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25-Year Award

Presented to College Sports Communicators members who have completed 25 years in the athletics communications profession. Vetted and voted on by the Special Awards Committee.

Colin McDonough – Northwest Missouri State University Assistant AD for Media Relations and Communications

In his quarter century of work in college athletic communications, Colin McDonough has served at three Division I institutions prior to his current position as Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations at his alma mater, NCAA Division II institution Northwest Missouri State.

McDonough has been in his role at his alma mater for seven-plus years as he coordinates, manages and executes the media relations efforts for the University's 16 intercollegiate sports.

He previously served 13 years at the University of Northern Iowa, with the last eight years as the Assistant AD for Athletic Communications after five years on the Northern Colorado media relations staff and a year as athletics communications intern at the University of Akron.

Back at Northwest since the summer of 2018, McDonough has overseen the media relations duties for three men's basketball NCAA national championships (2019, 2021 and 2022). Since his arrival, student-athletes have gained 26 College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors. He has promoted two national players of the year in basketball standouts Trevor Hudgins (NABC Div. II Player of the Year; Bevo Francis Award) and Sam Roberts (Cliff Harris Award) and national men’s basketball coach of the Year Ben McCollum.

McDonough on his career to date…

I have been blessed to work with so many good people at tremendous institutions around the country. I can honestly say I still don’t feel like I’ve worked a day in my life as a sports information director. The ability to go to sporting events and see so many great achievements and exploits through the years has been so enjoyable. The real stars are my wife, Joni, and my two sons, Dalton and Graham, as they put up with my life of sports that bleeds into so much of our lives.

McDonough’s advice to young sports communications professionals…

The biggest advantage that younger folks in our profession can gain begins at the earliest stages. The ability to gain experience at the college level – be it through student media or even through the athletic department. The more opportunities you have at building your resume, the more folks will recognize your efforts. I would also say don’t be afraid to spread your wings and experience different parts of the country in gaining knowledge through internships and even volunteer work. The hours are long, the pay is not the highest in our line of work, but the joy you get in working with others and seeing teams and departments succeed is worth it.

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