The University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications announced the winners of the annual Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition on April 1.
First place was awarded to Lana Hebda, a senior sports media and communication and agricultural and environmental sciences double major from Silver Creek. Hebda was recognized for her entries “More than rope and spurs,” which appeared in the Nebraska News Service on March 1 and “Weidner’s drive to prove the doubters wrong,” which appeared in the Nebraska News Service on Feb. 29. Hebda will receive a $2,500 cash award.
Marissa Kraus placed second and will receive a $2,000 prize. She was recognized for her Daily Nebraskan stories, “'It's a family thing': the story of Nebraska football’s Luke Reimer,” published on Nov. 22, 2023, and “Nebraska football player impacts others through positivity, outreach,” published on Oct. 4, 2023. Kraus is a senior journalism major from Columbia, Missouri.
Third place was awarded to Zach Cutler, a senior advertising and public relations and sports media and communication double major from Omaha. He will receive a $1,500 award and was recognized for his Unlimited Sports story, "The (Virtual) Torch That Gave Hope to Athletes Across Nebraska," published on Feb. 27, and his NFC North Report story, "Say Goodbye to Rebuilding, The Future Is Now For Love and The Packers," published on Jan. 10.
Noah Douglas placed fourth and will receive a $1,000 award. He was recognized for his Lincoln Journal Star stories, “'Last one, best one': Lincoln Southwest's mantra rings true as it claims 1st state volleyball title,” published on Nov. 5, 2023, and “'The Malayah Way': How Super-State captain Malayah Long's smile energizes her team,” published on Dec. 10, 2023. Douglas is a double major in journalism and sports media and communication from Pewaukee, Wisconsin.
The 2024 Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition was judged by Amie Just, sports columnist for the Lincoln Journal Star, Mitch Sherman, staff writer for The Athletic and Brandon Vogel, writer and editor for Counter Read.
“Congratulations to Lana, Marissa, Zach and Noah for their outstanding achievements in the Roper Sports Writing Competition,” said Shari Veil, Jane T. Olson Dean of the College of Journalism and Mass Communications. “This competition showcases the caliber of students in our programs. We are grateful to the Ropers for their ongoing support of sports media and communication education at UNL.”
Lynn and Dana Roper, distinguished alumni of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, founded the Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition in 2001, driven by their enduring passion for sports and its unifying impact on communities. Dana, once drawn to a career in sports writing before pursuing law, and Lynn, whose professional journey from journalism to financial planning was deeply influenced by her love for sports, recognized the importance of nurturing exceptional talent in sports journalism. Their philanthropic contributions have established a vital platform for aspiring journalists to demonstrate their skills and fervor for storytelling in the dynamic world of sports.
To support programs like the Lynn and Dana Roper Sports Writing Competition and make a lasting impact at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, consider partnering with the University of Nebraska Foundation. Your contributions can help empower students, foster innovation and advance excellence across various academic disciplines. To learn more about how you can make a difference through philanthropy, visit the University of Nebraska Foundation website at www.nufoundation.org or contact Director of Development Jeremy Lohrman at 800-432-3216 or jeremy.lohrman@nufoundation.org. Together, we can shape a brighter future for our university community and beyond.
