SAN MARCOS DAILY RECORD
The San Marcos Daily Record took home six awards from the 2024 Texas Better Newspaper Contest, including first place awards in sports photography and special section. This contest runs every year through the Texas Press Association and is an opportunity for publications of all sizes to highlight achievements in seventeen categories. In
SEE DAILY RECORD AWARDS PAGE 5A addition to the first place wins, the record won 2nd place Headline Writing, 2nd place Sports Coverage, 3rd place Feature Writing and 4th place in News Writing. Taking home first place in Division 3 Sports Photography is Sports Editor Colton McWilliams with an action shot of a bucking bronco and rider during the 78th annual Wimberley VFW Rodeo published in the July 9 edition. “What great photos! That rodeo photo put this entry in first place,” said a judge. Photos by Gerald Castillo of the Texas Water Safari in the June 11 issue also won as well as his TXST Softball team photo in the May 14 issue, his Rattlers volleyball photo in the August 9 issue, and his Lady Rattlers basketball photo in the December 18 issue. The 2024 San Marcos Chamber Welcome guide took home first place in the Special Section Semi-Weekly Division One category. The Daily Record placed second in Headline Writing for Division 3 for the November 21 headline “The day the music almost died: Council removes the decibel limit on Tantra’s Conditional Use permit,” written by Managing Editor Shannon West. Other winning headlines by West included “City out of the weeds, for now: Judge dismisses Paxton’s marijuana lawsuit, state to appeal” from the July 28 edition. The November 3 issue included the winning headline “Hell Ride in purgatory until next time.”
“Excellent examples of how bright headlines should read first, then add the humor,” said a judge.
Sports Editor Colton McWilliams helped the record claim more awards with 2nd place in Sports Coverage for Division 3. Winning articles include the Dec 18 “Lady Rattlers overcome slow start to defeat Canyon,” “Rattlers defeat Del Valle on Retro Night,” “Bobcats road winning streak continues with win over Denver” and “Texans fall to La Vega in offensive shootout.” McWilliams also won for coverage on December 20, which included “Lady Rattlers defeat Buda Johnson in intense Hays County clash,” “Bobcats prep for bowl game despite transfers,” “Rattlers defeat Johnson in district opener” and “Goldschimdt steals second vs Texas” (part of “Throwback Friday”).
“None of this is possible without the community of San Marcos,” McWilliams said. “Whether it’s the Rattlers or the Bobcats, San Marcos has given us a platform to help tell local stories. From the Bobcats going bowling to Lady Rattlers qualifying for the regional finals in basketball, these are stories that matter to San Marcos. The next sports season is shaping up to be an all-timer and we will be there in some way, shape or form and continue our mission of bringing the best coverage we can provide.”
West also helped secure a 3rd place win for Feature Writing with her September 1 article, “We did, so you could: The story of Helen Jackson Franks” “I’m so proud of the Daily Record team for all of their hard work — every year but especially in 2024 when we won more Texas Press Association Awards than any other year since I joined the team,” SMDR Managing Editor Shannon West said. “I also want to thank the community for always providing us with hot leads and all of the interesting moments, events and people that led us to these recognitions.”
Features Editor, Celeste Cook also helped secure the award with her July 21st feature “Green Heron Bookshop: San Marcos’ indie bookstore finds a new home”.
“I’ve been working for the Daily Record in one capacity or another since 1995, but I’ve only been the Features Editor since 2021. I’m grateful for this award because we have such a devoted, hardworking, talented team here, and we all love San Marcos so much,” Cook said.
The Record took home 4th place in News Writing for the January 16 article “Stay Warm: Helping the displaced during the cold” written by contributor Jessica L James. Judges were impressed, stating “interviewing of homeless made the problem close and real.” Regional Editor, Dalton Sweat shared a win with Shannon West for their shared article in the July 21 issue, titled ”DA challenges judges livestream of court.”
One can explore all the winners across Texas at publisher.etype.services/Texas-Press-Assoc/epaper-special-edition/FF87889D0439FE1C.
