Student Sportswriters Earn Top Honors in Statewide Journalism Contest

Two Chaminade students have been recognized by the New York Press Association (NYPA) for outstanding achievement in sports journalism as part of the 2024 Better Newspaper Contest — a prestigious statewide competition for both high school and college journalists.

Junior Roman Brunetti of Stewart Manor earned first-place, best-in-state honors for his article, “Flyers Soar In Regular Season Finale,” which captured the varsity football team’s dramatic victory over Xavier. Judges praised Brunetti for “writing that is both clear and perceptive,” noting how effectively he conveyed the intensity of a critical game.

Classmate Thomas Gamba of Garden City received third place for his article, “Freshmen Flyers Fall to Friars in Fierce Final,” detailing the JV-B soccer team’s championship match. The judges commended his engaging storytelling and described the piece as “a fun, fascinating read.” In addition to his written work, Gamba is also known for co-hosting NHL Hockeyverse Matchup of the Week on NHL Network and for serving as play-by-play announcer for the 2024 Little League Classic, a broadcast that reached over 2.1 million viewers.

The NYPA Better Newspaper Contest is judged by an out-of-state press association to ensure fairness and objectivity. This year, more than 150 high school and college publications participated.

Chaminade’s Athletics media platform, which launched in September 2024, has already made an impact on the state’s scholastic journalism scene. The success of Brunetti and Gamba reflects not only their talent but also the collaborative efforts behind the scenes. Special thanks go to Mr. Dan Feeney, Mr. John Honerkamp ’93, and Ms. Heidi Hafner for their leadership in creating new opportunities for student journalists.