Slippery Rock University Athletics

The following is a list of awards earned by the Athletic Communication Office at Slippery Rock University since the office transitioned from the title of sports information to athletic communication in 2014. The office has earned more than 165 total awards in that time, including 113 College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) awards and 34 "Best in the Nation" distinctions from CSC.

2024-25 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative and Digital Design Awards (28)
• College Division Photo of the Year
    - 2nd in the nation (Nicole Masi lineup photo) - Holtz
    - 14th in the nation (Mark Wilbur pitching) - Selfridge
    - 17th in the nation (Amelia Nitsche action shot) - Holtz
    - 19th in the nation (Isabella Buono goal celebration) - Holtz
• College Division Game Day Graphics
    - 3rd in the nation (Lacrosse PSAC Tournament semifinals) - Holtz
    - 8th in the nation (Women’s soccer breast cancer awareness game) - Holtz
    - 14th in the nation (Football Halloween game) - Holtz
• College Division Individual Awards, Records, Milestone Graphics
    - 4th in the nation (Paige Jenkins Athlete of the Year ) – Holtz
    - 9th in the nation (Jomo Goings 1,000 pts) – Holtz
    - 10th in the nation (Lily Ventresca Player of the Week) – Holtz
• College Division Major Awards and Championship Graphics
    - 3rd in the nation (Brayden Long Academic All-America) – Holtz
• College Division Signing Day Package
    - 2nd in the Nation (Football NSD) – Holtz, McIntosh, Mosher
• College Division Special Projects
    - 5th in the nation (Giving Day) – Selfridge
    - 18th in the nation (Brandon Butler cycle) – Holtz
• Best of Division II Awards
    - Game Day Graphics (1st) – Holtz
    - Special Projects (1st) - Selfridge
    - Photo of the Year (2nd) – Holtz
    - Major Awards (2nd) – Holtz
    - Signing Day Package (2nd) - Holtz
    - Individual Graphics (3rd) - Holtz
    - Game Day Graphics (4th) – Holtz
    - Individual Graphics (6th) – Holtz
    - Special Projects (6th) - Holtz
    - Individual Graphics (7th) - Holtz
    - Game Day Graphics (7th) - Holtz
    - Photo of the Year (11th) - Selfridge
    - Photo of the Year (13th) - Holtz
    - Photo of the Year (14th) - Holtz

2025 EAST-COMM Annual Awards (1)
• Bill Esposito Memorial Award - Ryan Mosher

2023-24 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Fred Stabley Writing Contest (1)
• First Place in District II - Athlete Profile of Sofia Harrison (Holtz)

2023-24 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative and Digital Design Awards (13)
• College Division Signing Day Package (football): Best in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Schmieg)
• Division II Signing Day Package (football): Best in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Schmieg)
• Division II Gameday Graphics (indoor t&f nationals): Fourth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Division II Photo of the Year (hurdler in blocks): Fourth in the Nation (Holtz)
• College Division Photo of the Year (hurdler in blocks): Fifth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Division II Gameday Graphics (men's basketball playoffs): Fifth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Division II Non-Gameday Graphics (Sofia Harrison World Cup): Sixth in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• Division II Photo of the Year (pole vaulter): Sixth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Division II Photo of the Year (hurdler in action): Seventh in the Nation (Holtz)
• Division II Non-Gameday Graphics (Sofia Harrison World Cup #2): Eighth in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• College Division Photo of the Year (pole vault): 11th in the Nation (Holtz)
• College Division Photo of the Year (hurdler in action): 12th in the Nation (Holtz)
• College Division Gameday Graphics (indoor t&f nationals): 13th in the Nation (Holtz)

2022-23 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Creative and Digital Design Awards (6)
• Spring Statistical & Milestone Graphic (Charleigh Rondeau record): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Fall Statistical & Milestone Graphic (Jermaine Wynn Jr. signing): Second in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• Fall Game Day Graphics (XC Race Day): Third in the Nation (Holtz)
• Spring Game Day Graphics (Tennis Match Day): Fifth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Winter Game Day Graphics (Basketball Game Day Horizontal): Seventh in the Nation (Holtz)
• Winter Statistical & Milestones Graphics Package (T&F Records, BB Milestones): Eighth in the Nation (Holtz)

2022 EAST-COMM Annual Awards (1)
• Irving T. Marsh Award - Jon Holtz

2021-22 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (5)
• Graphic (Game Feature - Gameday vs. LHU): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Program Covers: Third in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Mincey)
• Graphic (Event Feature - National Signing Day): Third in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• Graphic (Athlete Feature - Jamiyah Johnson All-PSAC): Fourth in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• Graphic (Athlete Feature - Lois Page 100 wins): Eighth in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)

2020-21 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (4)
• Graphic (Game/Event Feature): Third in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event Feature): Fourth in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event Feature): Seventh in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete Feature): Ninth in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)

2020-21 Education Digital Marketing Awards (2)
• Gold Award for Athletics Website (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent, SIDEARM Sports)
• Gold Award for Social Media - #SRUSeniorDay Series (Holtz)

2019-20 Educational Advertising Awards (3)
• Gold Award for Athletic Marketing Program: GameDay Programs (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent)
• Silver Award for Social Media: Athletic Event Coverage (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent, Ferris)
• Merit Award for Special Event: SRU Football Salute to Military Program (Holtz)

2019-20 Collegiate Advertising Awards (2)
• Gold Award for Social Media Series: Football Signing Day (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Sport Specific: Athletics Award Winners (Holtz, Ferris)

2019-20 Education Digital Marketing Awards (5)
• Gold Award for Athletics Website (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent, SIDEARM Sports)
• Gold Award for Social Media - Game and Event Coverage (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent, Ferris)
• Gold Award for Mobile Media - Instagram Story Event Promotions (Holtz)
• Silver Award for Streaming Content - Rock Athletics Digital Network (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent, Student staff)
• Merit Award for Social Media - Football Signing Day (Holtz)

2019-20 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (9)
• Graphic (Event/Feature - Football Signing Day): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Program Covers: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Program Covers (Football Salute to Military): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Programs: 2nd in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Sargent)
• Special Event Programs (Football Salute to Military): 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Fall Sports Game Notes (Football): 3rd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Event/Feature - Football Signing Day Recap): 4th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach - Yearly Awards): 5th in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach - Senior Day): 7th in the Nation (Holtz, Ferris)

2019 Mansfield University Distinguished Alumni Awards (1)
• Outstanding Young Alumni Award - Jon Holtz

2018-19 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (18)
• Football Game Program Covers: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Fall Sports Game Notes (football): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Program Covers (football Salute to Military): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring Jeff Messer): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Programs: Best in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos)
• Single Sport Program Covers (lacrosse): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Basketball Game Programs: 2nd in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh)
• Special Event Programs (football Salute to Military): 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Football Game Programs: 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring Madison Przicina): 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring John Warren II): 3rd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event featuring Lacrosse): 3rd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring Wes Hills): 4th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event featuring Football): 5th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event featuring Men's Basketball): 5th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring Tori Penders): 8th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Game/Event featuring Football): 8th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Graphic (Athlete/Coach featuring Maddy Marshall): 10th in the Nation (Holtz)

2018-19 Educational Advertising Awards (5)
• Overall Best in Show: Salute to Military Football Package (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Athletic Marketing Program: Salute to Military Football Package (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Social Media: Athletic Event Coverage (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos)
• Bronze Award for Social Media: Football Signing Day (Holtz)
• Merit Award for Athletic Marketing Program: SRU Football Game Programs (Holtz)

2018-19 Collegiate Advertising Awards (4)
• Gold Award for Sport Specific: Football Programs (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Special Events: Salute to Military Football Program (Holtz)
• Silver Award for External Publications (not just athletics): Gameday Programs (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos)
• Silver Award for Social Media Marketing Series: Football Signing Day (Holtz)

2018-19 Education Digital Marketing Awards (5)
• Gold Award for Athletics Website (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos, SIDEARM Sports)
• Gold Award for Streaming Content - Rock Athletics Digital Network (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos, Student staff)
• Silver Award for Social Media/Web Content - Football Signing Day (Holtz)
• Merit Award for Social Media - Event Coverage (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos)
• Merit Award for Homecoming Video (Benninger)

2017-18 CoSIDA Fred Stabley, Sr. Writing Contest (1)
• Coach/Administrator/Historical Feature of the Year in District II (Holtz)

2017-18 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (11)
• Basketball Game Program Covers: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event (Salute to Military Football Program): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Infographic (Athlete Feature): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Cover (Salute to Military Football Program): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Basketball Game Programs: 2nd in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh)
• Infographic (Game/Event): 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Programs (lacrosse): 4th in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh)
• Infographic (Game/Event): 4th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Infographic (Game/Event): 5th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Infographic (Game/Event): 8th in the Nation (Holtz)
• Infographic (Game/Event): 10th in the Nation (Holtz)

2017-18 ECAC-SIDA Annual Awards (1)
• Bil Esposito Memorial Award - Matt Keenan

2017-18 Higher Ed Marketing Awards (1)
• Gold Award for Athletics Website (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos, Keenan, SIDEARM Sports)

2017-18 Collegiate Advertising Awards (3)
• Gold Award for Social Media Marketing Series: Football Signing Day (Holtz)
• Gold Award for External Publications (not just athletics): SRU Game Day Programs (Holtz, McIntosh, Matos, Keenan)
• Silver Award for Sport Specific: Football Programs (Holtz)

2017-18 Educational Advertising Awards (3)
• Gold Award for Athletic Marketing Program: SRU Football Programs (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Special Event: Salute to Military and First Responders Football Program (Holtz)
• Merit Award for Social Media: 2017 Football Signing Day (Holtz)

2016-17 CoSIDA Publication and Digital Design Awards (10)
• Football Game Program Cover: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Fall Sports Game Notes (Football): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Program Cover (Volleyball): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Programs (Volleyball): Best in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Williams)
• Special Events Cover (Football Military Appreciation): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Infographic – Athlete Feature (Pantuso Infographic): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Basketball Game Program Cover: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Football Game Programs: 2nd in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Program (Softball): 2nd in the Nation (McIntosh, Williams, Holtz)
• Basketball Game Program: 2nd in the Nation (McIntosh, Holtz)
 
2016-17 Collegiate Advertising Awards (2)
• Gold Award for External Publications (not just athletics): Football Programs (Holtz)
• Gold Award for Sport Specific: Football Programs (Holtz)
 
2016-17 CUPRAP Awards (1)
• Bronze Award for Print/Covers (not just athletics): Football Programs (Holtz)
 
2016-17 Higher Ed Marketing Awards (1)
• Gold Award for Athletics Website (Holtz, McIntosh, Williams, SIDEARM Sports)
 
2015–16 U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Excellence in Communications Awards (2)
• Jon Holtz – National winner for Division II XC
• Jon Holtz – National winner for Division II track and field (only two-time winner of the award at any level)
 
2015-16 CoSIDA Publications Awards (7)
• Special Event Program (football salute to military): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Program Cover (football salute to military): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Fall Sports Game Notes (football): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Program Cover (lacrosse): Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Basketball Game Program Cover: Best in the Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Program (volleyball): 2nd in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Williams)
• Single Sport Game Program (field hockey): 3rd in the Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Williams)
 
2015-16 Collegiate Advertising Awards (2)
• Gold Award: Matt Adams jersey retirement (Holtz, McIntosh)
• Silver Award: Field Hockey Corners for Cancer program (Holtz, McIntosh, Williams)
 
2015-16 Education Advertising Awards (1)
• Gold Award: Football Salute to Military game program (Holtz)
 
2014-15 CoSIDA Publications Awards (5)
• Football Game Program Cover: Best in Nation (Holtz)
• Football Game Programs: #2 in Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Programs (Big House Battle): Best in Nation (Holtz)
• Special Event Program Covers (Big House Battle): Best in Nation (Holtz)
• Single Sport Game Programs (Field Hockey/Volleyball): #2 in Nation (Holtz, McIntosh, Tinkey)
 
2014-15 Collegiate Advertising Awards Sports Specific (1)
• Gold Winner - Football Programs (Holtz)



Contributors to awards since 2014
Jon Holtz, Director
Tyler McIntosh, Assistant Director
James Tinkey, Graduate Assistant (2014-15)
Madeline Williams, Graduate Assistant (2015-17)
Ben Matos, Student Intern (2016-17), Graduate Assistant (2017-19)
Matt Keenan, Student Intern (2016-17)
Tyler Benninger, Student-Worker (2018-19)
Ryan Sargent, Graduate Assistant (2019-21)
Jacob Ferris, Student-Worker (2019-23)
Nick Schmieg, Graduate Assistant (2023-25)
Erica Selfridge, Creative Intern (2025)
Ryan Mosher, Student Intern (2025)