News Journal legend Fred Comegys celebrated for iconic sports shots

Delaware Sportswriters & Broadcasters Association to recognize Comegys' half-century of splendid sports photos with community service award

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Fred Comegys, a longtime photographer for The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, will be honored by the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters Association for his exceptional sports photography over the past 50 years. Comegys, now 84, is known for his unique style and ability to capture the essence of athletes, coaches, and sporting events.

Why it matters

Comegys' photography has become a cherished part of Delaware's sports history, with his images serving as keepsakes for many fans and enriching the sports pages for decades. His recognition by the DSBA highlights the important role that photojournalists play in preserving and celebrating the state's athletic achievements.

The details

Comegys, who retired in 2012, will receive the DSBA's Herm Reitzes Community Service Award, the first photojournalist to be so honored. During his career, Comegys was named the National Press Photographers Association's National Newspaper Photographer of the Year in 1985 and was a Pulitzer finalist that same year. His work has also been featured in a 2011 exhibit at the Delaware Art Museum.

  • Comegys will receive the award during the DSBA's annual awards luncheon on February 16, 2026.
  • Comegys began working at The News Journal in 1959 after graduating from Conrad High School.

The players

Fred Comegys

An 84-year-old former photographer for The News Journal in Wilmington, Delaware, known for his exceptional sports photography over a 50-year career.

Bill Snead

The photo editor at The News Journal who recognized Comegys' talent and gave him the opportunity to become a photographer.

Joe Biden

The former Vice President of the United States, who congratulated Comegys on his retirement in 2012.

Delaware Sportswriters & Broadcasters Association

The organization that will be honoring Comegys with the Herm Reitzes Community Service Award.

Delaware Art Museum

The museum that featured Comegys' work in a 2011 exhibit.

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What they’re saying

“They were awesome. I'm shooting Frazier in the ring, and he comes off and says 'I want to wipe the sweat off.' I said 'No, don't do that' and he laughed, and I got some great shots.”

— Fred Comegys, Photographer

“With Ali, he's up there hitting the speed bag, and I only got near him to shoot for like three seconds because I didn't want to get on his nerves. Afterward, he invited me back into his cabin, and I got some great shots.”

— Fred Comegys, Photographer

What’s next

The DSBA will announce the John J. Brady Award for Delaware Athlete of the Year during the awards luncheon on February 16, 2026.

The takeaway

Comegys' photography has become an integral part of Delaware's sports history, capturing the essence of athletes, coaches, and sporting events over the course of his 50-year career. His recognition by the DSBA underscores the important role that photojournalists play in preserving and celebrating the state's athletic achievements.