Lima News' Tom Usher named Sports Writer of the Year

March 30, 2009 - Lima News sports reporter Tom Usher has been named Sports Writer of the Year in the Ohio Prep Sports Writers Association 2008-09 awards. Usher was selected for the award in Division II.

“Being named the OPSWA Writer of the Year is a big honor to any prep sports writer,” Lima News Sports Editor Ross Bishoff said. “But for Tom to be selected is not a surprise. He is a dedicated sports writer who is passionate about all sports, especially high school sports.

This past year, Tom not only provided the Lima News with excellent coverage but regularly helps in planning our coverage for all sports. He’s a huge asset to our sports department.”

Usher took awards in five OPSWA categories:

First place, News Story: The history of Lima Senior’s Joe Bowers Field.

Fourth place, Column: The factors for winning and losing

Fourth place, Game Story: Bath’s Ford first to 500

Fourth Place, Enterprise: Gene Stechschulte’s teaching of the art of pitching.

Fifth Place, Features: “Klaus following brother’s path.”

“It’s an honor to be recognized like this by the state prep writers association,” Usher said. “I know how much passion my friends and fellow writers have for writing prep sports, so it came as a total surprise and an honor.”