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NORMAN — Sports journalism in Claremore continues to set the standard across Oklahoma.
For the third-consecutive year, the Claremore Daily Progress sports department, led by sports editor Kevin Green, captured first place in Sports Coverage in the Oklahoma Press Association's 2025 Better Newspaper Contest for Multi-Day & Online-Only Publications Division 2, which includes communities with populations between 20,000 and 40,000.
The awards banquet was held Saturday night at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman.
Judges praised the winning entries, saying, "Plenty to offer readers with thorough game coverage and features. Enjoyed the photos and stories on many sports."
The award-winning submissions included the April 12-13, May 10-11 and Sept. 20-21 weekend editions.
Adding to the accomplishment, Green also oversees the sports department at the Muskogee Phoenix, which finished second in the same category.
The contest success extended beyond game coverage.
Green earned first place in Column Writing for three opinion pieces that touched on topics ranging from high school transfers and community impact to professional sports and player safety.
Judges wrote: "Kevin seems very in tune with the community he serves. Well-crafted opinion on 'Thunderdome' and moving commentary from sidelines after player injury. Well done!"
One winning column examined the transfer of Inola basketball standout Aidan Clark to Broken Arrow.
While acknowledging the move made sense for Clark's Division I aspirations, the column explored the emotional impact on a small-town program that had built legitimate state-tournament hopes around one of the most talented players in school history.
Another tackled public suggestions to nickname Oklahoma City's future NBA arena the "Thunder Dome," arguing that a nearly $1 billion venue deserved a more creative and meaningful identity than a generic nickname.
The third reflected on a frightening injury suffered by Claremore Christian football player Jaxon Robinett during a game.
Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, the column centered on the human side of sports and the uncertainty surrounding Robinett's condition before he ultimately made a full recovery.
Photography also played a major role in the newspaper's success.
Photographer Jay Lederman earned both first and second place in the Sports Photograph category.
His first-place image, published in the Feb. 1-2 Weekend Edition, captured Claremore wrestler Raul Perez slamming an opponent during a dual against Coweta.
"Talk about feeling the slam," the judge wrote. "The readers may feel the blow looking at this picture. I like the way the background, though dark, is still clear to see the audience. Great job!"
Lederman's second-place photograph appeared Feb. 26 and showed Claremore wrestler Mason Gillispie taking down a Guthrie opponent during the Class 5A East Regional while coaches and teammates celebrated nearby.
"Felt the emotion in the coaches and teammates as they watched this match," the judge commented. "The picture puts readers close to the mat."
Other images from Lederman also helped propel the Claremore Progress to a second-place finish in the Photography category, which combines news and sports photography.
"The sports photos gave you the edge on this one," judges wrote. "Great storytelling on feature photos."
The awards continue a strong run for the Claremore Progress sports department, which has consistently been recognized among Oklahoma's top community newspapers while covering athletes and teams throughout Rogers County and beyond.
Continue reading...
For the third-consecutive year, the Claremore Daily Progress sports department, led by sports editor Kevin Green, captured first place in Sports Coverage in the Oklahoma Press Association's 2025 Better Newspaper Contest for Multi-Day & Online-Only Publications Division 2, which includes communities with populations between 20,000 and 40,000.
The awards banquet was held Saturday night at the Embassy Suites Hotel & Conference Center in Norman.
Judges praised the winning entries, saying, "Plenty to offer readers with thorough game coverage and features. Enjoyed the photos and stories on many sports."
The award-winning submissions included the April 12-13, May 10-11 and Sept. 20-21 weekend editions.
Adding to the accomplishment, Green also oversees the sports department at the Muskogee Phoenix, which finished second in the same category.
The contest success extended beyond game coverage.
Green earned first place in Column Writing for three opinion pieces that touched on topics ranging from high school transfers and community impact to professional sports and player safety.
Judges wrote: "Kevin seems very in tune with the community he serves. Well-crafted opinion on 'Thunderdome' and moving commentary from sidelines after player injury. Well done!"
One winning column examined the transfer of Inola basketball standout Aidan Clark to Broken Arrow.
While acknowledging the move made sense for Clark's Division I aspirations, the column explored the emotional impact on a small-town program that had built legitimate state-tournament hopes around one of the most talented players in school history.
Another tackled public suggestions to nickname Oklahoma City's future NBA arena the "Thunder Dome," arguing that a nearly $1 billion venue deserved a more creative and meaningful identity than a generic nickname.
The third reflected on a frightening injury suffered by Claremore Christian football player Jaxon Robinett during a game.
Rather than focusing on the scoreboard, the column centered on the human side of sports and the uncertainty surrounding Robinett's condition before he ultimately made a full recovery.
Photography also played a major role in the newspaper's success.
Photographer Jay Lederman earned both first and second place in the Sports Photograph category.
His first-place image, published in the Feb. 1-2 Weekend Edition, captured Claremore wrestler Raul Perez slamming an opponent during a dual against Coweta.
"Talk about feeling the slam," the judge wrote. "The readers may feel the blow looking at this picture. I like the way the background, though dark, is still clear to see the audience. Great job!"
Lederman's second-place photograph appeared Feb. 26 and showed Claremore wrestler Mason Gillispie taking down a Guthrie opponent during the Class 5A East Regional while coaches and teammates celebrated nearby.
"Felt the emotion in the coaches and teammates as they watched this match," the judge commented. "The picture puts readers close to the mat."
Other images from Lederman also helped propel the Claremore Progress to a second-place finish in the Photography category, which combines news and sports photography.
"The sports photos gave you the edge on this one," judges wrote. "Great storytelling on feature photos."
The awards continue a strong run for the Claremore Progress sports department, which has consistently been recognized among Oklahoma's top community newspapers while covering athletes and teams throughout Rogers County and beyond.
Continue reading...
