General | November 06, 2018

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bethune-Cookman Athletics historian and senior writer Dan Ryan was able to showcase his writing skills at the highest level in Florida over the course of the 2017-18 athletic year, and it paid off Saturday, Nov. 3, when he was bestowed with a pair of annual wards at the meeting of the 68th Florida Press Club Excellence Competition in Mount Dora, Florida.
 
Ryan's writing earned him first place in the Sports Columnist, Category C-D. His entry consisted of articles, A Final Farewell to [Baseball Coach Jason] Beverlin;  A Perfect Time to Stay At Home chronicling Cameron Rigby's game-changing tackle At The 2017 Florida Classic and Shocked To His Senses reflecting on his post-game cardiac episode.  
 
"Telling the story of Bethune-Cookman and the student-athletes isn't a job to me. It's a calling," Ryan said. "It was a pleasure to support quality journalism, as well as reconnect with former colleagues and meet some known by byline only."
 
The veteran writer, who has worked at B-CU for around 20 years, also placed second in Sports Writing, Category D for stories highlighting women's basketball winning its 20th game at Coppin State with Chandler McCabe filling in for Vanessa Blair-Lewis as head coach; the track team qualifying two relay teams for the 2018 NCAA Championship and  Men's Basketball Player Shantrez Davis' efforts in an early season win over Florida College.
 
"I appreciate that Vice President Lynn Thompson and Bryan Harvey gave me this opportunity," continued Ryan. I also appreciate that some readers actually consider me a trusted voice. Plus, I needed some new decorations for my office wall; and awards add that special something.
 
"Seriously – I work in athletics. It's always fun to get the win. It also was a good exercise to help me keep my storytelling skills sharp."
 
On finishing second, Ryan reflected, "it keeps me humble and reminds me that I need to continue to sharpen my skills. I'm as pleased with second because it was the subject matter – the athletes' efforts – that produced the award-winning content."
 
The awards were distributed at the 68th annual meeting of the Florida Press Club in Mount Dora on Saturday.
 
All of Ryan's writing selections can be seen on the official BCU Athletics website (bcuathletics.com).
 
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