California News Publishers Association recognized Sports Editor Tony Nunez on Saturday at the organization’s annual luncheon and awards show in Sonoma.
Nunez, a Watsonville High, Cabrillo College and San Jose State alumnus, finished second in the best Sports Section category, and also placed third in Special Sports Section and Sports Action Photo.
Nunez’s sports sections featuring coverage of Aptos High’s league football against Salinas High, St. Francis High’s historic section volleyball win and a feature of Santa Cruz Warriors forward Cleanthony Early’s vegan diet — among other numerous local and national stories — were honored.
His photo of St. Francis alumnus Sandor Rene Rodriguez flying through the air for a layup during a heated league basketball game against Aptos High was good enough for third, while his special football preview section also earned third-place recognition.
It marks the third-straight year Nunez has been honored by the CNPA. He won best sports section in 2015.
Editors at newspapers across the state vote on and determine the CNPA’s California Journalism Award winners. The Pajaronian competed with other weekly papers of similar circulation.
