesy of the Greater Omaha Sports Committee)
ESPN’s Chris Fowler interviews Outland Trophy winner Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh during the Home Depot College Football Awards Show on Dec. 12, 2013. The FWAA awards the Outland Trophy to the best interior lineman in college football. Earlier in the week, Donald also won the FWAA’s Bronko Nagurski Award as the nation’s best defensive player. Photo courtesy of ESPN.
FWAA President Chris Dufresne (right) presents the 2013 Bronko Nagurski Award to Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 9. Photo by Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of Charlotte.
2013 Bronko Nagurski winner Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 9. Photo by Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of Charlotte.
2013 Bronko Nagurski winner Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh in Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 9. Photo by Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of Charlotte.
The three 2013 Outland Trophy Finalists on ESPN Awards Red Carpet Show from Lake Buena Vista, Fla,: Left to Right, Aaron Donaldof Pittsburgh, Cyril Richardson of Baylor, Jake Matthews of Texas A&M. Photo courtesy of ESPN.
Former Alabama offensive lineman Chris Samuels, the 1999 Outland Trophy winner, prepares to announce the winner of the 2013 Outland on the ESPN awards show. Photo courtesy of ESPN.
Aaron Donald (right), the 2013 Outland Trophy winner, is congratulated by Chris Samuels, the 1999 Outland Trophy winner. Photo courtesy of ESPN.
Bronko Nagurksi Award: left to right: Randy Rhino of Georgia Tech, Bronko Nagurski Legends Winner, Florida coach Will Muschamp, and the five 2013 Bronko Nagurski finalists; Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State, Michael Sam of Missouri, Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh, Lamarcus Joyner of Florida State and C.J. Mosley of Alabama. Photo by Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of Charlotte.
Bronko Nagurski Award: The five 2013 Bronko Nagurski finalists; Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State, Michael Sam of Missouri, Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh, Lamarcus Joyner of Florida State and C.J. Mosley of Alabama. Photo by Ron J.Deshaies/Treasured Events of Charlotte.
2013 Armed Forces Merit Award winner Brandon McCoy of North Texas (second from right) is pictured with (left to right) FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson, North Texas coach Dan McCarney and Brant Ringler, executive director of the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl.
2013 Armed Forces Merit Award winner Brandon McCoy of North Texas.
FWAA President Chris Dufesne (right) congratulates 2004 President Dick Weiss after Weiss was named winner of the FWAA’s 2013 Bert McGrane Award for contributions to the association and to college football.

Photo Gallery: Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Presentation

by • Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year, Photo Galleries • Tags: , ,

The Newport Sports Museum was the site of the 2013 FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year reception on Jan. 3, 2014. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
One of the sections at the Newport Sports Museum. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
The presentation of the Eddie Robinson bust: (L-R) Eddie Robinson III, Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn, Outgoing Fiesta Bowl Executive Director Robert Shelton, 2013 FWAA President Chris Dufresne. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn addressed the crowd at the Newport Sports Museum after picking up the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award three days before his team played for the national championship in nearby Pasadena. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
Part of the crowd at the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year reception. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
Eddie Robinson III observed the proceedings at the reception, honoring his late grandfather Eddie Robinson Sr. and Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, the FWAA’s 2013 Coach of the Year. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
(Left to right) FWAA Director of Special Events Margaret Mason, Eddie Robinson III, emcee Rick Neuheisel and Eddie Robinson IV enjoyed a conversation during the reception. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
(Left to right) 2013 FWAA President Chris Dufresne, TV analyst Rick Neuheisel and FWAA Past President Mark Blaudschun talked at reception.. Neuheisel, also a former head football coach, was the emcee for the FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year reception. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
Former college football head coach Rick Neuheisel, now a TV sports analyst, sings to Auburn Coach Gus Malzahn, the 2013 FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
(Left to right) Fiesta Bowl Chief of Communications Andy Bagnato, FWAA Past President Ivan Maisel, 2013 FWAA President Chris Dufresne huddled for a brief discussion. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)
Among those attending the FWAA Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year presentation were, left to right, former FWAA Presidents Tony Barnhart and Mark Blaudschun and 2013 President Chris Dufresne. (Photo courtesy of the Rose Bowl)

And if you’re interested in hearing the parody of Born in the USA (Born in the SEC) that Rick Neiheisel sang to Gus Malzahn, CLICK HERE to see the Los Angeles Times’ video.

Photo Gallery: FWAA Awards Breakfast

by • Annual Meeting, Awards Breakfast, Photo Galleries • Tags: ,
The entrance to the 2014 FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
A table setting from the 2014 FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast on Jan. 6 at the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
(Left to right) Dick Weiss, FWAA Past President and 2013 Bert McGrane Award winner, Dave Hirsch, Pac-12 Vice President Communications, and Malcolm Moran, FWAA Board Member, enjoyed a few moments of conversation before the breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Auburn Sports Information Director Shelly Poe and new CoSIDA Executive Director Doug Vance chatted before the beginning of the FWAA’s Annual Award Breakfast in Newport Beach, California. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Tim Tessalone, USC Sports Information Director and 2014 Bert McGrane Award winner (standing), spoke with Art Spander, long-time writer who won the FWAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award for covering his 61st straight Rose Bowl. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Jon Wilner, San Jose Mercury News sports writer, interacted with his daughter Anna before receiving the FWAA’s 2013 Beat Writer of the Year Award at the 2014 FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
The 2013 Campbell Trophy winner, John Urschel of Penn State, attended the FWAA’s Annual Awards Breakfast. The Campbell Trophy honors the top academic football player in the country and is awarded by the National Football Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times, the 2013 FWAA President, presided over the FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Keri Potts, ESPN Director of Communications for College Sports, made a presentation and showed a video during the FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast. ESPN is the sponsor of the breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Art Spander accepted the FWAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He earlier was honored in the Rose Bowl Press Box. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
FWAA President Chris Dufresne presented Art Spander a customized football for his historic achievement. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Art Spander and several family members at the 2014 FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Jon Wilner, with the acrobatic help of his daughter Anna, accepted the FWAA’s Beat Writer of the Year Award. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
USC’s Tim Tessalone, one of the top SIDs in the business, made a point during his acceptance of the 2014 Bert McGrane plaque. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Bill Hancock, Executive Director of the new College Football Playoff, explained the new format starting with the 2014 season. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Part of the crowd at the 2014 FWAA Annual Awards Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Mark Anderson, sports writer for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and 2014 FWAA second vice president, announced the 2013 FWAA Freshman All-America Team. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Ivan Maisel, FWAA Past President, (left) accepted an FWAA Best Writing Award Certificate from FWAA Board member Malcolm Moran. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Dennis Dodd, another FWAA Past President, (left) received an FWAA Best Writing Award Certificate from FWAA Board member Malcolm Moran. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
The 2013 FWAA President Chris Dufresne (left) handed over the FWAA presidency to Kirk Bohls of the Austin American-Statesman. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
Incoming 2014 President Kirk Bohls explained his agenda for the coming year near the end of the Awards Breakfast. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)
After the breakfast, Jon Wilner signed one of two appreciation posters the FWAA gave to Gina Lehe and Stephanie Montano of the Rose Bowl in appreciation for their service to the media during the Rose Bowl and the Bowl Championship Series title game. (Photo courtesy of Rose Bowl)

New president Kirk Bohl’s column

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2014 FWAA President Kirk Bohls

2014 FWAA President Kirk Bohls

INDIANAPOLIS — It’s the dawning of a new day for college football. I hope I don’t oversleep.

I wouldn’t want to miss it. By this time next year when we’ve celebrated our first champion from a real, live playoff culminating in Arlington, Texas, we might not even recognize the game. Change is coming, and, yes, it will be dramatic.

We enter 2014 with an appreciation for the rich past of this wonderful game we follow and an eye toward a future filled with equal parts anticipation of a historic season with the first College Football Playoff after the 2014 regular season. We also have a healthy concern for the direction of the sport. After all, the game is in a state of flux. Who knows when the Southeastern Conference will end its long drought and ever win another championship?

First, it’s a privilege to be your 2014 FWAA President. And I’d like to especially salute our 2013 President, Chris Dufresne, for his terrific service. I’d like to thank him for the great California weather for the final BCS game and the fact the game did not go into overtime

These are tumultuous times as college football wrestles with overwhelming issues: potential federation within the NCAA that could lead to a separate division and more distance between the haves and have-somes; Football Bowl Subdivision anxiety over uneven enforcement of penalties; players’ long-term health and safety; subsidies for players for the full cost of a scholarship; a tangled, complicated rulebook; and the controversial Ed O’Bannon lawsuit over payment for use of players’ likenesses for video games. And that doesn’t even count Lane Kiffin’s fascinating future, especially the week of the Alabama-Tennessee game.

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