Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Cloquet - Pine Journal Entry Title: "Swapping jerseys for stripes" Entry Credit: Jamie Lund Judge Comment: The writer does a great job of letting us know the person in addition to understanding the unusual story -- a female hockey player who grows into a ref. The info box on the shortage of refs clinched the win.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Northfield News Entry Title: Northfield's Stanchina creates problems for opposing coaches Entry Credit: Michael Hughes Judge Comment: Great story telling here, particularly the lede. The writer sets up a dramatic situation to set up the rest of the story.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Melrose Beacon Entry Title: Meyer focuses on enjoying sports, life Entry Credit: Herman Lensing Judge Comment: This story is a winner because of the writing. The writer tells a dramatic story -- a three-sport athlete who also happens to have cerebral palsy -- in simple language. Nothing ornate. Just a good story.
