Two SUNY Oswego students earned first-place honors in student categories at the Syracuse Press Club’s Professional Recognition Awards on May 2. 

Sophomore journalism major Addie Kotsol placed first in the Student Audio Sports Story category for her piece “Equity in SUNY Oswego Athletics,” while senior broadcast and digital media major Rob Finger earned first place in the Student Television/Video Sports Story category for his feature on the long-standing rivalry between Oswego's Lakers and Plattsburgh Cardinals men’s hockey teams.

Kotsol’s audio story explored the experiences of female student-athletes and leaders in Oswego athletics.

“My favorite part about producing it was getting to sit down with empowering female athletes, coaches and administrators,” Kotsol said. “Getting to learn about their personal journeys and how much they do to fight for equal rights and opportunities for women in sports was one of my favorite experiences on this campus so far.”

She said the recognition has strengthened her confidence as a storyteller. 

“It feels amazing to win an award. I stepped out of my comfort zone with audio media, and winning this award made me more confident in my multimedia skills,” she said, crediting Professor Tyler King and her BRC 229: "Multimedia News/Sports I" class for helping her develop the piece.

Finger’s award-winning video traced the history and intensity of one of Division III hockey’s most storied rivalries, blending archival research with personal perspective. 

“My winning piece was about the 50-year-old rivalry between the Oswego State Lakers and the Plattsburgh State Cardinals,” Finger said. “Uncovering the first game between them in an old Oswegonian article was like finding buried treasure.”

For Finger, the honor represents validation of his work and growth as a storyteller. 

“To have a professional organization recognize the work that I put in and think that the results are award-worthy tells me that I’m doing something right,” he said.

Both students emphasized the role of faculty mentorship and experiential learning in their success. Kotsol pointed to classroom instruction in audio storytelling, while Finger credited multiple mentors who helped shape his approach to writing, reporting and production.

Looking ahead, both students plan to build on this momentum. Kotsol aims to pursue a career in sports journalism. She hopes the award will open new opportunities to connect and grow in the field. 

Finger plans to become a play-by-play broadcaster. 

“This award is a confidence booster,” he said. “It tells me that I am on the right track.”

The Syracuse Press Club awards recognize excellence in journalism across central and northern New York, including professional and student categories.

-- Submitted by Communication Studies