University of Memphis Athletics
Memphis Athletic Communications earns FWAA Super 11 Award
May 14, 2020 | Football, General
DALLAS – Memphis' media relations office has been recognized as one of the best in the country, earning its first Football Writers Association of America's Super 11 distinction.
Created to identify and reward the sports information departments and programs that exemplified excellent media relations, the Tigers' communications office was recognized in having good accessibility during the week of games and on game days – with a program's players and coaches – among other listed criteria during the 2019 season.
"That was a special point of emphasis for 2018 and 2019," FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson said. "Our membership wanted access to players after games, of course, but also for human interest and analytical stories during the week. It is encouraging that SIDs were being allowed to do their jobs by coaches at these schools. Obviously, as we move into uncertain times in college football, there may be developing standards and protocols which become prominent."
The office is led by Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications Tammy DeGroff and also includes: Associate Director Phil Stukenborg, Assistant Directors Lamar Chance, Jen Hannah and John Galatas, Graduate Assistant Ryan Thiele, Director of Digital Media Brad Pope and Web Videographer Nathan Galloway.
The group promoted and publicized one of the most successful seasons in Memphis football history, which included an American Athletic Conference championship, a Cotton Bowl appearance and a visit from ESPN's College GameDay.
Founded in 2009, this year's Super 11 Award winners were Appalachian State, Cal, Clemson, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas State, Memphis, Mississippi State, Navy, NC State and San Diego State.
In January 2009, the FWAA formed the first Super 11 Committee. The concept has been supported and endorsed by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), many of whom are members of the FWAA. The FWAA has awarded Super 11 to 70 different schools in this program over the years.
The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,300 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America teams.
Created to identify and reward the sports information departments and programs that exemplified excellent media relations, the Tigers' communications office was recognized in having good accessibility during the week of games and on game days – with a program's players and coaches – among other listed criteria during the 2019 season.
"That was a special point of emphasis for 2018 and 2019," FWAA Executive Director Steve Richardson said. "Our membership wanted access to players after games, of course, but also for human interest and analytical stories during the week. It is encouraging that SIDs were being allowed to do their jobs by coaches at these schools. Obviously, as we move into uncertain times in college football, there may be developing standards and protocols which become prominent."
The office is led by Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Communications Tammy DeGroff and also includes: Associate Director Phil Stukenborg, Assistant Directors Lamar Chance, Jen Hannah and John Galatas, Graduate Assistant Ryan Thiele, Director of Digital Media Brad Pope and Web Videographer Nathan Galloway.
The group promoted and publicized one of the most successful seasons in Memphis football history, which included an American Athletic Conference championship, a Cotton Bowl appearance and a visit from ESPN's College GameDay.
Founded in 2009, this year's Super 11 Award winners were Appalachian State, Cal, Clemson, Colorado, Iowa, Kansas State, Memphis, Mississippi State, Navy, NC State and San Diego State.
In January 2009, the FWAA formed the first Super 11 Committee. The concept has been supported and endorsed by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), many of whom are members of the FWAA. The FWAA has awarded Super 11 to 70 different schools in this program over the years.
The Football Writers Association of America, a non-profit organization founded in 1941, consists of more than 1,300 men and women across North America who cover college football for a living. The membership includes journalists, broadcasters and publicists, as well as key executives in all the areas that involve the game. The FWAA works to govern areas that include game-day operations, major awards, a national poll and its annual All-America teams.
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