Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Ely - Ely Timberjay Entry Title: Arrowhead Ultra 135: It was so cold Entry Credit: Marshall Helmberger Judge Comment: Blood-pumping writing, as crisp as winter air. Great coverage of a long event that pulls the reader in and places them in the action. Writer is able to make the most of an epic subject in a short space. Fast-paced structure with the use of the ad-on about the fiery mishap gives the reader a feeling of icing on the cake, leaves the reader wanting more. A great read.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Cambridge/North Branch-County News Review Entry Title: Amazing Grace, Isant's McCallum rises to elite gymnast status Entry Credit: John Wagner Judge Comment: Fluid writing that compels the reader to become a fan of the subject; leaves the reader wanting to find out what happens next. The tone matches the subject without becoming saccharine, the story is well-formed, invigorating to the end.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Montgomery Messenger Entry Title: Girl power on the gridiron Entry Credit: Wade Young Judge Comment: A contemporary topic made easy and approachable with a feel-good and relatable closing moment.
