Amherst's Long Places Second in 2009 CoSIDA Fred S. Stabley Sr. Writing Contest
Courtesy Amherst Sports Information
AMHERST, Mass. – Amherst College Associate Sports Information Director Justin Long was named a recipient of one of the most prestigious honors the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) annually awards earlier this week, as he was the national runner-up in the Coach/Administrator Profile portion of the 2009 CoSIDA Fred S. Stabley Sr. Writing contest.
Long earned both regional and national recognition from CoSIDA for his article profiling Amherst volleyball and softball head coach Sue Everden titled "A look inside the wonderful, whimsical mind of Sue Everden". Long’s feature first appeared in last year’s Amherst Football Illustrated magazine.
His article highlights the playful, zany and intense personality that Everden employs both on the court coaching, and in her everyday life. Long’s article begins with a transcription of Everden’s outgoing voicemail recording in one of the most unique glimpses into a coach’s world. The personal touch both brought the subject to life, and drew readers into the story immediately.
In his fourth year working in the Sports Information office, Long has become known to the Amherst Athletics community for his tireless work ethic and fabulous writing. Athletic Director Suzanne Coffey was as pleased as anyone to hear about Long’s accomplishment, sharing that “it’s terrific to see that his colleagues nationally have recognized Justin’s talents in honoring his work with CoSIDA recognition.” Coffey explains that “in his feature pieces, Justin displays great creativity in exploring his subjects, and in so doing is able to reveal a spirit that enthralls the reader.”
“Being recognized at the national level is a tremendous feeling,” shares Long, “but I honestly believe this award speaks to the types of student-athletes and coaches we have at Amherst more so than it speaks to my writing abilities. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to write about fascinating people like Coach Everden on a regular basis. Much of the credit should also go to Emily Boutilier, editor of the college’s alumni magazine, who does a tremendous job of editing and proofreading my feature stories.”
Also receiving recognition from CoSIDA was Connecticut College SID Will Tomasian, as his feature story entitled "Hockey Team Finds a New Goal" came in second in the General Feature category for District I.
A complete list of winners for the 2009 Fred S. Stabley Sr. Writing contest can be found on the CoSIDA website.
