Copy Editor

CSU Bakersfield’s The Runner newspaper won six awards at this year’s Associated Collegiate Press’ Midwinter National College Journalism Convention held in Los Angeles on Feb. 18-21.

CSUB competed with over 80 other schools from across the nation. Photo Editor AJ Alvarado won first place for Best Sports Photo from The Runner’s Oct. 28, 2015 edition. Other awards included third places in Best Photo Series, Best Sports Story, and Best Special Issue for the newspaper’s 40th Anniversary edition from last Feb. 18.

The Runner also received Honorable Mentions for Best Website and Best Arts and Entertainment Story by former Feature Story Editor Shelby Parker.

The Runner’s Editor-in-Chief Esteban Ramirez wrote the winning sports story “From Humble Beginnings To All-Time Scorer,” from Jan. 29, 2015.

“I feel like it’s really great. Last year we were only nominated for two. This year to be nominated for six is an honor. And with AJ’s first place, it’s amazing,” said Ramirez.

The highlight of the evening was Alvarado’s first place sports photo.

“It was cool to get recognized for doing your work,” said Alvarado, Photo Editor on The Runner. “All those long hours on The Runner…for free.”

Unlike his third place win for Best Photo Series from 2015’s Stampede Days Rodeo, he said the sports photo featuring the CSUB women’s volleyball team celebrating their victory was what he was waiting for.

“It wasn’t one of those right place-right time (moments)…I was looking for that shot. That’s what I was going for,” said Alvarado.

The Runner newspaper also won seventh place for Best Website For A Small School for ACP Best of Show awards ceremony held at the end of the convention.

Moving forward, Ramirez said his goals for The Runner are thinking of creative designs for the newspaper and thinking of new ideas for the website.

“I want to improve the website and hopefully next year get placed higher,” said Ramirez.