News Tribune Sports Team Wins 4 National Awards

Honors include digital presentations, writing, and annual Prep Hockey Preview

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

The News Tribune sports department recently received four awards in a national contest held by the Associated Press Sports Editors. Three of the awards were in the digital/print section categories, while the fourth was in a writing category. The awards recognized the department's work across various formats, including digital storytelling, video, and the annual Prep Hockey Preview.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the News Tribune's commitment to excellence in sports journalism and its ability to engage readers through innovative digital content. The awards also showcase the talent and dedication of the sports team, which has established the News Tribune as a leading voice in regional sports coverage.

The details

The News Tribune was admitted to the APSE last summer and competed in Class C, which is based on circulation. The awards included an Explanatory Story honor for reporter Reagan Hoverman, a digital portfolio recognition, and a citation for Excellence in Video for digital producer Dan Williamson. The department's annual Prep Hockey Preview was also recognized as one of the top special sections in Class C/D.

  • The awards were announced on March 2, 2026, at the APSE's winter conference.
  • The winning articles and content were produced throughout 2025.

The players

News Tribune

A local newspaper serving the Duluth, Minnesota area, known for its strong sports coverage.

Reagan Hoverman

A News Tribune reporter who was honored in the Explanatory Story category for his March 22, 2025 article on the Grand Rapids mascot rebranding process.

Dan Williamson

A digital producer at the News Tribune who received an 'Excellence in Video' citation for his work on the 'Return of the Swain Invitational' video.

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What they’re saying

“The News Tribune sports department recently received four awards in a national contest.”

— Staff (duluthnewstribune.com)

The takeaway

The News Tribune's sports team has demonstrated its ability to produce high-quality, engaging content across multiple platforms, from digital storytelling and video to traditional print journalism. This national recognition underscores the department's commitment to excellence and its role in providing comprehensive sports coverage for the Duluth community.