Published in The Telegraph on March 6, 2025

BY THE TELEGRAPH

Local sports stories acclaim a historic first for the publication

For decades, The Telegraph has been a steadfast chronicler of the region's sports — capturing the triumphs, heartbreaks, and enduring legacies that define the area's athletic culture. But last week, the nation took notice.

With the announcement of the prestigious Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) annual awards — the gold standard of American sports journalism — The Telegraph secured its first ever recognition in the contest's history, earning not one, not two, but three top-io honors.

It's a groundbreaking moment for the publication, cementing its place among the industry's elite and reaffirming its dedication to the craft of storytelling. This year's APSE contest featured entries from 178 news organizations across the country, making The Telegraph's achievement all the more remarkable. The APSE awards, long considered a barometer of journalistic excellence, validate the work of sports writers who elevate the drama of the game into something more profound — narratives that go beyond box scores and final whistles.

The Telegraph sports team wins national journalism awards

The honorees — Managing Editor Erik Hall, Sports Editor Pete Hayes, and columnist Brandon Kiley — represent the breadth and depth of The Telegraph's sports coverage. Their work, distinguished by its insight, emotion, and sharp analysis, showcases why local journalism remains indispensable in the modern media landscape.

Hall's deeply reported feature on gymnast Randy Wickstrom, a forgotten star of the 1980s who succumbed to AIDS in 1990, earned a coveted spot among the nation's top feature stories. Hayes and Kiley each secured top-io finishes in Division D column writing, making The Telegraph the only publication in its division with two recognized columnists — an impressive feat that speaks to the strength of the newsroom.

"I'm extremely proud of the APSE recognition The Telegraph received from the top sports editors in the country," Hall said. "It's terrific to see Pete receive this kind of national recognition after his years of dedication to The Telegraph. I'm also quite pleased to see Brandon pick up this honor after providing excellent analysis of University of Missouri football this fall."

The APSE award-winning authors

Erik Hall — The Randy Wickstrom legacy

Erik Hall's stirring account of Randy Wickstrom, an NCAA champion who struggled as a closeted gay athlete in the 1980s, is a masterclass in sports storytelling. Through meticulous reporting and intimate interviews, Hall reconstructs Wickstrom's dominance in gymnastics and his personal journey, ultimately crafting a poignant exploration of identity, legacy, and the human cost of silence. The piece rises above sport — it's a powerful reminder of how history can forget even its brightest stars, and how journalism can restore their place in the record.

Hall joined The Telegraph in March 2024 as managing editor. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois and a master's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri. His career has spanned high impact roles at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, San Diego (California) Union-Tribune, Roanoke (Virginia) Times, and LaSalle (Illinois) NewsTribune. His storytelling prowess was on full display in his APSE-honored feature.

Pete Hayes — Telling a community's stories through sport

With more than four decades at The Telegraph, Pete Hayes has long been a pillar of Illinois sports journalism. A native of Olney Illinois, Hayes earned his degree from SIU-Edwardsville in 1977 and has been with The Telegraph since 1982, taking the helm as sports editor in 2000. His induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame speaks volumes about his impact on the sports landscape. His award-winning columns highlight the figures who have shaped the local sports landscape, from Coach Jim Hlafka's transformative career at Bunker Hill High School to the resilient spirit of an Alton community grappling with a sinkhole that swallowed a beloved playing field. His reflections blend historical depth with deeply personal storytelling, proving that sports are, at their core, about people.

Brandon Kiley — Mizzou football in context

A sharp analyst of Missouri Tigers football, Brandon Kiley brings a unique voice to The Telegraph's sports coverage. He joined The Telegraph in August 2024 as a sports columnist, bringing insightful commentary on the University of Missouri. Kiley writes for The Telegraph in addition to his full-time role as a sports radio host and executive producer at 101 ESPN in St. Louis. His top-io columns offer an incisive look at Mizzou's rebuilding era under Coach Eli Drinkwitz, the rise of star receiver Luther Burden, and the emotional rollercoaster of a program chasing national relevance. His columns weave expert analysis with the raw emotion of the game, striking a chord with die-hard fans and casual readers alike.

APSE awards recognize top sports journalism

Since its inception in 1981, the APSE awards have set the pinnacle for sports journalism, honoring the writers and editors who craft stories that stand the test of time. While the top-io placements alone are a significant feat, the final rankings and category winners will be announced in the coming weeks — offering a potential cherry on top of an already landmark moment for The Telegraph.

And for a newsroom dedicated to capturing the heart and soul of its community, the best stories are still to come.