Arizona Press Club

State Singles winners

Posted on by azpressclub

Spot News

1st Place- ‘Giving Comfort’ Alfredo Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

A young man trapped in a crushed Toyota Prius grimaces as members of the Northwest Fire District work to extricate him from the crushed vehicle on the eastbound off ramp at Interstate 10 and Ruthrauff. Several people were injured and transported to local hospitals as four vehicles were involved in the accident at the light. in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
A young man trapped in a crushed Toyota Prius grimaces as members of the Northwest Fire District work to extricate him from the crushed vehicle on the eastbound off ramp at Interstate 10 and Ruthrauff. Several people were injured and transported to local hospitals as four vehicles were involved in the accident at the light. in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2015. A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

2nd Place- ‘Tree Down’ Ben Moffat/ASU

Eric Bahaman, 29, jumps his bike over a tree that fell down in the front yard of his Tempe home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. The previous night's rain storm knocked the tree down.
Eric Bahaman, 29, jumps his bike over a tree that fell down in the front yard of his Tempe home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015. The previous night’s rain storm knocked the tree down.

3rd Place- ‘Dog rescued from fire’ Oscar Perez/Casa Grande Dispatch

Oscar Perez/Dispatch A man holds his dog as he watche firefighter extinguish a fire in his home fire Friday in the 500 block of west McMurray Boulevard. Firefighters rescued three pefs from the mobile home after a barbecue grill ignited a blaze that spread to the residence.
Oscar Perez/Dispatch
A man holds his dog as he watche firefighter extinguish a fire in his home fire Friday in the 500 block of west McMurray Boulevard. Firefighters rescued three pefs from the mobile home after a barbecue grill ignited a blaze that spread to the residence.

 

General News

1st Place- ‘Murder Scene’ Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Friends of 17-year-old Isela Rodriguez hold each other outside the home in the 800 block of west Calle Medina where Rodriguez and four others were found dead Tuesday, after leaving a memorial candle, Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Friends of 17-year-old Isela Rodriguez hold each other outside the home in the 800 block of west Calle Medina where Rodriguez and four others were found dead Tuesday, after leaving a memorial candle, Wednesday, May 13, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

2nd Place- “Prayer” Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star Star

Toby Van Skike, far right, leads a prayer with Jenny Beals, far left, and Sue Pennington, second from right, for Fran Cappadocia, at the end of his visit with Cappadocia at the Arizona State Veteran Home on Wednesday May 06, 2015. Van Skike was wounded on April 26, 1968 while serving in the Vietnam War, Cappadocia was his nurse. After returning to the United States, Van Skike never forgot the nurse who cared for him. Four months ago, Van Skike found Cappadocia and visited her for the first time. Van Skike lives in Benson, but drives to Tucson to visit Cappadocia every couple of weeks. Cappadocia has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and severe post traumatic stress disorder. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Toby Van Skike, far right, leads a prayer with Jenny Beals, far left, and Sue Pennington, second from right, for Fran Cappadocia, at the end of his visit with Cappadocia at the Arizona State Veteran Home on Wednesday May 06, 2015. Van Skike was wounded on April 26, 1968 while serving in the Vietnam War, Cappadocia was his nurse. After returning to the United States, Van Skike never forgot the nurse who cared for him. Four months ago, Van Skike found Cappadocia and visited her for the first time. Van Skike lives in Benson, but drives to Tucson to visit Cappadocia every couple of weeks. Cappadocia has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and severe post traumatic stress disorder.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

3rd Place- “Flash Flood” Michael Chow/Arizona Republic

Residents peer over a fence while workers dig out mud and debris, looking for possible survivors of a flash flood in Hilldale, UT September 15, 2015. Flash floods washed away two vehicles, killing 13 people.
Residents peer over a fence while workers dig out mud and debris, looking for possible survivors of a flash flood in Hilldale, UT September 15, 2015. Flash floods washed away two vehicles, killing 13 people.

AoE- “Emus” Alfredo Araiza/Arizona Daily Star

Adrian Figueroa stops a loose emu in its tracks before roping it after it had escaped. Pima County Sheriff Deputies later came in to help corral the emu near South Cardinal and West Irvington Road. The emu was one of several that escaped from a nearby home. All were rescued and returned to the owner. The photo was taken on Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Tucson Ariz. A.E. Araiza/ Arizona Daily Star
Adrian Figueroa stops a loose emu in its tracks before roping it after it had escaped. Pima County Sheriff Deputies later came in to help corral the emu near South Cardinal and West Irvington Road. The emu was one of several that escaped from a nearby home. All were rescued and returned to the owner. The photo was taken on Thursday, November 5, 2015, in Tucson Ariz. A.E. Araiza/ Arizona Daily Star

AoE- “Salute” Patrick Breen/Arizona Republic

Navy ROTC salute during the National Anthem as the memorial for the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor begins on Dec. 6, 2015 at University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz.
Navy ROTC salute during the National Anthem as the memorial for the 74th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor begins on Dec. 6, 2015 at University of Arizona in Tucson, Ariz.

AoE- “Anger” Nick Oza/Arizona Republic

Police officers lined barricades separating protesters and counter-protesters who gathered outside a Phoenix mosque Friday evening in response to a planned "freedom of speech" demonstration where attendees were encouraged to bring weapons and "draw Mohammed," an act offensive to many Muslims. on May 29, 2015.
Police officers lined barricades separating protesters and counter-protesters who gathered outside a Phoenix mosque Friday evening in response to a planned “freedom of speech” demonstration where attendees were encouraged to bring weapons and “draw Mohammed,” an act offensive to many Muslims. on May 29, 2015.

Feature

1st Place- “Bathtub Ring” Mark Henle/Arizona Republic

Roger Dell relaxes in the water at Lake Mead’s Boulder Beach, June 20, 2015. A high-water mark or “bathtub ring” is visible on the shoreline; Lake Mead is down over 150 vertical feet.
Roger Dell relaxes in the water at Lake Mead’s Boulder Beach, June 20, 2015. A high-water mark or “bathtub ring” is visible on the shoreline; Lake Mead is down over 150 vertical feet.

2nd Place- “Monsoon Ride” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

A Pedicab drives down Van Buren Road carrying a woman with a yellow umbrella in the rain on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ.
A Pedicab drives down Van Buren Road carrying a woman with a yellow umbrella in the rain on Friday, June 5, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ.

3rd Place- “Dave and his dog” Mark Henle/Arizona Republic

David and his dog, Nago, perform on the street, January 29, 2015, during the Super Bowl fan celebration in downtown Phoenix.
David and his dog, Nago, perform on the street, January 29, 2015, during the Super Bowl fan celebration in downtown Phoenix.

AoE- “Save the phone” Michael Chow/Arizona Republic

Alex Reyes, 18 from Chandler, keeps his cell phone from going underwater while using the slide at the River Ranch at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak April 19, 2015.
Alex Reyes, 18 from Chandler, keeps his cell phone from going underwater while using the slide at the River Ranch at Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak April 19, 2015.

AoE- “Super bowl party” Nick Oza/Arizona Republic

Dance performers entertain the crowd during Super Bowl party in downtown Phoenix, Az.
Dance performers entertain the crowd during Super Bowl party in downtown Phoenix, Az.

Portrait

1st Place- “Arizona Summer” Nick Oza/Arizona Republic

Netroots nation crowd cools off from misters in downtown Phoenix.
Netroots nation crowd cools off from misters in downtown Phoenix.

2nd Place- “Camp Bravo” Mamta Popat/Arizona Daily Star

Jeff Kelly sits by the fire to warm up on Thursday November 19, 2015 at Camp Bravo in Tucson, Ariz. Kelly says he's been living at the camp for a week. Veterans on Patrol runs the camp. It was created by a group of veterans to help homeless people, particularly homeless veterans and women and children. The group has set up army tents on private property and has many items like food, clothing and water donated to them. Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
Jeff Kelly sits by the fire to warm up on Thursday November 19, 2015 at Camp Bravo in Tucson, Ariz. Kelly says he’s been living at the camp for a week. Veterans on Patrol runs the camp. It was created by a group of veterans to help homeless people, particularly homeless veterans and women and children. The group has set up army tents on private property and has many items like food, clothing and water donated to them.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star

3rd Place- “Arizona Horseman’s Challenge” Mark Levy/Sierra Vista Herald

MARK.LEVY@SVHERALD.COM c08.mjl.cowgirlmom.jpg Samantha Jepson holds her 7-month-old daughter, Mina Soriano, Tuesday while at the J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center in Benson where she is a horse trainer. Jepson won the Arizona Horseman's Challenge in April. She has been ranching all of her life.
[email protected]
c08.mjl.cowgirlmom.jpg
Samantha Jepson holds her 7-month-old daughter, Mina Soriano, Tuesday while at the J-Six Ranch Equestrian Center in Benson where she is a horse trainer. Jepson won the Arizona Horseman’s Challenge in April. She has been ranching all of her life.

AoE- “Hoodie” Deanna Dent/Cronkite Journal

4/9/2015 - Vlad Odobescu prepares to unzip his hoodie after posing for a portrait in the extreme morning cold of Monument Valley Thursday morning in Northern Ariz.. Photo by Deanna Dent/Cronkite Journal
4/9/2015 – Vlad Odobescu prepares to unzip his hoodie after posing for a portrait in the extreme morning cold of Monument Valley Thursday morning in Northern Ariz.. Photo by Deanna Dent/Cronkite Journal

AoE- “Ticket Booth” Mark Henle/Arizona Republic

Ticket booth, Willcox Historic Theater, Willcox, Arizona.
Ticket booth, Willcox Historic Theater, Willcox, Arizona.

Pictorial

1st Place- “Last Light” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona. August 26, 2015.
Bright Angel Trail, Grand Canyon, Arizona. August 26, 2015.

2nd Place- “Capital Reflection” Patrick Breen/Arizona Republic

Rep. Macario Saldate leans back and closes his eyes as bills continue being discussed on the House floor on the last day of their session at the State Capitol in Phoenix, AZ on April 2, 2015. THIS IS A COMPOSITE IMAGE MADE IN-CAMERA FROM THREE EXPOSURES.
Rep. Macario Saldate leans back and closes his eyes as bills continue being discussed on the House floor on the last day of their session at the State Capitol in Phoenix, AZ on April 2, 2015. THIS IS A COMPOSITE IMAGE MADE IN-CAMERA FROM THREE EXPOSURES.

3rd Place- “Aluminum Recycled” John Samora/Arizona Republic

Bales of recycled aluminum cans awaits shipping outside the Glendale M.R.F., or Material Recovery Facility as seen in Glendale on August 18, 2015
Bales of recycled aluminum cans awaits shipping outside the Glendale M.R.F., or Material Recovery Facility as seen in Glendale on August 18, 2015

AoE- “Nutcracker” David Jolkovski/East Valley Tribune

Rehearsal of the party scene at Dance Studio 111 on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, for The Nutcracker. [David Jolkovski/Ahwatukee Foothills News]
Rehearsal of the party scene at Dance Studio 111 on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, for The Nutcracker. [David Jolkovski/Ahwatukee Foothills News]

AoE- “Rowing” Mark Henle/Arizona Republic

Rowing, March 3, 2015, Tempe Town Lake.
Rowing, March 3, 2015, Tempe Town Lake.

AoE- “Wall” Nick Oza/Arizona Republic

Politics & Immigration. GOP candidate Donald Trump has ramp up that he will quit a wall(fence) on border and banned refugees from Syria. History has a proof how tall the fences was built ladder of migrants matched to cross the border for economic reasons. New York artist Mata Ruda is working with a number of Phoenix artists on a large mural in the Grand Avenue district near 1023 Grand Ave., Phoenix on July 22, 2015. The project echoes on the issues of immigration and migrant rights where these mural represents border crossers who died in the Arizona desert.
Politics & Immigration.
GOP candidate Donald Trump has ramp up that he will quit a wall(fence) on border and banned refugees from Syria. History has a proof how tall the fences was built ladder of migrants matched to cross the border for economic reasons. New York artist Mata Ruda is working with a number of Phoenix artists on a large mural in the Grand Avenue district near 1023 Grand Ave., Phoenix on July 22, 2015. The project echoes on the issues of immigration and migrant rights where these mural represents border crossers who died in the Arizona desert.

AoE- “Dancing Storm” Nick Oza/Arizona Republic

Rain storm near South Mountain in Chandler Az., on August 31, 2015.
Rain storm near South Mountain in Chandler Az., on August 31, 2015.

Culinary

1st Place- “Dressing the dog” John Samora/Arizona Republic

Haute Dogs as seen in Phoenix on Feb., 19, 2015
Haute Dogs
as seen in Phoenix on Feb., 19, 2015

2nd Place- “Fall Pancakes” John Samora/Arizona Republic

Fall pancakes include pumpkin, apple and pear.
Fall pancakes include pumpkin, apple and pear.

3rd Place- “Shrimp Rice Bowl for Summer” John Samora/Arizona Republic

Shrimp rice bowl for summer rice bowl CP made by Foosia Fresh Asian restaurant as seen in Scottsdale on April 28, 2015
Shrimp rice bowl for summer rice bowl CP made by Foosia Fresh Asian restaurant as seen in Scottsdale on April 28, 2015

AoE- “Princesa de Fuega” Michael Chow

/Arizona Republic

The 'princesa de fuega' desert coctail honors tradition from Martinique made at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar at TPC Scottsdale.
The ‘princesa de fuega’ desert coctail honors tradition from Martinique made at Toro Latin Restaurant & Rum Bar at TPC Scottsdale.

Nature

1st Place- “Monsoon Storm” Michael Chow/Arizona Republic

A thunderstorm approaches Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport September 13, 2015.
A thunderstorm approaches Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport September 13, 2015.

2nd Place- “Shade Balls” Mark Henle/Arizona Republic

"Shade balls" cover the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District recycled water reservoir, August 17, 2015, in Calabasas, California. The four-inch balls prevent evaporation and algae growth.
“Shade balls” cover the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District recycled water reservoir, August 17, 2015, in Calabasas, California. The four-inch balls prevent evaporation and algae growth.

3rd Place- “Sunset Flock” Michael Chow/Arizona Republic

The sun sets behind birds flying over a field in Glendale September 30, 2015.
The sun sets behind birds flying over a field in Glendale September 30, 2015.

AoE- “Fighting Coyotes” Mike Christy/Arizona Daily Star

A pair of rain-soaked coyotes spar in the parking lot of the Arizona Daily Star on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015. Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
A pair of rain-soaked coyotes spar in the parking lot of the Arizona Daily Star on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star

AoE- “Colorado River Estuary” Mark Henle

/Arizona Republic

Flats that once teemed with life on a thriving Colorado River estuary now lie disconnected from fresh water at a tidal channel near the boundary of Sonora and Baja California, Mexico, victim of the Southwest's reliance on its largest river.
Flats that once teemed with life on a thriving Colorado River estuary now lie disconnected from fresh water at a tidal channel near the boundary of Sonora and Baja California, Mexico, victim of the Southwest’s reliance on its largest river.

 

Sports Action

1st Place – “Crashes and Goes Airborne” Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Mar 14, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Larry Dixon (right) crashes and goes airborne alongside Doug Kalitta after his car broke in half during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Dixon walked away from the incident. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-
Mar 14, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; NHRA top fuel dragster driver Larry Dixon (right) crashes and goes airborne alongside Doug Kalitta after his car broke in half during qualifying for the Gatornationals at Auto Plus Raceway at Gainesville. Dixon walked away from the incident. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-

2nd Place – “Loses his Helmet” Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (right) loses his helmet as he blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Baltimore Ravens guard Marshal Yanda (right) loses his helmet as he blocks Arizona Cardinals linebacker Kevin Minter in the second quarter at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Place – “Face First” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Ironwood Ridge's Merrilee Miller (20) slams head first into the centerfield fence chasing a fly ball by Canyon del Oro's Ellessa Bonstrom (10) that ended up a triple in the third inning of their game at Ironwood Ridge High School, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Ironwood Ridge’s Merrilee Miller (20) slams head first into the centerfield fence chasing a fly ball by Canyon del Oro’s Ellessa Bonstrom (10) that ended up a triple in the third inning of their game at Ironwood Ridge High School, Tuesday, April 14, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Award of Excellence – “Bubble Head” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Carolina Colorado swims in the Women's 100 meter backstroke prelims Friday, April 17, 2015, during the Arena Pro Swim Series at the Skyline Aquatic Center.
Carolina Colorado swims in the Women’s 100 meter backstroke prelims Friday, April 17, 2015, during the Arena Pro Swim Series at the Skyline Aquatic Center.

Award of Excellence – “Bummer” Matt Kartozian/Durka Durka Photo

Nov 20, 2015; Camalu, BC, Mexico; Silt swallows all but the front bumper of SCORE class 1 driver Pat McCarthy's racecar during the 48th SCORE Baja 1000. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian
Nov 20, 2015; Camalu, BC, Mexico; Silt swallows all but the front bumper of SCORE class 1 driver Pat McCarthy’s racecar during the 48th SCORE Baja 1000. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian

Award of Excellence – “Hurdling over Defender” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Arizona wide receiver Samajie Grant (10) uses Northern Arizona safety LeAndre Vaughn (4) as step while hurdling over defenders to pick up extra yards after a sideline catch in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday Sept. 19, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona wide receiver Samajie Grant (10) uses Northern Arizona safety LeAndre Vaughn (4) as step while hurdling over defenders to pick up extra yards after a sideline catch in the second quarter of their game at Arizona Stadium, Saturday Sept. 19, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Sports Feature

1st Place – “Double Take” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Apr 10, 2015; Augusta, GA, USA; Rickie Fowler (right) and Jason Day (left) repair their ball marks on the 2nd green during the second round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Augusta, GA, USA; Rickie Fowler (right) and Jason Day (left) repair their ball marks on the 2nd green during the second round of The Masters golf tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

2nd Place – “Wildcat Roar” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Arizona's Chelsea Suitos (3) gives out a big yell after scoring the Wildcats' fifth run against Minnesota in the sixth inning of their NCAA regional game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, May 16, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona’s Chelsea Suitos (3) gives out a big yell after scoring the Wildcats’ fifth run against Minnesota in the sixth inning of their NCAA regional game at Hillenbrand Stadium, Saturday, May 16, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

3rd Place – “Blue Devils Fouled” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Sunnyside's Mikey Silva (12) reacts after the Blue Devils fouled Nogales' Isaac Ayala (25) in the final seconds with the game tied in the fourth quarter of their Division II, Section II tournament game at Cholla High School, Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Ayala drained both free throws and Nogales won 49-47. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Sunnyside’s Mikey Silva (12) reacts after the Blue Devils fouled Nogales’ Isaac Ayala (25) in the final seconds with the game tied in the fourth quarter of their Division II, Section II tournament game at Cholla High School, Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Ayala drained both free throws and Nogales won 49-47. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Award of Excellence – “Miller Pleads his Case” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Arizona head coach Sean Miller pleads his case to referee Dave Hall after his Wildcats picked up a charging call against Boise State in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Thursday Nov. 19, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Arizona head coach Sean Miller pleads his case to referee Dave Hall after his Wildcats picked up a charging call against Boise State in the first half of their game at McKale Center, Thursday Nov. 19, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Award of Excellence – “Raise the Cup” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Arizona State senior quarterback Mike Bercovici holds-up the Territorial Cup during post-game celebrations after ASU defeated Arizona 52-39 on Nov. 21, 2015 in Tempe, Ariz.
Arizona State senior quarterback Mike Bercovici holds-up the Territorial Cup during post-game celebrations after ASU defeated Arizona 52-39 on Nov. 21, 2015 in Tempe, Ariz.

Award of Excellence – “Squirt of Luck” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Jul 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; 100M Freestyle Finals - 200M Butterfly Finals- 4X100M Freestyle Relay Finals during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Pan Am Aquatics UTS Centre and Field House. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; 100M Freestyle Finals – 200M Butterfly Finals- 4X100M Freestyle Relay Finals during the 2015 Pan Am Games at Pan Am Aquatics UTS Centre and Field House. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports

Sports Portrait

1st Place – “Ryan Novis” Patrick Breen/Arizona Republic

Corona del Sol's OF Ryan Novis at the Republic Studio in Phoenix, AZ on June 1, 2015.
Corona del Sol’s OF Ryan Novis at the Republic Studio in Phoenix, AZ on June 1, 2015.

2nd Place – “Hardin Pulls Beard” Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden pulls on his beard on the bench against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets defeated the Suns 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden pulls on his beard on the bench against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center. The Rockets defeated the Suns 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

3rd Place – “Franklin Makabe” David C. Jolkovski/East Valley Tribune

Desert Vista wrestler Franklin Makabe on Monday, Jan 5, 2015. [David Jolkovski/Ahwatukee Foothills News]
Desert Vista wrestler Franklin Makabe on Monday, Jan 5, 2015. [David Jolkovski/Ahwatukee Foothills News]

Award of Excellence – “Phelps & Company” Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic

Apr 16, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Michael Phelps arrives on the pool deck for the Men's 100 meter butterfly final during the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series at the Skyline Aquatic Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2015; Mesa, AZ, USA; Michael Phelps arrives on the pool deck for the Men’s 100 meter butterfly final during the 2015 Arena Pro Swim Series at the Skyline Aquatic Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher/Arizona Republic via USA TODAY Sports

Sports Pictorial

1st Place – “Brady in the Light” Christian Petersen/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Cowboys 30-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 11: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops back to pass during the second half of the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 11, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. The Patriots defeated the Cowboys 30-6. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

2nd Place – “Dusty Strike” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Canyon del Oro's Nate Soriano (11) takes a big swing but comes up empty in the fifth inning against Salpointe in the first game of the DII state quarterfinals at Amphitheater High School, Friday, May 8, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Canyon del Oro’s Nate Soriano (11) takes a big swing but comes up empty in the fifth inning against Salpointe in the first game of the DII state quarterfinals at Amphitheater High School, Friday, May 8, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

3rd Place – “Shadow Catch” Kelly Presnell/Arizona Daily Star

Hermosillo outfielders practice tracking down fly balls near the centerfield fence, working out at Reid Park on the Hi Corbett practice fields as they get ready for this weekend's Mexican Baseball Fiesta, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
Hermosillo outfielders practice tracking down fly balls near the centerfield fence, working out at Reid Park on the Hi Corbett practice fields as they get ready for this weekend’s Mexican Baseball Fiesta, Tuesday Sept. 29, 2015, Tucson, Ariz. Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star

Award of Excellence – “Batter and Pitcher” Patrick Breen/Arizona Republic

Pirates' Francisco Liriano pitches against Diamondbacks' Aaron Hill in the sixth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on April 26, 2015. IN-CAMERA MULTIPLE EXPOSURE TECHNIQUE.
Pirates’ Francisco Liriano pitches against Diamondbacks’ Aaron Hill in the sixth inning at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ on April 26, 2015. IN-CAMERA MULTIPLE EXPOSURE TECHNIQUE.

Award of Excellence – “Super Bowl Anthem” Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A general view of the national anthem before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; A general view of the national anthem before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots won 28-24. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Award of Excellence – “Johnson Walks Out” Christian Petersen/Getty Images

TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 21: Wide receiver Tyrell Johnson #2 of the Arizona Wildcats walks out onto the field before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 21, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, AZ – NOVEMBER 21: Wide receiver Tyrell Johnson #2 of the Arizona Wildcats walks out onto the field before the college football game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium on November 21, 2015 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)